Award-winning sports broadcaster Scott Russell will unite television audiences across Canada during the Paris Olympics next month before signing off for the final time as a host at the end of the summer “with a lifetime of memories” after nearly 40 years with the CBC.
Russell will step down following the Paralympics, which run Aug. 28 to Sept. 8, also in France.
“CBC Sports has been my home for my entire career in broadcasting,” he stated in a news release. “The places I’ve been, the friendships I’ve made, and the sport I’ve witnessed, leave me with a lifetime of memories.
“On top of that, I’ve been fortunate to work with the best people in the business.”
It’s time, Russell noted, for his next chapter and is excited about the future, including his role as chancellor, or ceremonial head at Nipissing University in North Bay, Ont.
Since breaking into the business in 1985 as a reporter with CBC Charlottetown, Russell has covered 16 Olympics, including six as host, and led the network’s coverage of six Pan Am Games, six Commonwealth Games, two FIFA World Cups and a pair of Women’s World Cups.
Scott’s genuine passion for sports … has helped inspire and ignite the country around global sporting competitions for close to four decades.— CBC executive VP Barbara Williams on Scott Russell
A longtime host of the weekly CBC Sports Presents, Russell was also a rinkside reporter for CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada for 14 years.
After one year in Charlottetown, he turned to sports and quickly established himself as a talent.
For four years starting in 1988, he was a sports reporter and anchor in Montreal until moving to Toronto as a network sports commentator.
Hosting Bell Paris Prime
“Scott’s genuine passion for sports and his vast knowledge of athletes, past and present, has helped to inspire and ignite the country around global sporting competitions for close to four decades,” CBC executive vice-president Barbara Williams said in a statement.
During the Paris Games, Russell will host Bell Paris Prime from the City of Lights, starting July 27. The program will feature the day’s biggest sporting events, including swimming, athletics and Canada’s appearances in basketball and soccer.
It will air each day from 12-6 p.m. ET on television and be live streamed at CBC’s Paris website, the CBC Paris 2024 app and CBC Gem.
“His contributions to CBC Sports’ coverage over the years, across all platforms, cannot be understated,” Williams said, “and his authentic commitment to Canadian athletes and Canadian sport remains unwavering.”
WATCH | CBC Sports host Scott Russell to retire after Paris Olympics and Paralympics:
Award-winning broadcaster Scott Russell joined Heather Hiscox on CBC Morning Live to announce that he will retire after nearly 40 years with the CBC.
An acclaimed author of three books, Russell has earned numerous accolades throughout his broadcasting career including:
- Canadian Screen Award
- Gemini Award (15 nominations)
- Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for contributions to sports in Canada
- George Gross Award for outstanding broadcasting from Sports Media Canada
- Medal of Distinction from Toronto Sports Hall of Honour
- CBC President’s Award in the Brand Champion category in recognition of his dedication and enthusiasm for his work covering amateur athletics
Russell is also an honorary board member of the Paralympic Foundation of Canada, advisory board member for the International Centre for Olympic Studies at Western University and has an honorary doctorate (D.Lit.) from Nipissing University.
“Oh my God, noooooo!” Rogers told The Canadian Press with her jaw dropped upon hearing the news. “He’s such an icon. Oh my God. I mean, what an incredible career. What an amazing person. Oh my God. You’re gonna make me emotional.
“I’m kind of in shock, actually. I love him. He’s such a huge sweetheart and always such a big fan and supporter of everything that we do.”