Rose Kingdon, a prominent figure in Canadian broadcasting, began her illustrious career over 40 years ago, expressing that it was “love at first on air light.” In 2023, she was honored with a lifetime achievement award, during which she reflected on her gratitude for the opportunity to not only make exceptional radio but also to cover some of the most significant stories of her time. Tragically, Kingdon was found dead in her Toronto home on Friday, at the age of 65.
Kingdon served as the director of Broadcast News at The Canadian Press (CP) national news service, where she became a well-respected figure among news directors and broadcast executives across Canada. In a heartfelt statement, Editor-in-Chief Andrea Baillie praised Kingdon's unwavering dedication, stating, “Her dedication to CP was second to none. She had exacting standards and an unbelievable work ethic, but she was also such a softie—kind, generous, funny, wry and always ready to lend an ear. We are heartbroken.”
Upon her retirement announcement in 2023, Baillie reminisced about Kingdon’s exceptional commitment to journalism. Baillie recalled a pivotal moment in August 2003 when Kingdon spent 36 continuous hours at the CP office to report on a massive blackout that affected 55 million people in Ontario and the northeastern United States. This dedication underscored her professional integrity and passion for broadcasting.
Kingdon grew up in southwestern Ontario and secured her first radio job at CKLA in Guelph, where news director Gus Hazelar recognized her potential as a summer reliever. Years later, Kingdon expressed gratitude to Hazelar for “opening the door to the magic that is radio.” She later worked at CKEY in Toronto before joining Broadcast News, which was then a subsidiary of The Canadian Press. Over her 38 years at CP, she rose through the ranks from reporter/editor to audio editor, newscaster, senior editor, and eventually, in 2012, she was appointed director of Broadcast News.
Ellen Huebert, a longtime colleague and friend, emphasized Kingdon's sharp wit during breaking news situations. “You would be in the newsroom and something would happen, and she would give you her take on it, and people would be killing themselves laughing,” Huebert recalled. Kingdon often stated that broadcasting was her dream job, and she had a genuine love for storytelling.
Huebert described Kingdon's uncompromising standards and her relentless pursuit of journalistic excellence. “She did her utmost every single day, 100 per cent, to make sure that those standards were being met,” Huebert noted, adding that Kingdon was beloved by her colleagues.
Kingdon was adept at extracting the most compelling stories from recorded interviews, as she had a keen ear for identifying impactful sound bites. Huebert noted, “She had an ear for that… one clip, that one thing that everybody would be talking about, that would sum up a story.” Her ability to swiftly curate these clips ensured they reached the airwaves promptly for a wider audience.
Close friend Karen Rebot described Kingdon as possessing a unique and humorous perspective on life, which endeared her to many. “She looked at life in a really funny way—just very stark and blatant, but with humor that would just have you laughing,” Rebot explained. Their 30-year professional relationship was marked by mutual respect and camaraderie.
Kingdon's modesty regarding her accomplishments was notable, as Rebot pointed out, “It’s surreal how much she’s done and how revered she was in the industry.” During her acceptance speech for the lifetime achievement award presented by the Radio Television Digital News Association of Canada, Kingdon expressed that her proudest accomplishment was mentoring young journalists, highlighting her commitment to nurturing the next generation of reporters. “I’ve always tried to give my best to this job, but it has certainly given back to me,” she remarked.
Kingdon's legacy as a pioneering broadcaster and mentor will undoubtedly be remembered by her colleagues, friends, and the many lives she touched throughout her remarkable career.
