It was 70 years ago, on Saturday, July 17, 1954, that CFCM-TV, channel 4, went on the air at exactly 7 p.m. It was the first television station in Quebec City and the first private French-language station in America. It was located at 1000 Myrand Avenue (photo) in Sainte-Foy, a building that was demolished in recent years to make way for a large rental condo project. Few people know that at the time, the station was affiliated with Radio-Canada. It belonged to businessmen from the capital associated with Famous Players. Richard Garneau was its first anchor and Guy Lemieux its first sports announcer. Later, it was affiliated with the Télé-Métropole network, then with TVA. TVA Québec, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary, is now located in studios and offices at the Videotron Centre on Place Jean-Béliveau at Expo-Cité in Québec City. Photo Historical Society of Quebec
What memories
Here, from left to right, are four former employees of the CFCM-TV station: the journalist Bernard Chabotthe production manager Albert Paquetthe journalist Frank Fontaine (with CKMI, the English-language station, and CFCM-TV) and the reporter at the desk and coordinator Marc Dorval. Photo Richard Genest
This time, we find Suzanne Belangersales assistant; André Duquetformer host (Ye Ye What time) and sales manager, and the Doc (Gilles) Lapointe, host, singer and speaker in his spare time. Photo Richard Genest
Always from left to right: Claude Corriveautechnical supervisor; Maurice Labbémaintenance supervisor, and Denys Gosselineditor and publisher. Photo Richard Genest
Christian Rousselcameraman editor (in the foreground), with several colleagues from TVA Québec behind him waiting to serve themselves at the buffet. Photo Richard Genest
Birthdays
Nick Suzuki (photo), center player and captain of the Montreal Canadiens of the NHL, 25 years old… Olivier Dion, Quebec singer revealed at Star Academy in 2012, 33 years old… Kylie Jenner, American media personality, model, founder and owner of the cosmetics company Kylie Cosmetics, 27 years old… Josey Arsenaultradio host… Mathieu Royassistant coach with Cool-FM of the LNAH, 41 years old… Antonio Banderas, Spanish actor, 64 years old… Florent Vollant, Innu singer, 65 years old… Guy Richer, Quebec host and comedian, 70 years old… Remy GirardQuebec comedian and actor (The Barbarian Invasions), 74 ans… Louise Forestier, singer, actress and comedian, 81 years old. Photo MARTIN CHEVALIER / I GO
Missing
August 10, 2014: Frédéric Metz (photo), 70 years old, graphic designer, professor, author, communicator, who is also called the “pope of design” in Quebec… 2021: Tony Esposito78, former Chicago Blackhawks and Montreal Canadiens goaltender who had a career record of 418-302-148 from 1968 to 1984, including 74 shutouts. He won the Vezina Trophy three times… 2021: Maki Kaji69, the man who popularized sudoku by giving it its Japanese name in the 1980s… 2016: Maurice Ampleman92 years old, who served 12 years (1969-1981) as municipal councilor of the City of Lévis… 2015: “Buddy» Baker Jr.74, American NASCAR driver and sports commentator… 2013: Jean-Gilles Jutras, 86 years old, wine columnist and writer and ambassador of wine in Quebec… 2013: Eydie Gormé, 84 years old, American singer (Blame It on the Bossa Nova)… 2008: Isaac Hayes65, American soul music legend… 2001: Lou Boudreau, 84 years old, former baseball player and manager… 1995: Jacques Couture65 years old, priest and politician. Photo archives
