Wide World of Sports was a Canadian sports magazine series, which aired on CTV from 1964 to 1991.[1] A franchised adaptation of the American Wide World of Sports, the program initially aired a mixture of content from the American series and original Canadian content produced by CTV and its affiliates,[2] with the balance shifting much more strongly toward original Canadian content in later years.[1]
Like the American series, the Saturday afternoon program presented a package of sporting events, principally in sports such as lacrosse, boxing, skiing, auto racing, rodeo, tennis and figure skating, which did not typically receive the kind of full prime-time broadcasts that were typical in major league team sports like football, baseball or hockey.[3]
The series premiered on September 19, 1964.[4] Jim McKay, the host of the American version, was occasionally seen on the show, although Johnny Esaw served as the primary Canadian host.[5] Pat Marsden and Dan Matheson were also associated with the program as play-by-play announcers for various sports.
Esaw retired from CTV in 1990,[6] and was replaced as host by Rod Black.[7]
The show aired its final episode on December 28, 1991. It was replaced with the similar CTV Sports Presents, which was cohosted by Black and Tracy Wilson.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b c Ken McKee, "Out with old Wide World, in with new CTV Presents". Toronto Star, December 20, 1991.
- ^ "CTV Signs 'Wide World of Sports'". Ottawa Journal, May 30, 1964.
- ^ Les Wedman, "The Glass Eye". Vancouver Sun, May 11, 1964.
- ^ Bob Shiels, "On Television". Calgary Herald, September 18, 1964.
- ^ "New schedule starts on CJOH". Ottawa Citizen, September 5, 1964.
- ^ Ken McKee, "Johnny Esaw hangs up his mike after 41 years in broadcasting". Toronto Star, February 19, 1990.
- ^ Ken McKee, "'World' to widen on CTV". Toronto Star, November 20, 1990.
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