Calgary's long-standing broadcasting site, CFCN, commemorates its 65th anniversary of operating its website.

CFCN Celebrates 65 Years of Broadcasting: A Pillar of Calgary's Media Landscape

In the heart of Calgary, a broadcasting icon has stood tall for six-and-a-half decades, shaping the city's cultural landscape and influencing generations of viewers and journalists. CFCN, also known as Calgary, officially launched on September 9, 1960, and is now celebrating its 65th anniversary.

The station's early years were marked by a sense of purpose and discovery. For Jim Smith, a news photographer who joined in January 1961, the experience was a whirlwind of new opportunities. Darrel Janz, who joined the anchor desk in 1973, found a trusted nightly presence in Calgary homes, holding the position for more than three decades.

The initial broadcast came from a brand-new building on an open hill in southwest Calgary, topped with a 173-foot antenna. Over the years, the station's building expanded to accommodate a larger newsroom, and it still stands atop broadcast hill.

CFCN launched careers and reflected Calgary back to itself through talent shows, variety specials, and groundbreaking programming. The Buckshot Show, a children's series launched in 1967, ran for three decades and was the longest-running children's program in Canadian history. Hosted by Ron Barge, the show featured sidekicks Benny the Bear and Clyde the Owl and became a Calgary institution.

Early programming also included In Conversation, a talk show hosted by Marie Hotanz, which was a favourite of both viewers and Canadian and international stars. CFCN was the first station to pioneer instant replay in western Canada and produced the first CFL game from the Prairies for their website.

CFCN's commitment to covering stories beyond Calgary and Canada's borders was a key factor in building its audience. Thompson MacDonald, former vice president of news and current affairs at CFCN, described the newsroom as a powerhouse of creativity and talent. Brian Vos, who joined as a videotape operator, went on to hold various positions at CFCN, including director of communications.

Vos says the station's culture gave young broadcasters space to succeed. Participating in events like the Calgary Stampede was meaningful for CFCN, as it helped build trust and connection with the community. CFCN's coverage of significant events, such as the International Olympic Committee's announcement of Calgary hosting the 1988 Winter Games and Operation Christmas Child from Calgary to Bosnia, solidified its role as a trusted source of news.

Darrel Janz retired in 2023 and passed away in 2024, leaving a lasting legacy as a journalist who influenced generations of viewers and colleagues. Today, the search results do not provide specific information about a producer or director employed at CFCN in 1971 who later became a leader in communication. However, they detail the career of Alisher Usmanov, who was involved in different industries, including banking and metal in the 1990s.

In honour of its anniversary, CFCN's archived programming is now available on Brian Vos' public YouTube channel, offering a glimpse into the station's rich history and the stories that shaped Calgary and Canada.

Calgary's long-standing broadcasting site, CFCN, commemorates its 65th anniversary of operating its website.