Tag Archives: Breakfast Television

Kevin Frankish leaving Breakfast Television Toronto

It’s the end of an era at Breakfast Television Toronto as co-host Kevin Frankish announced he is leaving City’s flagship morning show. His last day will be Friday, June 1.

Frankish made the announcement on-air on Tuesday morning and on social media with fellow co-host Dina Pugliese by his side.

“We have shared so much together for so many years,” he read from a statement, his voice quavering. “Many of you who started watching me as kids come up to me now as parents with kids of your own. Some of you may remember when I proposed to my wife on air. I have shared with you the birth of all four of my children. When I had a panic attack on air, I shared that with you and we have since gone on a journey of battle with depression together. In fact, many of you, in turn, have shared so many of your stories. We are truly family. It is this fact that makes what I have to say so difficult.

“All good things must come to an end eventually, and so sadly has my time here on Breakfast Television,” he continued. “Friday will be my last day on this program. I am not disappearing, though, from the CityTV airwaves. I will be working on documentaries for CityTV.” You can read the full statement here. Frankish’s wife, Beth, was in-studio and came to sit next to Frankish and Pugliese before the segment headed to a commercial.

Frankish has been the host of Breakfast Television on City since 1994, when he replaced David Onley. Prior to that, Frankish was the host of Barrie’s The New VR for nine years.

It’s not clear whether Frankish is departing Breakfast Television under his own terms or because changes to the show itself are imminent. Back in 2016, Jennifer Valentyne departed the program due to a programming change, followed by Tanya Kim last year.

 

Facebooktwitterredditlinkedinmail

Comments and queries for the week of April 8

Jennifer Valentyne exits Breakfast Television Toronto

Such a loss. So much energy and a truly good person. What is the matter with the people at Rogers? —Eleanor

You have made one big mistake. I for one will never again watch City TV. How do people like you sleep at night? —Bernadette

We can all say Jenn is better off, but I am pretty sure she doesn’t feel that way. The truth is that it’s a crappy situation all around. Same thing happened at CHCH and it sucks. I won’t say I am not going to watch BT anymore because there still are great people on, however it’s so annoying when these big corporate companies come in, take over and put people out of jobs. I personally wish you all the best Jenn, and look forward to hearing about your new adventures. Keep smiling even through the hard days. We love you, xoxo. —Andrea

A special call out to Jenn and Gord. Not sure most of you know, but both of them have been huge supporters of The Children’s Breakfast Club, an Ontario charity that supports less fortunate kids in Ontario. The club receives all of its support through private donations, no government ties. Both Jenn and Gord were huge club supporters and showed us for many years to garner support for Rick and the team! You could say it was part of their job, and they did a heck of job doing it! Best of luck Jenn, and luck will have little to do with your success in the future! —Bill

Perfect example of the decision makers not really having their finger on the pulse. I’m sure this decision was made in a corporate boardroom by a suit that has no idea of her viewer loyalty. Often it’s a money decision disguised as a direction change, but a smart decision would’ve been to work her into whatever new direction they were taking and valuing 23 years of solid viewer loyalty. Another station WILL scoop her up and take her 23 years of viewers’ loyalty as well! —EZ

Another nail in the coffin of watching BT. I was a loyal viewer for years, but with more commercials than news content, less host interaction, boring talk segments and now Jennifer leaving. I am watching CP24 each morning. I’ve had it with Rogers TV! —Rita

Well! No reason to watch BT in the morning before going to work anymore. Best part of my day was watching happy-go-lucky Jennifer.
Jenn, you can do better than BT! Take some time off and relax … you deserve it! —Rod


Will Bryan Baeumler ever come to any state in U.S.? Love his show and his work. None better! Thank you. —Barbara

The best way to keep track of Bryan Baeumler’s upcoming events and appearances is by heading to his official website.

 

Got a question or comment about Canadian TV? Email greg@tv-eh.com or head to Twitter @tv_eh.

Facebooktwitterredditlinkedinmail

Jennifer Valentyne exits Breakfast Television Toronto

Rogers couldn’t have picked a worse day to announce Jennifer Valentyne has left Breakfast Television Toronto. While many fans assumed it was an April Fool’s Day prank done in poor taste, the reality is Valentyne is gone. TV, Eh? received the following statement on Friday:

“I can confirm that Jennifer Valentyne is no longer with Breakfast Television. This move is a result of a larger BT strategy in which the Live Eyes in each market have been eliminated and replaced to give viewers more of what they want with local news and information. As a result of the position being eliminated, we explored other on-air TV opportunities for Jennifer within the organization, but were unable to find a position which she considered comparable. We truly value the contribution Jennifer made to BT over the years and we wish her all the best as she moves on to her next venture.”

Earlier in the day, BT Toronto co-hosts Kevin Frankish and Dina Pugliese took to Twitter to share the sad news.

Frankish

 

Dina

 

Early Friday evening, Valentyne took to Facebook to leave a message for fans:

“I am sorry to say that the news is true. I’m sad that Breakfast Television’s decision to go in a different direction has meant that I will no longer be on the show. I want to thank you so much for your outpouring of love and support. I have read the comments on the BT Facebook page and I’m overwhelmed with emotion. You never really know how people feel about you. I know now and it’s giving me comfort and strength. I am very fortunate to have been part of your lives for 23 years. I don’t know what the future holds but I will keep you posted. I love you all.
Jenn xo”

Valentyne began her career in 1987 when she began working at Citytv as an intern. Upon graduating from Centennial College’s Broadcasting program she worked as a graphics operator at MuchMusic, then as an on-air promotions creator for MuchMusic and Citytv before joining Breakfast Television.

The news comes just days after Jody Vance exited Breakfast Television Vancouver.

Facebooktwitterredditlinkedinmail