WINNIPEG and KANDAHAR– CJOB news anchor Barry Burns landed in Afghanistan today and will begin three weeks of reporting that will be heard across the Corus Radio network.
A long-serving reservist, Burns "brings his knowledge of military operations to Afghanistan, meeting with Canadian troops and prime players in the conflict in live interviews," says the Corus press release. "Known for his ability to paint pictures with words, Burns describes how the Afghans react and relate to the Allies who are there on their behalf. Burns also aims to go beyond the norm and provide imbedded insight into the trials and tribulations associated with warfare."
Burns’ reports will air across the Corus news-talk network on AM 980 CKNW Vancouver, AM 770 CHQR Calgary, 630 CHED Edmonton, CJOB 68 Winnipeg, AM980 CFPL London, AM 900 CHML Hamilton, AM640 Toronto and The New 940 Montreal.
Corus’ eight French-language news-talk stations in Québec will use the reports for commentary and Burns will arrange interviews with French Canadians in Afghanistan. The reports are also available to all other Corus radio stations. All Corus news-talk stations running reports will post an online blog with Burns’ written accounts on their consumer websites, which Burns will update daily.
“Corus Radio is pleased to be able to bring Canadians front-line coverage from Kandahar,” said John Hayes, president, Corus Radio, in the release. “Radio’s inherent strength is that it is live and local. In today’s world where local news encompasses not only what is happening in the community, but what people are talking about locally, it is radio’s responsibility to go where the story is. We are prepared to chase the story overseas.” 
Burns (pictured) first joined the Canadian Forces as a seaman in the Naval Reserve. Over the following years he served in the Army and the Air Force as a public affairs officer retiring with the rank of Captain. Burns served with the Canadian Forces Parachute team, the Skyhawks, in 1981 and with Team ACES at Air Command Headquarters from 1996-97. He began his broadcast career as a play-by-play announcer in Saskatchewan, moving to Winnipeg in 1981 and switching focus to news. CJOB 68 has been Burns’ radio home since 1996 where he is currently the news anchor.
Burns reports live from Afghanistan until October 2.
