The Moosa Slobodian Network

Good evening The Moosa Slobodian Network friends,

Tom Hayes and I covered a lot of topics today. You will enjoy this chat.

Have a listen using this link: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0vjNJYpWLMTA9KJBaLttcO?si=tU0qvQr_Q1-ZgNwhxJbxlA

Show Notes:

• Opening and Personal Anecdotes: Aliasgar Moosa introduces the show on August 14, 2026, noting the anniversary of the 2003 blackout and expressing appreciation for Tom Hayes joining the program . Tom Hayes shares a personal anecdote about being at their cottage during the 2003 event, focusing on the lack of power and the effort required to preserve food, while Aliasgar Moosa recalls their own experience of being in the same location they occupy during the current broadcast at that time .
• Remembering Lloyd Robertson: The conversation shifts to the recent passing of broadcaster Lloyd Robertson at the age of 92 (00:03:48). Tom Hayes reflects on the “heyday” of TV news when viewership for the 6:00 PM and 11:00 PM news was the primary source of information for the public (00:04:54). They discuss Lloyd Robertson’s integrity, humility, and reputation as a mentor. Tom Hayes shares a memory of encountering Lloyd Robertson in the CFTO newsroom, noting that the legend knew their name, which made a profound impact on them as a younger broadcaster .
• Lloyd Robertson’s Career Path: Discussing Lloyd Robertson’s professional history, Tom Hayes details their start in radio in the 1930s in Stratford before joining CBC (00:09:42). Tom Hayes explains that Lloyd Robertson felt restricted at CBC due to strict union rules that prevented announcers from writing or editing news. Upon transitioning to CTV, Lloyd Robertson was able to take on the role of editor and anchor, where they evolved into a hands-on newsman who picked lead stories and adjusted content, eventually co-anchoring with Harvey Kirk .
• Broadcasting Colleagues: They discuss other prominent media figures, including Sandy Ronaldo and Andria Case . Tom Hayes notes that Sandy Ronaldo, whom they often saw in the makeup room while anchoring weekend news, remains active in the industry. Tom Hayes provides an update on Andria Case, confirming they remain close, and that Andria Case currently reports three days a week and anchors the weekend news .
• The State of News and Industry Closures: The conversation addresses the current media landscape, referencing recent station closures, including those by Rogers in July (00:15:33). Tom Hayes notes that while traditional television news programs still exist, their viewership has declined compared to 20 years ago due to the proliferation of information sources. Tom Hayes argues that journalistic integrity remains the core advantage of legacy news outlets, and it is essential to build and maintain trust with the public .
• Economics of News and Ownership: They discuss the financial viability of news organizations, noting that stations often close when they fail to turn a profit. Aliasgar Moosa questions if the ownership of media outlets by large telecommunications companies, whose primary interest is wireless services, adversely impacts the news product. Tom Hayes agrees that the challenge lies in balancing a proper journalistic environment with economic profitability .
• The Role of 680 News: Discussing specific formats, Aliasgar Moosa asks about the continued importance of 680 News, which was not among the stations shut down by its parent company. Tom Hayes suggests the station remains relevant because it utilizes a successful format that delivers concise news to commuters, highlighting the ongoing industry challenge of finding the right format to deliver journalistic content profitably (00:22:46).
• Journalism Education and Career Viability: They observe that many journalism programs in colleges have shut down because they are no longer viable due to low enrollment. Tom Hayes reflects on the career path for aspiring journalists, contrasting their own experience starting at Scarborough Cable and CKVR in Barrie with the current landscape, where high living costs in Toronto and a lack of clear incentives make starting a career in the industry difficult .
• Operational Efficiency in Newsrooms: Tom Hayes explains that newsrooms have become increasingly streamlined to manage costs, with reporters often required to shoot and edit their own stories. This operational shift reflects the broader trend of organizations attempting to remain efficient while facing declining revenues from traditional media (00:26:07).
• Evolution of Sports Coverage: Discussing sports media, they note that traditional sports departments, such as the one at CTV Toronto, were eliminated because viewers have turned to alternatives like “the Fan” and various sports podcasts (00:27:47). Tom Hayes recalls past programs like “Sportsline” on Global, featuring Jim Tatti and Mark Hampshire, noting that sports coverage has shifted toward opinionated content and specific team focuses rather than the traditional sports desk format .
• Digital Media and Verification: Regarding the shift to online platforms like ctvnews.ca and globalnews.ca, Tom Hayes characterizes X (formerly Twitter) as an instant but unreliable source of information that requires verification. They express concern over the rise of AI-generated content, which makes it increasingly difficult for audiences to distinguish between true and false information .
• The Online News Act: They discuss the Online News Act, acknowledging that it is still a subject of debate . Aliasgar Moosa expresses concern that if the act leads to increased government funding for news organizations, the money might be used to justify further staff cuts rather than reinvestment. Tom Hayes expresses hope that any increase in revenue would be reinvested into newsrooms, particularly in smaller towns that have been hit hardest by closures .
• The Importance of Local News: They emphasize the vital importance of local news and municipal politics, which Tom Hayes notes often receive the least attention despite their direct impact on neighborhoods. Tom Hayes argues that while the appetite for news remains, the industry must focus on regeneration and ensuring that people can find and trust their local information sources .
• Subscription Models and Ownership Rules: Regarding the newspaper industry, they question whether subscription models are sufficient to sustain publications like the Toronto Star, the Globe and Mail, or the Toronto Sun. Tom Hayes notes that CRTC regulations, which mandate majority Canadian ownership for Canadian news outlets, serve as an important protective measure for the industry .
• Conclusion: They agree to continue the discussion in a future episode. Aliasgar Moosa concludes the program by directing listeners to the Moosa Slobodian Network website for further information and programming updates (00:43:03).

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