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To My Mentor: The Warm and Friendly Voice of CBC Radio

A tribute to CBC journalist Susan McNamee.

As a student, I’ve been very fortunate in having some fantastic teachers and mentors. The greatest gift a young person can receive from a teacher is the example of making a difference in the lives of others. I’d like to thank a very special woman for making a difference in mine!

I wish to honour my wonderful mentor, veteran CBC journalist and broadcaster, Susan McNamee. She leaves her career in broadcasting, just as I begin mine.

After 31 years as a broadcast journalist with CBC, her final sign-off at CBC Radio Vancouver took place October 14, 2011. Known as, “the warm and friendly voice of CBC radio,” McNamee had an illustrious career as a national reporter, news anchor and show host. The highlight of her career was as a war correspondent for the Gulf War, as she was the first woman to report from the Persian Gulf.

I had the good fortune of meeting Susan in 2009, when I was selected from an open audition call to be a student reporter for CBC News Day. Susan helped spark my interest in broadcast journalism and ignited the possibilities of it becoming my career. Her kindness, generosity and commitment to helping young journalists was clearly evident. Despite her busy schedule, Susan kindly offered to mentor me, and I am truly blessed to have had her support and guidance!

Susan strongly believes in the value of mentoring and the benefits of training and teaching while on the job. She states, “I had fantastic mentors that helped me along the way.” Her advice, “Choose your attitude, respect co-workers and remember to take a little time to play!” Wise advice for any profession!

In one of our mentoring sessions, Susan and I discussed how broadcasting has changed since she first started her career. When she entered the industry, she was strictly a journalist, but technology has changed and so much is being asked of journalists nowadays. Young journalists are expected to feed so many mouths: TV, radio and the web. Quick reference doesn’t allow for the depth of journalism that was done in the past.

On her final day at CBC, Susan thanked listeners for spending the last 31 years with her and allowing her to be part of their lives. Susan, THANK YOU for being part of ours! I am so lucky and grateful to have received your mentorship, encouragement and kind support. You have been a truly inspiring mentor and an amazing role model who leads by example!

With gratitude,
Ceilidh Millar
Broadcast Journalism Student, BCIT