Black leaving TSN after long and award-winning run
Broadcaster says he’s ready for ‘next chapter’ after decades on air
Calling it a mutual decision, award-winning sportscaster Rod Black announced his departure from TSN on Thursday to end a decades-long run with the Canadian sports network.
The 59-year-old was one of TSN’s most prominent broadcasters, who could slide into just about any assignment and elevate coverage with his unique and humorous style.
“I’m excited because of the next chapter,” Black said. “I’m young enough to know that there is more out there that I’ve wanted to do for a long time. Not that I didn’t like what I was doing at TSN, but I just felt I’d like to explore more.”
Black tweeted about his departure late Thursday morning. Bell Media issued a news release announcing the longtime sportscaster was signing off from the network after a “remarkable career.”
“Rod has been an unforgettable and consistent presence on TSN, with a deep sports knowledge that has allowed him to seamlessly transition between hosting duties and calling games, from football to figure skating to basketball, and
more,” said Stewart Johnston, Bell Media’s senior VP, sales and sports.
“An exceptional broadcaster with a heart of gold, Rod has tirelessly dedicated so much of his time to charitable work and various causes, including his incredible support of the Special Olympics. While we’ll miss him behind the desk and in the booth, we are grateful for his time with the network and wish him nothing but the best.”
Black won the Sports Media Canada Award as Outstanding Sports Broadcaster in 2005. He has also earned five Gemini Award nominations for Best Sports Broadcaster.
His career with CTV/TSN has included broadcasting duties for the networks’ coverage of the CFL, NBA, golf and international hockey tournaments. Black has also covered five Olympic Games along with curling, boxing, and many other sports.
Black said he’s proud that he always put in a complete effort regardless of the event.
“That’s one thing that I think anybody who worked with me knew,” he said in a phone interview.
“It didn’t matter if it was the Olympics or if it was a high school championship. I was 100 per cent committed to it and treated it all the same.”
Longtime Sportsnet anchor Brad Fay wished Black well on Twitter.
Fay said that when Sportsnet was first launched, then-network president Scott Moore told all the on-air talent, “You don’t have to be a jerk to be a star. Just look at Rod Black.”
“Truer words,” Fay’s tweet concluded. “Congrats and best wishes to one of the coolest cats in our biz.”