Rex Loring
Rex Loring (November 25, 1925 - April 21, 2017) was a British-born Canadian radio announcer, best known as a longtime anchor of World Report, the morning newscast on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's radio news and talk network.[1]
Born in Totton, Hampshire, England, he had begun studies in architecture at the University of London, while also taking some acting classes at the London Studio Centre.[2] His studies were interrupted by the breakout of World War II, during which he worked as a transport pilot in the Royal Air Force.[3]
Career[edit]
Moving to Canada in 1947 to pursue work opportunities, he joined the National Film Board of Canada as a narrator of documentary films, and then worked in as an announcer for commercial radio stations such as CFCF in Montreal, CHEX in Peterborough and CKOY in Ottawa,[2] before joining the CBC in 1955.[3] He became a Canadian citizen in 1953.[3]
With the CBC he was a host or announcer of television and radio programs such as Mr. Fixit,[4] Tabloid, Seven-O-One, Close-Up, The Sound of Britain and On the Scene, and was a frequent narrator of documentary films.[5] He became anchor of The World at Eight, the predecessor of World Report, in 1971, and remained with the program when it was renamed World Report in 1982.[6]
He retired from World Report in 1990.[7] By this time, he was considered to be Canada's last remaining exemplar of the historic model of news broadcasting, in which newscasts were presented by people with a background in announcing rather than journalism,[1] although he was paired with a journalist as cohost throughout his time as a newscaster.[8] Although renowned for his composure and professionalism, at the time of his retirement he reminisced about one of his rare on-air bloopers, when he struggled to pronounce the unfamiliar name of northwestern Ontario's Wabigoon River.[9]
Personal life[edit]
Loring and his first wife Jill had two children: Elaine Loring is an arts and entertainment journalist who was a reporter for Global News in Toronto from 1984 to 2002,[10] and Carolyn (Carrie) Loring is a singer and children's entertainer who was one of the hosts of Polka Dot Door.[9] He later married writer Shirley Fox.
He died on April 21, 2017, aged 91.[3]
References[edit]
- ^ a b Helen Branswell, "Rex Loring signs off from CBC". Vancouver Sun, August 17, 1990.
- ^ a b "Behind the Voice". Montreal Gazette, May 5, 1951.
- ^ a b c d "CBC broadcaster Rex Loring has died at age 91". CBC News, April 21, 2017.
- ^ Bob Burgess, "TV and Radio". Ottawa Journal, October 25, 1961.
- ^ Greg Quill, "CBC's Rex Loring is tomorrow's news". Toronto Star, February 4, 1988.
- ^ Tom McMahon, "Beeps go and names change". Windsor Star, October 4, 1982.
- ^ Anne-Marie Waters, "Voice of CBC morning news, Rex Loring to retire". Ottawa Citizen, July 25, 1990.
- ^ Ross McLean, "Good catches and wrong moves on the air". The Globe and Mail, October 5, 1985.
- ^ a b Cathie James, "Veteran morning man retires early". Toronto Star, August 4, 1990.
- ^ Carole Gault, "Elaine acts stars in her cues at a dream job". The Globe and Mail, June 11, 1988.