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Former CBC TV host Reg Sherren tells of his time with the mother corp.
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By MARTIN ZEILIG
For “a freckle-faced, red-headed kid growing up in small-town Western Labrador,” who sort of stumbled into his profession, former CBC reporter Reg Sherren sure made a name for himself.
He ended up travelling the world and telling stores for CBC’s flagship news program, The National, as well as hosting the popular TV program, Country Canada.
“That plan certainly wasn’t part of any plan I was aware of,” he writes in this entertaining, insightful—in a number of ways – and anecdote laden memoir: “That Wasn’t the Plan: A memoir by Reg Sherren”
But, then life so often turns out that way. Physicists might even say it is due to the randomness of existence. Others would call it fate.
Reg Sherren is a popular commentator, writer and freelance producer. A two-time Gemini and Canadian Screen Award nominee, Sherren has also been the recipient of numerous journalism awards from the New York and Columbus international film and video festivals, as well as the Radio-Television Directors’ Association, says his brief bio. He lives in Winnipeg.
Sherren got his first job at age 15 as an announcer on a radio station in his home town, where his father was one of the iron-ore mine managers. It was the same station that, as he writes, “offered the ability to escape,” because radio stations from “faraway places would find their way skipping across the Labrador sky: CFGO Ottawa, WOR New York or WBZ Boston.”
He had absolutely zero training for the job.
“For my first show I was given some very brief instruction by the fellow on the air before me, a guy who called himself Buffalo Bill Cody,” the author writes. “He looked the part like Wild Bill Hickok with his long hair, moustache, cowboy hat and fringe jacket.”
Being on the air was only one of the teenager’s duties. He also had to make sure all the garbage cans were clean for Monday morning, and change the paper on the teletype machine.
It was a good training ground, or at least an introduction, for the future broadcast journalist.
After graduating from high school, Sherren studied journalism at Canadore College in North Bay.
“It was a fabulous place to learn,” the author says.
Sherren started out his professional career as the main television news anchor at CKPR-TV in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
“Four years flew by as I honed my craft, even eventually making a little more money, and I landed my first byline—my name on a network radio report on forest fires in Northwestern Ontario, pounding out on teletypes across the system,” he writes.
Thunder Bay was also the place where he met “my beautiful future wife, Pamela Tennant” – the weekend anchor at CKPR and a daily reporter.
“She left before me, taking a reporting gig with CTV Edmonton,” Sherren says. “Not long afterwards, I chased her west, landing a job at CBC Calgary.”
Over the years, Sherren would cover stories that “crisscrossed” Canada. He also did everything from guest hosting network radio shows like Cross Country Checkup to reporting from war zones.
He found so much history, so many characters and so many stories to tell throughout his varied career with CBC.
Among the many vivid “behind-the scenes” stories Sherren shares are about riding on the back of a humpback whale; a journey down “the world’s longest ice road” in a solar-powered car, visiting Nagaski, Japan with a former Canadian solider, John Ford, who was a Japanese prisoner of war during the Second World War and who had lived through the second atomic bomb ever dropped in wartime—in Nagasaki; doing an item for a Remembrance Day (November 11) special on The National on Nichola Goddard, a Captain in the Canadian Armed Forces, who was the first Canadian women to be killed in combat (during a tour of duty in Afghanistan); researching a story about First World War hero Francis Pegahmagabow, the most highly decorated Aboriginal soldier in Canadian history; interviewing Roberta Bondar, the first Canadian woman in space; and much more.
Sherren writes that he had a “long-standing commitment to chronicling our country’s military service.”
He also praises many of his colleagues and other fellow workers at the CBC, such as local television producer Cecil Rosner, for their support and creative initiatives over the years.
His modus operandi never wavered: “When approaching people to do interviews, to let you in, you must be 1) professional, 2) truthful and, above all, 3) respectful. I never lie or try to fudge what the call is about.”
Sherren left the CBC, after some four decades as one of their top journalists, at the end of December 2017.
He writes that he misses the idea of the CBC, “but then, I had been missing that for some time before I left. What leaving has empowered me to do is share a few observations about the state of public broadcasting in this country.”
Sherren maintains that CBC stories are more urban based, and the country isn’t being reflected like it used to be on the TV, the internet or even the radio.
“People pay their taxes,” he writes. “Their taxes pay for the CBC.”
He recommends, among other things, that CBC.ca should decommercialize. He suggest that instead of selling advertising, set up a news wire service like Reuters or CP to help the privates survive, or at least transition.
Sherren also calls on the CBC “to be the champion of maintaining diversity of voices in all broadcasting/media communities, not playing a role in their demise. And it should seriously think about ending relationships with entities like Facebook.
“Take chances. Don’t be afraid of failure. Give the future a chance. Develop shows from the inside. Be the CBC.”
Some of his suggestions, especially maintaining diversity, seem to be happening now in the CBC.
“The CBC helped me grow as a journalist and as a human being,” Sherren says. “It gave me and my family a wonderful life and allowed me to travel the world to bring you stories. Together we explored everything from the best to the worst that Canadians, as a group of people on this planet, have to offer. For that I will be eternally grateful.”
That’s a pretty good journey for a wide-eyed, ambitious and talented fellow from Wabush.
That Wasn’t the Plan: A memoir by Reg Sherren
Published by Douglas & McIntyre
350 pg.
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Mobile Casino Trends in 2026: Usage Statistics – What Casino Online Westace Says
Mobile technologies simplify everyday life. They are used for payments, regular conversations, photos, and even gambling. Sites like casino online Westace leverage modern trends and do everything possible to maximize engagement. Adapting familiar gambling games to smartphones makes them more convenient. Visitors can launch slot machines or other entertainment with just a few taps on the screen. Quick rounds let you instantly see the results and choose a different game type. Interactivity is the main approach to development in 2026.
Usage Statistics in 2026
Online casinos are using mobile development technologies to adapt gambling games to smartphones and tablets. Now, almost every user has the opportunity to launch games to test their features in a convenient format. Sites like casino online Westace are not far behind and adapt to various screen layouts. The latest industry news also indicates significant developments:
More than 75% of players use online casino services via mobile devices. Statistics show significant steady growth compared to the figure of 65% in 2023.
It is predicted that revenue from mobile casinos in 2026 will exceed the mark of $ 60 billion. The figure is two-thirds of the market. Thus, positive trends can be identified among gambling software developers.
The younger demographic aged 18 to 35 years old is the most active user of mobile devices. They have twice the level of involvement compared to other categories.
80% of new casino accounts were registered through mobile apps or mobile-optimized websites. This indicates their convenience and widespread use.
Mobile development is a priority for online casinos. Operators work closely with developers to adapt all games to the relevant requirements.
Features of Mobile Casino Growth
Mobile versions of sites like casino online Westace are dominating in 2026 for a reason. Players can enjoy games with real dealers even from small screens. At the same time, the broadcast quality remains at a high level without delays.
All games are designed for touch use. Players can easily use portrait mode and adaptive layouts to launch a comfortable gameplay format. Biometric login and two-factor authentication are essential tools that protect transactions and accounts from unauthorized access.
Mobile gaming encourages more frequent play in small sessions. For example, a player can play one or two games of baccarat, and then later return to play slot machines. All progress is saved on any device. Yes, a player can start playing on a smartphone, save the results, and return via a browser on a computer.
All Interesting Facts to Know
Recently, sites like casino online Westace have been paying more attention to mobility. For example, seasonal slots are launched first through mobile versions, and then move to desktop. Regulators have also introduced mandatory responsible elements for smartphone users for greater control. Mobile players spend 20% more time playing with real dealers. This emphasizes the close attention to interactive formats and communication.
Ultimately, mobile casino versions occupy their own niche in the industry. Most players use smartphones to play on the go and enjoy fast games. Developers adapt to these requirements and improve services, adding relevant options to games.
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Important Keno Rules: Explained by Casino Online Glorion
Keno is a lottery game that originated in China 2,000 years ago. At that time, it was called baige piao, which translates to “white pigeon ticket” in English. Keno rules on sites like Glorion Casino are similar to those of games like lotto. The game involves choosing numbers in the hopes that they will match randomly selected values. In this article, we will discuss the important rules of online keno.
Understanding Keno Rules at Online Casinos
Keno is a game of chance in which players select 1 to 10 numbers from a table of 1 to 80, similar to bingo. After this, the numbers are drawn. The player’s payout depends on how many figures they match.
In classic keno, the drawing is done using a ball machine. The same equipment is used in bingo and lotteries. The host randomly draws 20 numbered balls. Players win if at least one of their chosen numbers matches the dealer’s draw. The more matching numbers, the larger the payout.
Online keno is played using a random number generator (RNG). Keno payouts on sites like Casino Online Glorionare similar to those in the classic game. The differences are due to the drawing procedure and the properties of different versions.
After users select their 20 numbers, the gambling software publishes its 20 figures, which determine the winner. Payout amounts vary across platforms, so users should check them before playing.
Basic Keno Stages in Online Casinos
Users planning to play keno at sites like Casino Online Glorion should be familiar with the gameplay process. Typically, it includes the following stages.
- Select a keno card. The ticket displays numbers from 1 to 80.
- Choose your numbers. In different versions, users select 10, 15, or 20 numbers before each draw. Each number is called a ‘keno spot.’ You can set the same numbers for multiple draws.
- Check the payout table. In the online version of the game, the table appears after selecting the numbers. It displays information about the payout amount if you guess correctly. The more numbers you match, the larger the payout.
- Calculate your bet. Determine how much you want to bet on each draw. Remember that the bet size affects the final payout.
- Start the game. All the drawn numbers will appear somewhere on the screen. Users can also view the “cold” and “hot” keno numbers. Hot numbers have been drawn recently, while cold ones haven’t won for a long time.
- Match the numbers. Experienced players use the term “catching a spot” when their chosen number is drawn. The number of spots you catch affects your payout.
Keno at websites like Casino Online Glorion offers engaging gameplay. Players can get generous prizes. They should learn the rules, odds, and prize structures to make rational decisions and boost their chances of winning. Chase the thrill, but play it smart.
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Common Online Casino Mistakes To Avoid
Online casino games can be a brilliant way to bring excitement to life in your spare time. These games have become hugely popular in recent years, but you will find that people often make the same mistakes. These mistakes can lead to financial losses, cybercrime, and an inferior experience, so it is important to be aware of what these mistakes are so that they can be avoided. This post will outline a few of the most common mistakes people make when playing online casino games and explain how to avoid falling into the same trap. Interested? Keep reading to find out more.
Ignoring Terms & Conditions
One of the biggest mistakes players make with online casino games is ignoring the terms and conditions. You should always take the time to read through these, paying close attention to things like the conditions of bonuses and restrictions in withdrawals. This will help you avoid any nasty surprises when playing games.
Not Researching Casinos
Another common mistake people make is not researching casinos. There are endless options for online casinos, but not all are equal, and there are even many that are unlicensed. Therefore, you need to research casinos and find one that is fully licensed and has positive reviews. The best casinos will have a massive selection of games to choose from, including blackjack online. A wide selection of games means it is hard to get bored, and you can always find something to play.
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Chasing Losses
One of the most dangerous mistakes people make is chasing losses. This is where players will attempt to win back the money they have lost, which often means betting larger sums. This is a dangerous tactic and a slippery slope, so it is important to be aware of it and take measures to protect against it. The best way to avoid chasing losses is to set a budget before each session – if you spend that amount, you need to be able to walk away.
Not Understanding Games
It is always important to have a strong understanding of the game that you are playing. This will boost your chances of winning and your gaming experience. Therefore, you should always read the instructions when playing a game for the first time. For strategic games like poker, there is a lot of information online that will help you get to grips with the basics and learn strategies to use.
Weak Passwords
Cybersecurity needs to be a top priority when it comes to online casino games. The top casinos will have strong cybersecurity measures in place, but you also have a role to play. It is important to use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication to prevent hackers. It is also smart to avoid having large sums held in your online account in case someone hacks your account.
These are the most common mistakes that you will want to avoid when it comes to online casino games. By avoiding these mistakes, you can improve your experience and enjoy the excitement that these games can bring.