Foster Hewitt Essay example

Submitted By Alanli
Words: 396
Pages: 2

Foster Hewitt Foster Hewitt was one of the most influential Canadians of the 1920's and 30's, both in sports and media. He was the most acclaimed broadcaster of his time for hockey in Canada, was a pioneer in the fields of radio and television, and he brought hockey to its prominent position as Canada's sport. Firstly, Foster Hewitt was best known for broadcasting hockey on Saturday nights, a practice that still continues on today, in "Hockey Night in Canada". His first ever hockey broadcast most likely took place on February 16, 1923, working as a mere staff reporter for the Toronto Daily Star's radio station. Little did he know that his play-by-play broadcasting of hockey would lead him to nation-wide recognition and begin a tradition that would last to this day. Additionally, Hewitt was an innovator for broadcasting in radio and television. Before Hewitt, broadcasting for hockey was rare and unpopular. However, after he started broadcasting, he greatly increased the number of listeners and viewers of radio and television; He became a Canadian icon. In collaboration with Toronto Maple Leafs’ owner Conn Smythe, Hewitt began to broadcast for every Maple Leafs’ game. Many of the directors for the Maple Leafs objected, thinking that it would reduce ticket sales. Of course, they could not have been more wrong. Through his excellent broadcasting, Foster Hewitt was able to bring radio and television to the frontlines of entertainment in the 1920's and 30's. Finally, Hewitt