Maloney presented media achievment award

Yorkton Mayor Bob Maloney has received honours from a national media organization marking his long career in television.

RTDNA Canada, an association for electronic media, recently announced the recipients of the 2013 RTDNA Lifetime Achievement Awards in each of its four regions and Maloney was the Prairie Region recipient for television.

"It's really nice," said Maloney, adding being in the business for near four decades likely played a role. "I think longevity has a role in this."

Maloney said long-time media associate Carl Worth nominated him, which added to the award's significance.

"Carl and I have been friends for many years," he said, adding it dated back to when Worth was at GX94 radio in the city and tried to recruit him away from television.

It was Worth who let Maloney know about the award.

"I was needless to say quite pleased," he said, adding peer recognition is always special.

Maloney spent almost 36 years in broadcasting in Yorkton starting with CKOS TV/CICC TV in March 1977 as a reporter and camera person.

Over the years, Maloney was a news anchor, News Director, and did commercial voice-overs.

Maloney would become Station Manager.

"It was lots of fun," said Maloney looking back on his career, adding it gave him the opportunity to interview people ranging from "Prime Ministers to Princes."

"You meet a lot of people. That is the enjoyable thing."

Asked what story stands out for him, Maloney immediately started "there's been so many."'

Then after some reflection he continued. "I think one I remember was when Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau was in Estevan." The visit was in the 1970s, early in Maloney's career, and shortly after the PM had angered farmers with a comment about marketing their grain.

"There was a hostile group of farmers there," he said, adding they were even throwing wheat at the PM.

But when Trudeau went to speak he passed on the grain issue and instead spoke of his vision of Canada.

"He had them eating out of his hand in 10-minutes," said Maloney, adding the PM had a standing ovation.

In the RTDNA release announcing the awards it noted "Bob is remembered for many things, not least of which is the foundation he offered to countless young broadcasters starting their careers."

Maloney said he worked with a lot of young reporters who went on to work major news desks across the country.

"I take lots of pride in that," he said, adding he hopes he had "some small influence in their careers."

Maloney's award will be presented in Winnipeg April 6.