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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
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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.
Features
Joe Kent Suggests Israel Behind Charlie Kirk Assassination, Controls US Foreign Policy in Tucker Carlson Interview
Joe Kent Suggests Israel Behind Charlie Kirk Assassination, Controls US Foreign Policy in Tucker Carlson Interview
After Joe Kent, director of the US National Counterterrorism Center, resigned in protest of President Donald Trump’s military campaign against Iran, he appeared on Tucker Carlson’s podcast on Wednesday.
While on the podcast, Kent, who resigned from his position on Tuesday, argued that Israel dragged the US into the war against the Iranian regime, suggested that Israel may have been involved in the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, claimed that Iran posed no imminent threat to the United States, and said that Iran was not pursuing a nuclear weapon.
Themes of Israel controlling US policy and conspiracy theories about Kirk’s assassination have become commonplace on Carlson’s podcast in recent months.
“We don’t know what happened with Charlie Kirk. I’m not saying the Israelis did this — I’m saying there are a lot of unanswered questions there, and there’s enough data to say there’s a good chance that President Trump feels he is under threat,” Kent said.
“The last time I saw Charlie Kirk on this earth was in June, in the West Wing stairway,” Kent said on Carlson’s podcast. “And he said very loudly to me … ‘Joe, stop us from getting into a war with Iran.’ Very loudly. He was single-minded.”
“So, when one of President Trump’s closest advisers who was vocally advocating against a war with Iran is suddenly publicly assassinated, and we’re not allowed to ask questions about that — it’s a data point. A data point that we need to look into,” Kent said, suggesting that Israel may have something to do with the assassination.
There has been no evidence to support claims of Israeli involvement in Kirk’s assassination. Tyler Robinson, 22, has been charged for murdering Kirk and potentially faces the death penalty. He was romantically involved with his transgender roommate, and prosecutors have reportedly argued that Kirk’s anti-trans rhetoric was a key factor that allegedly led him to shoot the Turning Point USA founder.
Kent also argued that the US is not really in charge of its own foreign policy: “Who is in charge of our policy in the Middle East? Who is in charge of when we decide to go to war or not?” he asked.
Ther former counterterrorism chief argued that Israel forced Washington’s hand by saying it would attack Iran and that the US would be forced to be caught up in Iran’s inevitable retaliation.
“The Israelis felt emboldened that no matter what they did, no matter what situation they put us in, they could go ahead and take this action, and we would just have to react. That speaks to the relationship — but also it just shows there was a lobby pushing for us to go to war,” Kent said.
In addition to claiming Israel was driving US foreign policy, he also claimed Iran was not close to achieving, or even pursuing, a nuclear-weapons capability. “No, they weren’t [on the verge of getting a nuclear weapon] — not three weeks ago when this started, and not in June [2025] either,” Kent said, referring to last year’s 12-day war between Iran and Israel
“The Iranians have had a religious ruling — a fatwa — against actually developing a nuclear weapon since 2004. That’s been in place since 2004. That’s available in the public sphere. But we also had no intelligence to indicate that that fatwa was being disobeyed or was on the cusp of being lifted,” Kent added.
Experts on Iran have widely dismissed the Iranian regime’s so-called fatwa against having nuclear weapons, noting Tehran has repeatedly lied about and tried to hide aspects of its nuclear program.
The interview occurred one day after Kent resigned from his senior intelligence position, saying he could not support the war and arguing Tehran posed “no imminent threat” to the United States. But it was Kent’s broader assertion, that pressure from Israel and pro-Israel voices influenced the decision to go to war, that especially drew swift pushback from the White House and national security experts.
In his resignation, Kent also drew parallels to the Iraq War, suggesting that similar dynamics shaped both conflicts by arguing that Israel pushed the US into the war.
“Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby,” Kent wrote in his resignation letter.
The Trump administration forcefully disputed Kent’s claims, maintaining that the decision to strike Iran was based on credible intelligence about threats to US forces and interests in the region. Trump dismissed Kent as “weak on security,” defending the operation as necessary to deter Iranian aggression and protect American personnel and allies.
“When I read the statement, I realized that it’s a good thing that he’s out, because he said that Iran was not a threat,” Trump said. “Iran was a threat.”
Kent himself previously described Iran as a major threat that needed to be addressed.
In a September 2024 post on X, for example, he wrote that “Iran has been after Trump since January of 2020 after he ordered the targeted killing of the terrorist Qasem Soleimani. This isn’t a new threat.”
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt lambasted Kent’s resignation letter as inaccurate.
“The absurd allegation that President Trump made this decision based on the influence of others, even foreign countries, is both insulting and laughable. President Trump has been remarkably consistent and has said for DECADES that Iran can NEVER possess a nuclear weapon,” she posted on social media.
Kent previously faced scrutiny during his US congressional runs in Washington state over links to far-right, antisemitic, and white nationalist figures, including Nick Fuentes.