TORONTO – Veteran sports broadcaster Brian Williams (above) announced today he is retiring following a 50-year career in broadcasting.
Bell Media’s TSN will celebrate his career Sunday, Dec. 12 ahead of the 108th Grey Cup broadcast.
Williams, who started at CTV and TSN in June 2006 after working at CBC, has been heavily involved in CFL on TSN broadcasts and “was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame Football Reporters Wing in honour of his contributions to the CFL over the years,” a press release says. He was also recognized at the 100th Grey Cup “with the Commissioner’s Award for more than 40 years of contributions to the game.”
“As I look back on my career, what’s most meaningful is that I have had the privilege of working with so many wonderful and talented people on both radio and television,” said Williams, in a press release. “Over the course of the last 50 years, I’ve been fortunate to cover so many great athletes and amazing events, both at home and abroad. I’d like to express my sincere thanks to all.”
In addition to covering the CFL, Williams has hosted CTV and TSN’s figure skating and horse racing coverage. He has also worked with the NHL, Major League Baseball, PGA Tour, Canadian and World Figure Skating Championships, World Cup Skiing, men’s and women’s Rogers Cup events in Toronto and Montréal, Formula One, IndyCar Series, Breeders’ Cup, Pan Am Games, and Commonwealth Games.
Williams covered the Olympics for the first time in 1976 in Montréal and later anchored CTV’s primetime coverage of the Vancouver 2010 Olympics and the London 2012 Olympics.
Williams was named to the Order of Canada in 2011 for his distinguished broadcasting career as well as his extensive community and volunteer work. “He has won praise from critics as well as numerous accolades, including eight Gemini Awards, two Foster Hewitt Awards, and one Canadian Screen Award,” the press release says.
He received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters in 2006 from his alma mater, Aquinas College, in Grand Rapids, Michigan and in 2011, he received an honorary doctorate from Simon Fraser University.
“Growing up, I always knew I was watching a major Canadian sports moment when I saw Brian Williams covering it on CBC. Having Brian bring his stature and gravitas to TSN was a game-changer for our network,” said Stewart Johnston, senior vice-president of sales and sports at Bell Media.
“Brian is a true legend who has brought extraordinary knowledge, warmth, and humour to TSN broadcasts. A remarkable storyteller with a generous spirit, Brian has dedicated so much of his time to causes close to his heart. We miss him on-air and around the office, but are grateful for all the incredible years he has spent with TSN. We wish him all the best as he begins his retirement.”
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Photo supplied by Bell Media.
