Windsor TV news anchor Jim Crichton retires

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After more than two decades of presenting the Windsor television news, the man with the quintessential news voice, Jim Crichton, is finally saying goodbye.

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Friday’s news broadcast at 6 p.m. will be Crichton’s last as an official presenter, and the 68-year-old on-air personality said he’s grateful for each of the countless thousands he’s made.

“I still enjoy doing it,” Crichton reflected Thursday. “But it’s time to pass the torch.”

“I say this humbly … I am part of a great wheel, and the wheel is turning.”

Originally from Port Colborne, Crichton was already a veteran of the news industry when he first appeared on Windsor television in 2000, broadcasting from London. He moved to our area permanently in 2003.

I didn’t set out to be a journalist or broadcaster, but it happened

And although the ownership and branding of the Windsor television station has since changed from CHUM to A-Channel to CTV, Crichton has remained.

“Without a doubt, Windsor is now my home and I will not be going anywhere in my retirement. My wife and I will stay here, ”Crichton declared.

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In all, Crichton estimates that he has spent 47 years in broadcasting, despite never attending journalism school or receiving any formal training. His post-secondary education consisted of two years of specialization in English at Brock University in the early 1970s.

While in college, he volunteered at the campus radio station, which led to the radio station in Welland, and the rest is history.

“I didn’t set out to be a journalist or broadcaster, but it happened,” Crichton marveled. “I would count myself among the last of the boys who learned on the job … I studied those who knew what they were doing.”

Windsorites may be surprised to learn that Crichton’s gentle but precise and balanced voice did not come naturally to him. He cultivated it as a tool of his trade, and is known for consulting an Oxford Dictionary to choose the right words.

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“I guess that voice has become me, over time,” Crichton admitted. “It wasn’t always… My first Welland newscast for CHOW – It was just awful. Acute. I was full of anxiety, reading too fast. “

Along with his work in front of the camera, Crichton has maintained a profile in the community. The Salvation Army is his favorite cause, and Crichton is a regular presence at charity events and at the start of the Christmas Kettle campaign.

When asked if he ever felt the pressure to live up to his faithful character in the air while in public, Crichton answered yes.

In fact, Crichton said he wanted to retire earlier, but felt a responsibility to help local audiences overcome the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’re still dealing with it, but at least we have an idea of ​​what we’re dealing with now,” Crichton explained. “It was darker in the beginning. There I felt a responsibility. Perhaps more than at any other time in my career. “

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Local news watchers may also be surprised to learn that, despite appearing unfazed on camera, Crichton said he has been emotionally affected by the news.

For example: when the community collectively mourned the death of Const. John Atkinson, the first officer killed on the job in the history of the Windsor Police Service.

“I remember Chief Glenn Stannard walking with Shelley, the officer’s widow, carrying her with dignity,” Crichton recalled, his voice strangely cracked. “I was deeply moved. I knew the officer a little. “

Crichton’s successor as news anchor on CTV Windsor will be Stefanie Masotti.

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Having had many colleagues over the years, Crichton said he is encouraged when other members of the Windsor news team advance their careers and succeed in other markets, such as Priya Mann for Detroit’s WDIV-Local 4, Mike Drolet for Global News, Annette Goerner for CTV. Ottawa and Anna Vlachos, previously for CityNews in Toronto.

“I’m very proud to see people continue,” Crichton said, noting that he was a mentor himself. “When people bring up a conversation we had years ago and how it helped them, it affects me deeply.”

As for what Crichton plans to do with his new free time, he said he’s eager to put more into his motor vehicle hobby: His collection currently includes a 1966 Chrysler convertible, a 1976 AMC Pacer, a PT Cruiser and his motorcycle.

“These are not museum pieces. I drive them, ”Crichton said. “Whether it’s on Pilette Road, Ouellette Avenue, or at a Michigan car show, it’s a great way to meet people and make friends.”

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