Premier Honours Geoff Stirling, a Broadcasting Pioneer and Legend

The Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today expressed her condolences on the passing of Geoff Stirling.

"Never in Newfoundland and Labrador's storied history has there been a character more colourful or a broadcaster more influential than Geoff Stirling. Not only did he pioneer television and FM radio broadcasting in Newfoundland and Labrador by launching NTV (CJON) and OZ FM, but he invested in innovative technologies and approaches to make these media among the most original in the world, always exploring entirely new ways of doing things. Never a follower, he prided himself on riding the leading edge of change, and we who benefitted from his innovations had the privilege of being along for the ride.

“Not only did he bring the world to us, but he showcased Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to the world and to one another, strengthening the ties between our communities and making us proud of who we are. He celebrated our stories, our arts, our scenery and our people with images and sounds streaming through the airwaves 24 hours a day, reaching by radio wave, satellite and fibre around the world. He will be remembered for long generations to come as a fearless pioneer, a visionary, an innovator and a legend. To his loved ones, on behalf of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, I offer my deepest sympathies."

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2013 12 23             2:05 p.m.