MARK CONNOLLY, HOST OF CBC RADIO'S EDMONTON AM, ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

CBC

4 days ago

After an exceptional 37-year career with CBC, Edmonton AM host Mark Connolly has announced his retirement. His final broadcast on CBC Radio's Edmonton morning show was today, Thursday, July 31.
Connolly began his career with CBC in 1988 as a sports reporter, a role he held for more than two decades before transitioning to anchoring television news in 2010. He made the transition to radio in 2013, becoming host of Edmonton AM. For the past 12 years, he has served as a trusted voice and champion for the Edmonton community. During his career, he also played a key role in CBC Sports' programming, covering 12 Olympic Games and reporting from major sporting events around the world.
"My 36-plus years at CBC have given me more opportunity than I ever dreamed of,' Connolly said.
'Going to the Olympic Games was a thrill and the chance to travel the world while doing a job I loved. And hosting Edmonton AM has been such a pleasure to share my love of our city while hearing from so many interesting people. I look forward to hyping our city in my semi-retirement."
Connolly's connection to CBC goes back to his teenage years when he worked as a janitor at the local station. That early exposure sparked a passion for broadcasting that led him to study at NAIT before taking on play-by-play duties with the AJHL's Fort McMurray Oil Barons. He later worked in private radio in Fort McMurray, Red Deer and Edmonton before joining CBC.
Known for his deep knowledge of the city, journalistic integrity and warm on-air presence, Connolly has become a listener favourite across the province. Off the air, he has also been a regular host and speaker at community events throughout Alberta.
'I've always appreciated Mark's passionate support of Edmonton and northern Alberta,' said Stephanie Coombs, director of journalism and programming for CBC Edmonton.
'Whether he was covering the Olympics, interviewing guests on Edmonton AM or meeting people at community events or live broadcasts, it was always clear that this place, and its people, holds a very special place in his heart. I know that our listeners felt that with Mark and it's why he connected so well with them.'
In addition to his broadcasting accomplishments, Connolly has been a mentor and leader in the newsroom, helping colleagues sharpen their storytelling and presentation skills. He has also played a key role in fostering CBC Edmonton's workplace culture, contributing to mentorship programs, social events and staff celebrations.
'Working with Mark has never felt like a job because we're co-workers and friends,' said Edmonton AM traffic and weather reporter Tara McCarthy. 'He has such a wealth of knowledge about Edmonton because it's the city he knows and loves. He's incredibly generous, kind and curious — which is why he's been the perfect host for Edmonton AM all these years. I wish him the absolute best in retirement, but it's extremely obvious how much the listeners, our morning team and all his CBC colleagues will miss him.'
For Connolly, the time is right to retire. 'I think I'm ready to move on to the next thing — and not wake up at 3:45 in the morning.'
-30-
About CBC/Radio-Canada
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada's national public broadcaster. Through our mandate to inform, enlighten and entertain, we play a central role in strengthening Canadian culture. As Canada's trusted news source, we offer a uniquely Canadian perspective on news, current affairs and world affairs. Our distinctively homegrown entertainment programming draws audiences from across the country. Deeply rooted in communities, CBC/Radio-Canada offers diverse content in English, French and eight Indigenous languages: Dëne Sųłıné, Dene Kǝdǝ́, Dene Zhatıé, Eastern Cree, Dinjii Zhuʼ Ginjik, Inuktitut, Inuvialuktun and Tłı̨chǫ. We also deliver content in Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Punjabi and Tagalog, as well as both official languages, through Radio Canada International (RCI). We are leading the transformation to meet the needs of Canadians in a digital world.