CBC BROADCAST CENTRE TORONTO: An ICON in KING WEST

The CBC Broadcast Centre Toronto in King West is where CBC’s English language radio and television networks, and the French language radio station, CJBC call home. And it’s right in the middle of the action of the Entertainment District and King West Village.

The CBC Broadcast Centre Toronto in King West is iconic for its unique architecture and state-of-the art production facilities that have attracted worldwide attention. But there’s something else that has brought much attention to Canadians on-air: the young, hip generation of broadcasters the network has attracted to its television and radio programming.

George Stroumbolopolos, Your boyfriend George, as he refers to himself can be found on TV weeknights, and on CBC radio on the weekends. He also can be found frequenting the coffee shops in King West Village, and at the sporting events at the Rogers Centre. George is equally comfortable in front of the camera and the microphone and brings a varied background as both a former VJ and on-air celebrity, to the CBC. Some call him a breath of fresh air. Whatever you call it, Strombo is an original, with a huge fan base of followers.

Amanda Lang is another of the CBC’s most popular journalists, and she has a solid business background to go with her cool demeanour. She is also the perfect foil for Kevin O’Leary as they trade barbs about the business world. You might see them debating the latest stock market reports if they’re hanging out at the CBC. Or you might see Lang just relaxing with her family or strolling amongst urban neighbours in the stylish King West Village.

And of course there’s Jian Ghomeshi. When it comes to rhythm, Ghomeshi has it in spades. A former member of the band Moxy Früvous, Ghomeshi was a singer-songwriter and musician, so he really has an understanding of the rhythm of CBC’s music, and its culture. He is a frequent host for award shows, and his pop culture program “Q” has the highest ratings in its radio time slot, and is also seen weekly on CBC-TV. His shows sell out in minutes, so if you want to see Ghomeshi live, you have to be on the ball.

Last but not least, Rick Mercer. You can’t talk about the CBC without talking about Rick Mercer. He films his weekly rants for his show in the King Blue neighbourhood and all around the city, roaming the streets and the highly decorated back alleys. He has also climbed to the top of the CN Tower. Mercer is a native of St. John’s Nfld., but now calls Toronto home. He attracts well-wishers wherever he’s seen in King West.

And these are the people in our neighbourhood!