Did you know that CBC Vancouver’s show, Hot Air, currently hosted by Margaret Gallagher, is the CBC’s longest-running radio show? Yep! They launched on May 23rd, 1947 and have been bringing you “jazz from all eras” ever since. And by “ever since” of course I mean “for the past 65 years”.

I asked Margaret if Hot Air might be the oldest Canadian radio show period, beyond the CBC, and her answer was that she’s not sure; that it’s hard to keep tabs on all of the private broadcasters out there. She thinks that the closest in age is CBC’s own Fisheries Broadcast, launched in 1951, but she can’t say with certainty that this is true.

So two things, dear readers:

1. Margaret has invited you all to celebrate Hot Air’s 65th anniversary at CBC Vancouver, at a FREE concert detailed below!
2. Bring me the name of a radio show that is currently on air, on any radio station in Canada, which was launched before May 23rd, 1947. Until then, I am crowning Hot Air with the Oldest Radio Show in Canada crown!

Photo: Jschneid, Creative Commons

CBC Radio Hot Air’s 65th Anniversary Concert – June 22, 5:30 PM
This event is a representation of Hot Air through the ages. Not so much a decade by decade review, the tunes will shine a light on jazz styles and musicians featured over time on Hot Air. The selected musicians led by multi-instrumentalist, Ross Taggart. This show will be a must-see jazz fest event. RSVP for seats at rsvp.radio@cbc.ca.