The Moosa Slobodian Network

• Show Introduction and Guest Welcome Aliasgar Moosa, host of Broadcast Map, welcomed Shiona Thompson to the show, which covers broadcasting, Canadian media, sports media, news, and politics. Moosa expressed gratitude for Thompson’s participation, noting their shared history at CHML (00:13:49).
• Memories of Roy Green Shiona Thompson shared fond memories of Roy Green, describing them as a gentleman who was charming, kind, patient, and wonderful. Thompson noted that despite philosophical and political disagreements, their conversations were always respectful and humorous, highlighting Green’s belief that diverse viewpoints lead to more engaging discussions. Thompson also mentioned Green’s retirement from broadcasting on January 26th of the current year, stating that they were on a motorcycle excursion along the Pacific Highway in BC (00:15:49).
• Critique of Traditional Talk Radio Shiona Thompson discussed their preference for journalism and news over opinion-based talk radio, emphasizing the importance of facts (00:17:02). They expressed a desire for hosts to listen with curiosity rather than ego, a quality they appreciated in Aliasgar Moosa’s approach. Moosa concurred, stating their enjoyment of the “listening angle” in broadcasting (00:18:58).
• Bill Kelly’s Transition to Podcasting Shiona Thompson and Aliasgar Moosa discussed Bill Kelly, noting that while their show went off-air before CHML shut down, Kelly successfully transitioned to podcasting (00:20:00). Thompson expressed gladness that Kelly’s balanced approach to discussing political views and exploring issues continues in podcast form. Moosa highlighted Kelly’s preparedness for this shift, which Thompson described as a natural progression (00:21:07).
• Jeff Story’s Contributions to CHML Shiona Thompson highlighted Jeff Story’s significant role at CHML, stating that they were an exceptional advocate for the station both within the community and Chorus Entertainment (00:22:13). Thompson noted that Story deeply believed in the station’s potential and aimed to keep it at the center of Hamilton’s community. Aliasgar Moosa added that Story’s belief in the product was a key factor in the station’s operations (00:23:26).
• Challenges and Transitions at CHML Shiona Thompson recounted personal difficulties during a period when CHML adopted an “all news mornings and afternoons” format, including the deaths of their parents and their husband’s health struggles between 2009 and 2010. Thompson also mentioned that the day Bob Bratina retired from broadcasting coincided with their father’s funeral, and they felt it was crucial to be present for part of Bratina’s final show (00:24:21). They expressed gratitude for retaining their job due to their news background and the support of colleagues Paul Tipple and Rick Zamprin during this challenging time (00:25:38).
• The All-News Format and its Demands Shiona Thompson explained that the “all-news” format, featuring a “news wheel” from 5:00 AM to 9:00 AM, was labor-intensive and required significant personnel, including reporters and anchors. Thompson highlighted that maintaining such a format was expensive and placed immense pressure on staff, especially during breaking news events. Despite the challenges, Thompson believed the all-news format was crucial for delivering accurate information, particularly during critical events like the province-wide shutdown (00:27:50) (00:30:21).
• Journalistic Standards and Verification Shiona Thompson emphasized the importance of journalistic standards, particularly ensuring accuracy and verification before broadcasting news. They cited an example involving the 2017 Parliament Hill shooting, where they had to wait for official confirmation before reporting details about the soldiers involved, despite strong initial indications (00:31:29). Thompson stressed that in today’s social media landscape, where platforms like X are often the first source of news, journalists must prioritize being “right first” over being merely “first” (00:32:43).
• Future of Journalism and Local Broadcasting Shiona Thompson discussed the impact of declining funding and infrastructure on journalism, noting the closure and downsizing of many credible news sources. Thompson expressed hope for a gradual return to verified sources, predicting that established outlets like CBC and Global News will regain subscribers and advertising as people seek accurate information in an era of fake news and AI-generated content (00:35:08). Thompson believes that local ownership dedicated to local broadcasting, unlike publicly traded corporations, can prioritize investment in people and local content, fostering a more sustainable model (00:49:35) (00:51:37).
• Decline of “Farm System” in Broadcasting Shiona Thompson highlighted a significant problem in broadcasting: the lack of a “farm system” to train new talent, such as through overnight shifts in smaller markets (00:37:34). Thompson lamented that opportunities for new broadcasters to gain experience and make mistakes are now rare, noting that fewer broadcasting students secure jobs before graduation (00:38:37). This shortage means a decline in the kind of instruction and hands-on experience necessary for new talent to develop (00:39:39).
• Value of Local Radio Shiona Thompson asserted that the most significant advantage of radio is its local connection, which is often lost when corporations use voice-tracking across multiple markets. Thompson explained that local broadcasters are uniquely positioned to provide relevant community information, such as weather-related college closures, because they live and engage within those communities (00:40:44). Aliasgar Moosa agreed, emphasizing that local news remains essential for daily information (00:41:37).
• Hamilton Media Anecdote Shiona Thompson recounted a memorable story involving Annette H., the Musatano family, Hamilton police, and journalist Adrian Humphre, which they described as something that could “only happen in Hamilton” (00:42:25). Thompson detailed an encounter at a book launch where a police officer refused to shake Tony Musatano’s hand, leading to a tense confrontation on a sidewalk (00:44:17). Thompson reflected on the unique situation of media, police, and the mafia engaging in conversation together (00:45:22).
• Professional Relationships and Family Connections Shiona Thompson and Aliasgar Moosa discussed several media personalities who were part of the CHML lineup. Thompson recalled Brian Wood as an “unflappable” and smooth broadcaster, noting their past work at Y95 and CHML (00:45:22). Thompson also revealed that Mary Ellen Bener, a former CHML afternoon show host, is married to Alan Cross, and that their own husband, Ted Colbear, also worked at CHML, highlighting a common trend of media professionals marrying within the industry (00:46:19). Thompson noted Ted Michaels’ long tenure at the station and their involvement in McMaster game broadcasts (00:47:25).
• Roy Green’s Retirement Decision Shiona Thompson clarified that Roy Green’s departure from broadcasting was entirely their own decision, driven by health concerns and a desire to pursue other opportunities. Thompson stated that Chorus would have preferred to retain Green, as their weekend show was unique in Canadian radio (00:53:41). Aliasgar Moosa acknowledged that such personal retirement decisions are rare in broadcasting today (00:54:46).

CHML Shutdown Shiona Thompson shared that they were out of the country when CHML, a 97-year-old radio station, shut down. Thompson had discussed the possibility with Paul Tipple but had not anticipated the station’s complete closure (00:56:56). Despite the sadness of the shutdown, Thompson noted that it has led to new opportunities for former colleagues, with many finding new niches for their skills in other roles and organizations