It is with great sadness that CHUM Limited and the Waters family announce the passing of Allan Waters, company founder and Canadian broadcasting pioneer.
As Chairman and President until 2002, Mr. Waters laid the foundation for CHUM Limited's growth to its current place as one of Canada's premier media companies, with radio and television stations across the country. Mr. Waters' vision for CHUM was rooted in fostering strong connections with the communities it serves, while staying true to his own guiding principles of respect, honesty and fair dealing. In December 2002, he stepped down as
Chairman and President of the company with sons Jim Waters succeeding him as Chairman of the Board and Ron Waters as Vice Chairman. He remained an active member of the Board of Directors until October 2005, when he retired from the Board and was named an Honorary Director.
Allan Waters inspired both employees and colleagues with a commitment to the broadcasting industry that spanned five decades. Among his many contributions, he served as President of the Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB), President of the Central Canada Broadcasters Association, was founding Chairman of the Radio Sales Bureau and a Director of the CTV Television Network.
Over the course of his career, Mr. Waters was bestowed a number of prestigious honours recognizing his contributions to the broadcasting industry including, the Ted Rogers Sr.-Velma Rogers Graham Award, the Radio-Television News Directors' Association's President's Award and the CAB's Gold Ribbon Award for Broadcast Excellence.
He was also recognized for contributing to Canada's cultural legacy through the support of Canadian talent. Mr. Waters was the first broadcaster to be honoured with the Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award for contributions to the Canadian music industry and was also inducted into the CAB Broadcast Hall of Fame, the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame.
Mr. Waters' dedication to the broadcasting industry was equaled only by his unwavering commitment to community service and philanthropy with the founding of the CHUM Charitable Foundation. Today, the Foundation assists hundreds of thousands of people by providing financial assistance to charitable organizations and social services agencies.
Memorial for CHUM Limited Founder Allan Waters
A public memorial will be held for CHUM Limited founder and Canadian broadcasting pioneer Allan Waters on Wednesday December 7th, 2005, from 2pm – 4pm, at The Westin Harbour Castle Conference Centre, Metropolitan Ballroom, 2 Harbour Square, Toronto.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the CHUM Charitable Foundation c/o The CHUM Building, 299 Queen Street West, Toronto, M5V 2Z5.