BREAKING NEWS: Tony Parsons leaving Global TV on Wednesday Dec. 16th, 2009
In a stunning turn of events, Tony Parsons, the award-winning, most watched anchor in the country, will be leaving Global BC on Wednesday night–this after 35 years of service.
Tony will also be interviewed from his new restaurant, “The Poor Italian” (1st and Rupert in Vancouver–the food is outstanding, by the way) Wednesday night during the news hour, as the station pays tribute to the man who anchored the most successful dinner hour news program in North America, for over three decades .
But then, you have to wonder what would have prompted such a swift departure…
Well, let me tell you, there have been long-time rumors of Global BC management wanting Tony ushered out the door in favor of “someone younger” and that there has been an unpleasant back and forth between Tony and select management. But as one source at Global put it to me today, “it seems kinda crazy when you think about the fact that Lloyd Robertson is 80-plus years old and still anchoring the CTV National News, and Tony, who’s the most popular guy in the country should be on his way out…it just doesn’t make any sense. We should’ve been able to keep him.”
It also speaks to the direction of the media in general. The proverbial dead baby story as the lead is more popular than ever, botox and bottle blond is now almost par for the course (although not at Global) and real investigative journalism is almost non-existent except for people like powerhouse standard-bearer John Daly.
The stories today are about corrupt used car dealers and shifty house inspectors. Big deal!!!
Think about if Glen Clark or Bill VanderZalm had their chief political advisor and one of the top political donors involved in the sale (long-term lease) of a public asset! Either would have been crucified. But Gordon Campbell gets a pass; not even a tough question about BC Rail. Think about if Philip Owen was surrounded by donors whose money came from American green think tanks. Suppose he was then utterly supportive of questionable initiatives that would benefit the companies of those donors. Poor Philip would have been railroaded in a coal car, straight from Shaughnessy to somewhere outside the icy horrors of Cold Lake. But Gregor Robertson gets a pass where his ‘Greenest City’ initiatives and policies are concerned. Vision Vancouver’s biggest donor owns a bike company and a carbon trading corporation.
The intensely (and inappropriately) commercial Webster Foundation awards Bill Good their Lifetime Achievement Award, for not much more than having a pulse and being able to read, but Harvey Oberfeld’s mammoth contributions to investigative journalism in this province, indeed this country, are overlooked and he’s been retired since 2006.
The public right to know is now prioritized and boxed for you. The media controls the agenda of what’s important. If your tax dollar is being misappropriated, that’s just fine, they’ll cover that somewhere after the first break at about a quarter the way into the newscast. If global warming hysteria is revealed as a fraud, that’s okay, so long as we are complicit in converting Al Gore’s lies into billions for him. But did you know what dark chocolate can do for your wife’s libido? It’s top news, my darlings.
The departure of Tony is, really, as much the end of an era, as much as it’s a sea-change: Real is out, ridiculous is in–for the most part.
Poor Cameron Bell, the genius who built the ‘News Hour’, must be sitting there at home wondering what the devil has gone wrong with the world.
Though, additional information I have is that the move may indeed have been, in part, mutual.
You read it here first: I can confirm that Tony Parsons is an investor in CHEK TV, and after the Olympics, he will be going to Victoria to possibly anchor the six o’clock news from there (sometime at the end of February). It will be interesting to see what happens to Global numbers, that currently sit 6 to 1 over CTV-BC. Of equal interest will be if his arrival makes that station more provincial than Victoria-centric (one hopes).
Regardless, this is a shocking development in the constantly shifting sands of media across this country. This isn’t the way the most-watched news anchor in North America should be departing the place he was instrumental in putting on the map.
And to Tony, a long-time friend…
Cent ‘anni, bello! Wind at your back.
Alex, I was aways under the impression that Tony wanted to retire earlier this year (he currently resides in Kelowna) and only agreed to continue with the Newshour on Tuesday and Wednesday nights as a transition period for Gailus.
I was also under the further impression that Tony’s grande finale was to be anchoring the Newshour during the February Olympics at Global’s temporary Olympic False Creek studios. And then Tony would ride off into the unset. Whatever happened to that plan?
And if Tony has his retirement home in Kelowna, how will he manage to continue with the nightly newscast on CHEK in Victoria, which doesn’t have much reach outside of Van Isle in any event?
[Translate]
Hi Todd:
It’s true, he lives in Kelowna but he’s looking around Victoria for a place. There is some question as to what he “agreed” to…
The plan to vacate before the Olympics comes as a complete shock and a total shift from the original plan. Matters obviously came to a head and they parted paths.
I suspect there are plans to get CHEK greater coverage, and with him there, it’s more than likely.
STAY TUNED!
[Translate]
You “suspect” there are plans at CHEK? What would you write here about a television reporter that included a line like that in a story?
If there’s reason to believe such a change is likely, tell us what that reason is. Otherwise it’s pure conjecture with no more value than my feeling that there’s no way they have the means to pull off any kind of meaningful expansion.
[Translate]
Madam, in case you haven’t noticed, I don’t go off half-cocked like some of the reporters you might be acquainted with. Since the Sun and CKNW have now confirmed the story I broke here on Tony Parsons, will YOU recant your absurd line about “conjecture”? Perhaps you didn’t read the whole story. I think you might need to read my next post so you understand why I didn’t do the follow-up. It’ll go up tonight and it confirms everything and more, take care and thanks for your comment.
[Translate]
Thanks for the heads up Alex. I will be sad to see Tony leave. He is truly a professional in his field. I remember Tony from the time he worked at CKJD in Sarnia, On. I was working on the opposite side of the street at CHOK. I really respect Tony and his delivery of the news. I live in Victoria now & if it turns out to be true about Tony & CHEK, then I will give the station another chance. The people of Victoria are really fooled by the “drive by media ” that we have here. Even my wife agrees to the point that she often say’s “they are embarrassing themselves “.
[Translate]
Is there anyone who didn’t like Harvey Oberfeld? As for Tony, well he was never controversial and seldom took sides on any issue, though I’m sure there were times he had to bite his tongue. The only person he ever seemed to have an aversion to was that big jock John McKeechie (I bet I spelt that wrong). I didn’t mind the guy but they were like oil and water. Still, if nothing else, I’m sure Tony could open a barely used tie store and never work another day in his life. I think it would have been nice to be around for the Olympics but who knows if he wanted to?
[Translate]
Hi Alex, It is sad, but the present Media, as you mentioned, concentrates on either “feel good” or “feel sorry” stories and barely touches the Real News and when they do it, it is usually just a one sided point of view.
The investigative reporting is now just paid lip service and the attitude is that if it doesn’t fit their preconceived view, it will be either disregarded or “adapted” to fit in.
[Translate]
Great scoop, Alex! And just when my blog is down for a holiday and I’m getting ready to head south. So wil comment here if I can: thanks for your kind words about me … I will say no more about your analysis.
I too hear that Tony may have been pushed a bit to make way for a younger look and demographic. Would be really interesting to see him go head to head with Chris Gailus, possibly stopping many Victoria viewers’ habit of clicking over to CHAN at 6 p.m. ….which would increase CHEK’s advertising potential and revenues. Hmm…2010 should be very interesting!
[Translate]
Yes, it will be indeed interesting to see what happens. I think this is a very bad move for Global. It isn’t the way this should be happening. Funny side note: Ian Haysom, the overlord at Global has a son who works at CHEK! Interesting…
As for my assessment of your work; it’s a privilege to call you my friend and an honour to have you comment on my website. I was blessed, truly blessed to have been exposed, at a very young age, to you, Vaughn, John Pifer, Rafe, George Garrett, John Daly, Kim Emerson and a few others who I really respected (and still do!) and who did real news, not junk.
Have a great time in Florida pal. Bring us back some sunshine! Safe travels.
[Translate]
Hi, No disrespect, but are you sure this is 100% going to happen? This is a pretty big story and since no actual media outlet has picked it up, i’m kinda having a hard time beleving it.
[Translate]
It’s not only 100% true, but spoke with other sources close to Global, who confirm the story in its entirety. The mainstream press won’t like my revelations about where they are and where they’re NOT going. It’s true. Sad, but true.
[Translate]
“It also speaks to the direction of the media in general.”
It’s no coincidence that the media, and in particular the prinr media, are in such financial trouble.
Aren’t the tv station and the cable carriers also in financial trouble and looking for a bailout (via increased fees)
I get my news from the internet where I can trust my source and, while the blogs I frequent, certainly have a bias, at least I know that going in.
I’m sure the “lie” Gore the WHORE told at Copenhagen won’t ever be reported by the MSM..
Horny Toad
[Translate]
Let’s face it, the mainstream media today is a mere shadow of its former self. Whether it’s print, radio or television, they have all strived to meet or beat the lowest common denominator. It has been the race to the bottom for so long that The information we are given is so sanitized that one has to wonder whether people will elect to avoid them as much as they seem to be avoiding the polling booth.
As for Tony, I hope that he is leaving on his terms and not on those of some bean counter. He has earned that right. He chose to stay with the same station for the better part of his career when most likely he could have moved on to situations that would have given him more money and ego-stroking exposure. At some point we must all make way for the next generation as none of us will live forever, but under certain circumstances, we should be able to choose when that will occur.
Good luck Tony, and rest assured that you will not be forgotten for many years to come.
[Translate]
A quick note about Tony parsons… he was asked to leave. The reason was he wanted more “mic-time” during the owellypics, and the masters at the station wanted younger. Enough said
[Translate]
Hi Kam, thx for coming by…um, your close, very, but not entirely correct. That’s all I can say at this point.
[Translate]
Hi Alex,
If you want to laugh (or maybe cry) listen to the beginning and end of the Bill Good show today (I must have a masochistic trait, still listening to CKNW), however, Bill Good still didn’t read the Hoaxers Debunking Themselves on emails, or worse ignores the facts that obviously dismiss the AGW Hoax.
Anyone inviting 3 PRO-AGW guests and just relying on the audience to oppose them, it is not fair it is !@#$%^&*???? (I am being kind). I did email him a large font email, my second, trying to see if he opens his Narrowwww Mind on this issue.
The end “Parrot comments” ignore the Real Opposing emails and just read the “wishy-washy” ones easy for Bill dismissal. Unfortunately he relies too much on the “Parrots” input, instead of reading emails & research, including opposing views.
[Translate]
You’re about the fifth person to tell me…no surprise at all.
[Translate]
The story is true. Now confirmed by The Vancouver Sun:
http://www.vancouversun.com/Tony+Parsons+Global+News+part+ways/2344638/story.html
Way to go, Alex! Great scoop!
[Translate]
Thank you, Sir. You’d be amazed at the abuse I’ve endured from naysayers…most of whom, of course, hide behind pseudonyms… I actually spoke to Randy Shore of the Sun, who emailed me and asked to speak to me. I have no idea what the problem is and why he would write the story the way he did, but, suggesting that because CHEK didn’t confirm, there might not be much more than the “buzz in the blogosphere is a little rich. I understand, CanWest are a big company and have done many good things, but they are as close to a monopoly in the media as we’re going to get, all while they’re hurting badly, and some people get intimidated so they don’t trust. Appreciate your kind words though very much.
[Translate]
It is only a fantasy but I’d love to see CHEK create a new, real-news department using some of the retired-too-early old hands to mentor to a fresh generation of broadcasters and opinion makers.
Eliminate endless weather reports, cooking and shopping, pet adoptions, Moost-unusual and other fluff from the syndicators and remaining crap generally termed “soft news.”
Local news used to be highly profitable AND informative. Maybe CHEK is perfectly situated to create a new successful model.
[Translate]
TO MY LOYAL READERS: Every time Norman Farrell posts on this blog, I want you to read his pithy comments, TWICE. Norm and I do not always agree, but his thoughts are ALWAYS highly intelligent, completely cogent, forever meaningful and entirely relevant. A VERY rare breed in the blogosphere. I fell privileged every time he comes around.
[Translate]
Yes, well done my dear! Get used to how the majority of MSM treat bloggers, as if we are all nothing more than gossip mongers who write nothing but suppositions and lies. One would think that the only truth in the world must come from the pages of a newspaper, the screen of a tv, or the speaker of a radio, however, that is no longer true.
I know of only once where a reporter credited a blogger, and that was BC Mary. She followed a news story, confirmed it and posted it, and then notified a reporter to ask why nothing had been written or covered. He did a story and credited her directly for it.
We all know this was here first Alex. That is all that matters! ; )
[Translate]
Thx Laila. Much appreciation for your comments.
[Translate]
Congrats, Alex, nice scoop. You don’t mind that i keep my pseudonym do you? Tiger may be reading…LOL!
[Translate]
Not at all…I just don’t like it when someone throws down something that would require that last line of personal integrity, meaning putting your name behind it. I have many anon folks who come here and love having them, but they don’t cross the line just as much because the people who post here are intelligent and mannered, as much as they might fear I’ll print the offending statement and then hammer away. I love robust dialouge, but it has to pass the fairness test. Coming around here, present company excluded, and calling me an asshole or fat or bald, like many of the Mayor of Vancouver’s sycophants, is fine by me. I have very large shoulders, that I can take. But when they come here and smear or talk trash, I just hit delete.
Thx for your kind words. Don;t know why I’m under attack by some of theses dimbells. I broke two of the biggest stories of the last quarter, back-to-back. Just doing my job.
[Translate]
Good scoop Alex.
. They’d have to rebuild the set!
I spoke to T.P and found out why you had the item first. He confirmed what I had already figured out. You had been in the running for his job, but they had 3 reasons to drop you:
1. Global can’t afford a Humidor;
2. Nobody there can spell “hyperbole:”
3. There is not enough room behind the newscaster’s chair to move it back 6″ from Tony’s position
Best of the Season to you and as we say in the extreme west of Europe “Nollaig Shona dhuith.”
[Translate]
Will the loss of Tony’s still-substantial salary more than assuage any grief felt by the suits at Canwest Global over the exit of their marquee presenter?
After all, the media chain is going to divest newspapers and other properties in order to emerge from creditor protection.
In that context, Tony’s one more expense that can be jettisoned from the balance sheet. Just like CHEK.
[Translate]
Great question. In the short term, perhaps. Long term, there could be real trouble from CanWest. I hope not because they have some great properties like the Province and the National Post, but it doesn’t look great along general lines.
[Translate]
All the political reasons aside, as to why Tony left Global, I wish him well. Comparing him and Chris Galus is like comparing apples and oranges. Chris has a fresh, natural, exuberant manner.
But Tony has an authentic manner that never wavers.
Both men have their unique appeals. Neither one can dispel the other’s value. They are both “true blue”- only with different styles.
[Translate]
Complete agreement. My only criticism of Chris Gailus is that his better judgement should have led him to saying a few words on-air about the man who’s shoes he’s going to try to fill. It looked EXTREMELY awkward not to have him come out and say something. I was not the only one who noticed this or commented on it. I’ve had SEVERAL private notes from former and current Global personalities who are in complete agreement. Thx for stopping by. Appreciate your comments very much.
[Translate]
I don’t know Chris Gailus, so my thoughts on this are pure speculation- but perhaps Chris felt that anything he would have said at such a pivotal moment, such as Tony leaving Global after holding the anchor chair after 3 and a half decades would sound hollow and trite.
I also feel that Chris is no doubt thrilled to fill that position. I can’t blame him for this- he is young and full of potential and promise. He will “wear it well” as Rod Stewart sang.
I never watched the news much, until Tony. I know this sounds shallow, but I loved the sound of his voice! Obviously- so did everyone else!
I guess what I am trying to say is that Chris may have felt silly droning on about trying to fill Tony’s shoes, when he is actually very excited about it.
[Translate]
I wish the world was as innocent as you believe it to be.
[Translate]
Well Tony Parsons is at chek news 10 pm slot Watch the” RATINGS
DROP” at BCTV(Global) – and more viewers watching chek news!!
What ever happened at Global should not have – Tony Parsons
is a icon!! Age should not play a role in any employment – but
it does I do not think his replacement will build the ratings!!
Management you have made a BAD move
[Translate]
Yes, as originally reported here, he’s gone to CHEK as an investor and anchor. In the fall, he’ll helm the 6 oclock news.
As for Global, I continue to believe that some of the criticism they recd after Tony’s departure has made them better! Their newscast is much improved and they are doing the kinds of stories that made them great. So, I’m not sure if it was a BAD move, but I’m sure it wasn’t the optimal situation for anybody the way it happened.
Good luck to both of them.
[Translate]
Thank you for coming by, yes I saw this. Pls come again, any time.
[Translate]