Diving star Alexandre Despatie joins Joanne Vrakas as host of City Montreal’s new Breakfast Television show
Despatie announced his retirement from competitive diving just two days prior to Thursday’s announcement. “The announcement of Despatie in particular has been enough to capture the interest of French-language media in Quebec, who could normally not care less about local English-language television,” media blogger Steve Faguy writes.
Two-time Olympic silver medallist Alexandre Despatie and former CBC Montreal television journalist Joanne Vrakas have been named hosts of City Montreal’s new Breakfast Television show.
“The announcement of Despatie in particular has been enough to capture the interest of French-language media in Quebec, who could normally not care less about local English-language television,” media blogger Steve Faguy writes. “The two hosts have been doing the rounds at Breakfast Televisions across the country this morning, which is a bit odd because people who watch those shows won't be watching BT Montreal.”
Despatie announced his retirement from competitive diving just two days prior to Thursday’s announcement. The live show will debut in August from City’s downtown Montreal studios. Rgers launched the Montreal station in February. Last week, the company shut down its 24-hours CityNews Channel in Toronto.
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“Alex is one of Canada’s most inspiring athletes. His drive, passion, and charming personality, complemented by Joanne’s flair and breadth of broadcast experience in the city, will bring a unique English-language morning show to Montreal television,” said Bob Babinski, executive producer for City Montreal, in a statement.
[node:ad]Wilder Weir, co-host of City’s weekly sports magazine show, Montreal Connected, will join the team and report from the field as the Live Eye host.
Check out their interview with City's Toronto Breakfast Television show:
*Photo and video courtesy of Rogers Media
Tamara Baluja is an award-winning journalist with CBC Vancouver and the 2018 Michener-Deacon fellow for journalism education. She was the associate editor for J-Source from 2013-2014.