Title: The Mayor's Last Announcement

 

CFPL TV Chronicles: The Mayor's Last Announcement

Gather 'round, folks, for another story from the CFPL TV vault, sent to us by none other than John Mahoney, a former TV Director who has seen his fair share of on-air mishaps and backstage shenanigans. This particular tale takes us back to New Year's Day, 1968—a day that would be remembered for a different kind of broadcast.

It was a quiet afternoon at CFPL TV. The kind of day where the crew could relax a bit, recover from the New Year's Eve festivities, and ease into the new year. But as is often the case in the world of live television, the calm was about to be shattered.

Word came into the station that the Mayor of London, Ontario, F. Gordon Stronach, had passed away. This was big news, and it needed to be handled with the utmost care and respect. John Mahoney, ever the professional, sprang into action. He knew that the announcement had to be made, and it had to be made quickly.

During the next station break, John coordinated with the Master Control operator to replace the CFPL-TV logo slide with a news bulletin slide. This was back in the day when everything was done manually, and timing was everything. With a deep breath and a steady hand, John popped into the booth to deliver the voice over news.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we regret to inform you that the Mayor of London, Ontario, F. Gordon Stronach, has passed away," John announced. It was brief, it was solemn, and it was exactly what was needed at that moment.

The next day, as John was going about his usual duties, he was tracked down by Jim Plant, the operations manager. Now, Jim was known for his no-nonsense approach and his biting sarcasm. He had a way of getting his point across with a few well-chosen, often sharp, words.

"Mahoney," Jim said, catching John's attention. "I heard your announcement about the Mayor."

John braced himself, unsure of what was coming next. "Yes, sir," he replied, waiting for the feedback.

Jim looked at him for a moment, then said, "Thanks for your effort." There was a pause, and John felt a glimmer of pride. But then, in true Jim Plant fashion, he added, "But stick to your day job, Mahoney!"

Jim Plant

It was classic Jim—acknowledging the effort but not without a sarcastic jab to remind you of your place. John couldn't help but chuckle, more out of necessity than amusement. In the high-pressure world of live television, you had to take your compliments where you could get them, even if they came with a side of condescension.

Looking back, John remembers that day with a mix of humility and a smirk. It wasn't every day that a TV director had to step into the sound booth and deliver a news bulletin, but it was just one of those things that came with the territory. And in the end, it was all part of the job.

John Mahoney

So, here's to John Mahoney, navigating the unpredictable waters of live TV with professionalism, and here's to Jim Plant, whose sarcastic quips were as much a part of the station's fabric as the shows themselves. And here's to the stories—both on and off the air—that make up the rich tapestry of our shared history.