Jim McKenny Quits CityTV

Published December 29, 2009 @ 11:12 in Television

city tv If there's a face that symbolizes the Toronto sports scene, it's Jim McKenny's. I don't remember a time when Jim McKenny wasn't doing sports for CityTV. You can see him in this promo for CityTV's CityPulse sports back in 1984.

Jim McKenny, a.k.a. Howie, spent ten years in the NHL as a defenceman and winger with the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Minnesota North Stars before joining Citytv in 1984 as Sports Anchor/Reporter on "CityNews Tonight" and he's been there ever since.

I've been told Jim McKenny closed his Sunday night's broadcast with an announcement that it would be his last broadcast with CityTV. He said he'll be moving on to different opportunities.

25 years at the same gig is a pretty amazing run for a sports broadcaster in this city. You couldn't help but like Jim McKenny - I wish him well in his next venture.

Jim McKenny joins the NewMusic, Ed the Sock, Amber Mac, Silverman Helps and Speakers Corner in the Rogers CITY-TV graveyard.

13 Responses to "Jim McKenny Quits CityTV"

Dizzy
December 29, 2009 / 13:01

I'm sorry to see him go.

I hope to see him join THE SCORE. Give him his own show, a la OFF THE RECORD, and give him free reign. Landsberg is a douche, but McKenny kicks ass.

Toronto Mike
December 29, 2009 / 14:04

If anyone has any further details as to why Jim McKenny left Citytv, please let me know. Did he jump or was he pushed? What's next for him, if anything?

Mitch Burke
December 29, 2009 / 14:17

You should add former entertainment reporters Liz West and Larysa Harapyn to that graveyard. They too were let go last year. That was such a stupid move. As for Mr. McKenny, he seemed to be in quite rough shape, maybe he's taking a break to take care of his health. That's my guess...

brad
December 29, 2009 / 14:18

considering he almost died earlier this decade, maybe he's retired

i'm sure the msm will catch up on this story in about a week

Rick C in Oakville
December 29, 2009 / 18:17

Always liked Howies affable style. Nice to see Debbie Van Kiekavelt in the old footage, had a school boy crush for her back when she was on City.

Seems like a lot of changes in 2009 for all types of media types.

MississaugaBlogger.com
December 29, 2009 / 21:27

One of the first people I met when I began work at 99 Queen St East in 1986.
Nice guy. A real loss for City TV.

Sammi
December 30, 2009 / 11:42

We need Moses Znaimer back in the TV business.

Toronto Mike
December 30, 2009 / 11:55

Moses is too busy courting the Zoomers.