Ken Newans, a CTV Calgary sportscasting legend, has died. He was 95. Newans began his broadcasting career in Moose Jaw, Sask. In 1968, he moved to Calgary to become a member of the sports team at CFCN TV and radio In 1971, Newans was promoted to sports director where he held that position until his retirement in 1996. His former co-anchor, Barb Higgins, called Newans one of her “all-time favourite coworkers.” “He was a force. He cared so much about community and he brought that passion and energy to the newsroom and our news set every single day. I loved and respected him,” Higgins said. “When Ken retired, I felt like I had lost my left arm. I will forever be grateful to have known and worked with him.” Newans had a distinguished career. He covered countless sporting events, including seven Olympic Games, and 30 Grey Cup games. For 12 seasons, Newans was the voice of the Calgary Stampeders and later became the public announcer at games. He was a member of CTV National football broadcasts and was a feature reporter with CTV’s Wild World of Sports As big as those events were, Newans also had a passion for amateur sports and that he passed along to all of his staff. “Noodles”, as Newans was affectionately known, was the only person to receive the Fred Sgambati Award twice for his coverage of Canadian university sports. He also received the University of Calgary’s Athletic Departments’ Distinguished Service Award in 1992 and the Peter Connellan Award for his unwavering support of Dinos football. Newans was inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame in 2011 as a multisport builder. He’s also in the Canadian Boxing Hall of Fame and was inducted into the CFL reporters Hall of Fame in 1991. “Ken Newans was talented, passionate, and kind,” said CTV News Director Jeff Little. “As a legend in our industry, he never hesitated to lend a hand to those just beginning their careers. “I was lucky enough to be one of those people and, like so many others, I owe Ken a tremendous debt of gratitude.” CTV Calgary sports anchor Glenn Campbell also worked with Newans. “Ken Newans was a legend in sports broadcasting in Calgary,” Campbell said. “He took a chance on me and when he hired me to join the sports department at CTV Calgary back in 1992 and I’m forever grateful. “Ken taught me about hard work and the importance of covering all sports, not just professional athletes,” Campbell added. “I got to watch Ken as a kid and it was a thrill to be able to work alongside him. May he rest in peace.”
