TORONTO – Canada AM begins celebrating four decades of waking up Canadians with a special week of retrospective programming on Monday, Oct. 22 to Friday, Oct. 26, 2012.
Canada AM has been the country’s national morning news show since 1972 and during the celebratory special broadcasts it will take viewers on a week-long journey back to the top headlines, sports stories, television shows, films and musical acts and fete the dedicated team of hosts past and present.
“After 40 years, Bev, Marci, and Jeff have continued the rich tradition of Canada AM hosts – they are the friends Canadians choose to invite into their homes to help get their day started,” said Lis Travers, Executive Producer, Canada AM. “It’s more than early morning TV. This show helps connect Canadians from coast-to-coast-to-coast. We want to celebrate this shared identity and give thanks to those who have helped make the legacy that is Canada’s national morning show.”
Online, the tribute continues with commemorative Canada AM trivia, a photo timeline, and current contributors’ favourite memories. Viewers can also take part in the celebration by tweeting their tributes to @CTVCanadaAM using the hashtag #canam40. You can also subscribe to the Canada AM Newsletter for daily updates from the Green Room on all the celebrations.
40th Celebration Week highlights include:
Monday, Oct. 22
Top News Headlines & 70s Music: From the big political newsmakers of our time, to the events that shaped the country over past 40 years and the music of the 70s with a performance of “Sugar Sugar” by Andy Kim.
Tuesday, Oct. 23
Game Changing Sports Stories & 80s Music: a panel of sports broadcasters including; Brian Williams, Michael Landsberg, and Jeff Hutcheson look back at the top sports headlines over the last 40 years, and 80s band Glass Tiger performs “Don’t Forget Me When I’m Gone”.
Wednesday, Oct. 24
Canuck Tv & 90s Music: Canada AM brings together the generations of Degrassi, one of the longest-running and most influential teen programs on television. Canadian Hall of Famers Blue Rodeo performs some of their greatest hits as a tribute to the music of the 90s.
Thursday, Oct. 25
A Look At Film, & Music Of The Past Decade: a retrospective of film over the past 40 years. A duet performance of “I’ll Be Alright With Me” by Jully Black and Donny Parenteau and a reunion of Canadian Idols who grabbed the hearts of Canadian TV viewers for six seasons.
Friday, Oct. 26
Canada Am @40 Birthday Bash: live from the Masonic Temple in downtown Toronto. Canada AM’s current and former hosts and anchors join to celebrate and reflect on their experiences over the years. From the news stories that stuck with them and their thoughts on the best things about live TV, to their favourite interviews and even the interview they wish they could do over.
Thalia Assuras, News Anchor 1992 – 93
Rod Black, Sports Anchor 1993-97 and Co-Host 2001- 02
Wei Chen, News Anchor 1993-98
Rena Heer, Co-Host Canada AM Extended Version, Jan- Dec. 2008
Lisa LaFlamme, Co-Host 2001-03
Wally Macht, News, Weather & Sports Anchor, 1977- 87
Dan Matheson, Sports Anchor 1987 – 95 and Co-Host 1995 – 2001
Craig Oliver, First Producer of CANADA AM when it launched in 1972
Seamus O’Regan, Co-Host 2002 – 11
Valerie Pringle, Co-Host 1993 – 2001
Sandie Rinaldo, News Anchor 1980 – 85
Pamela Wallin, Co-Host 1981 – 84 and 1991 – 92
Nancy Wilson, Co-Host 1987-88
Rock and roll legend Burton Cummings performs hits from the decades live on the stage
