by jon » Wed Oct 08, 2014 12:11 pm
Marty Forbes: Global Television 40 years old
By Marty Forbes, Edmonton Sun
First posted: Friday, August 08, 2014 04:06 PM MDT | Updated: Friday, August 08, 2014 04:15 PM MDT
It’s hard to believe Edmonton became a ‘three TV channel” universe 40 years ago this [Labour Day] long weekend when ITV (Global now) launched here in town.
Yes it was in 1974 that Dr. Charles Allard opened up an “independent” television station to join incumbents CFRN (1954/now CTV) and CBC (1961).
The design of the overall concept was Wendell Wilks, who was tasked with doing an immense amount of ‘local’ programming and luring some pretty amazing talent in to the new building to produce a great amount of ‘live’ programming.
People like Sen. Tommy Banks. Wilks lured Tommy to ITV to front his own nightly Tommy Banks Show, and as some-time producer and music supervisor of a highly successful series of 48 one-hour In Concert specials, starring the likes of Aretha Franklin, Tony Bennett, Tom Jones, Lou Rawls, Dionne Warwick, Mel Torme, Henry Mancini and Charles Aznavour. Not only were those shown here but they were syndicated throughout the world.
As current Global Television chief Tim Spelliscy adds, “The doctor was known for his vision...taking risks with SCTV, the “In Concert” series and so many other major projects. It was never just a “local” TV station...it was a production centre.”
ITV was also like a ‘family’ and as Tim says: “Years later there are many long-term employees still here. I’ve been here almost 35 years but there are quite a few colleagues who have been here longer...some of them have been here since before sign-on. I don’t think that happens at any other TV station in Canada.”
There was “The Oilers on ITV” and Devil’s Lake...and DISCO DAZE ...and a few others. My cousin Doug Forbes worked there for most of his career and adds ‘you’re only as strong as your team and the place was filled with a great crew of talented people producing world-class programs. Being around for the SCTV years (1980-81) was truly a highlight of working at ITV.’
During the upcoming long weekend many ITV current and past colleagues will be getting together for three days of fun; golfing; partying; reminiscing; and sharing stories from one of Canada’s premiere television stations.
Several high profile broadcasters got their start there, or spent time in the building, including people like: Seanna Collins, Lesley MacDonald, Darren Dutchyshen, Doug Main, Claire Martin, Lynda Steele, J’Lynn Nye, Robin Stickley, Tim Dancy, and of course the legendary late Bill Matheson who parlayed his ITV work all the way to ABC New York.
Gord Steinke, news anchor for 22 years, continues “Every night as I walk into the studio past Bill Matheson’s last weatherboard which hangs on the wall. I can’t help but think what a joy it was to work with Maddy. He lit up the newsroom when he walked in — with his wonderful sense of humour and catch phrases including ‘gather yea rosebuds while yea may’ ‘Idaho high’ and ‘mother of all meteorological phenomena.’
Pat Kiernan, also in The Big Apple (morning news anchor of NY1 since 1997) also spent time at ITV. “It’s hard to explain to colleagues in New York just how influential ITV was in the 80s and 90s. They don’t believe that the genius of SCTV originated from what would otherwise appear to be a non-descript local TV station.”
I had the pleasure of working with producer Hans Dys, and Missy Geffin in the early 1980’s as we filmed “A Creature was Stirring” (starring Barry Allan) - the story of Santas Anonymous, which they made into a mini documentary highlighting the volunteers that make the annual program so successful. It felt like minus 100 as we huddled outside just off Whyte Avenue getting ‘exactly’ the right take.
Best wishes to ALL the ITV/Global folks on this gathering. I can imagine there will be many, many laughs and the odd tear. You have a very special place in Edmonton’s hearts - so a hearty congrat’s on 40 wonderful years.