TORONTO – Beginning today, CityNews begins airing Citytv: 40 and Fab, a retrospective five-part news special told through the eyes of viewers, Citytv alumni, and current on-air personalities in celebration of the station’s 40th anniversary this Friday. Featured interviews include Citytv alumni Monika Deol, Erica Ehm, and Canada’s first female TV sportscaster, Debbie Van Kiekebelt.
To mark the event, viewers are invited to look back at some of the “happiest, wackiest, most remarkable and truly unforgettable moments in the station’s history,” while also getting a glimpse of what the future holds for the “little station that could.”
Citytv: 40 and Fab will air Monday, Sept. 24 to Friday, Sept. 28 within the CityNews at Five at 5 p.m. ET and CityNews at Six at 6 p.m. ET newscasts on Citytv and CityNews Channel.
“Citytv has a deep-rooted history in the Toronto community and media landscape, and we’re excited to celebrate 40 strong years of delivering viewers unique and compelling content,” said Scott Moore, President of Broadcast, Rogers Media. “From our dynamic on-air hosts, to our leading locally-produced and US-acquired programming, Citytv has resonated with viewers for the past 40 years, as it continues to grow across Canada.”
Hosted by CityNews anchor Francis D’Souza, Citytv: 40 and Fab features interviews with former on-air hosts, including The Honourable David C. Onley, Monika Deol, Erica Ehm, Jim McKenny, Peter Gross, Canada’s first female TV sportscaster Debbie Van Kiekebelt, producer Robert Lantos, and music pioneer Denise Donlon.
Viewers can also check out vintage footage of Citytv programs and commercials online, that also features an In Memoriam page remembering Citytv on-air personalities including Mark Dailey, Colin Vaughan, Brian Linehan and Bob Hunter. Also, exclusively online will be fan-favourite Speakers’ Corner clips, including the debut of Barenaked Ladies and Your City, an online forum where viewers can share memories, and favourite Citytv moments from the past 40 years.
