Longtime CBC radio producer Michael Finlay died Tuesday of complications following a random assault in Toronto’s East End, his family confirmed.
In a note to staff, CBC Executive Director of News Collection and Operations Kathy Perry said he will be remembered as an extraordinary storyteller, documentary maker and editor.
Finlay retired from CBC in 2010 after 31 years in public broadcasting.
Perry said Finlay “traveled around the world” and produced radio documentaries for many shows, including: sunday morning.
he later became an editor World at Sixhe was famous for his knowledge of the news.
“He inspired journalists and producers to tell great stories,” Perry wrote.
“Michael had very strong ideas about the script, the story, and the composition, so it can be difficult for veterans, but nearly every reporter he has ever worked with said the story was better because of Michael. I said it did.”
According to Toronto police, Finlay was attacked by a stranger on the afternoon of January 24 as he was walking down Danforth Avenue, a busy thoroughfare known for its many shops and restaurants.
They did not specify Finlay’s name, but police said in a news release that the victim of the attack fell to the ground and suffered serious injuries as a result.
They described the suspect as a man in his 20s, about six feet tall and of slim build. Police said he was last seen wearing a red paper mask with flames, a black sweater and black trousers. He left the area on foot after the attack. .
Frank Koller is a former foreign correspondent for the CBC who worked with Finlay. sunday morninghe said, “had a laser-like sense of what could be big news anywhere in the world.”
In a Facebook post, Koller said it was his dream to work with Finlay.
“I wanted to work with him because he knew better than anyone what it takes to be a ‘good radio’. He knew what good journalism was. He was also an obsession with good grammar and pronunciation, music and the tone of well-spoken English,” Koller said. he wrote
“He wasn’t always the easiest man in the world to get along with… short-tempered, sarcastic, a human chimney when smoking waned, sometimes moody, a human browser of virtually everything + anything. Years before the internet…favorite?”
Laura Lynch, veteran CBC journalist and current host of climate-focused radio show the wholecommenting on Koller’s post, said Finlay was a staunch supporter of his colleagues on duty.
“Many times he was on the other side for me. ,” Lynch said.
Arrangements for Finlay’s memorial service have yet to be announced.
Police are asking anyone with information to call 416-808-5500 or anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477).
Police released this image of the suspect:
