Rose Kingdon, a prominent figure in Canadian broadcasting, has died at 65. Kingdon, who formerly served as the director of Broadcast News at The Canadian Press (CP), was found dead in her Toronto home on Friday. Her career spanned nearly four decades, leaving an indelible mark on the Canadian media landscape.
Kingdon's journey in broadcasting began in southwestern Ontario, where she secured her first radio position at CKLA in Guelph. She later worked at CKEY in Toronto before joining Broadcast News, then a subsidiary of The Canadian Press, where she spent 38 years. Rising through the ranks, she held various positions, including reporter/editor, audio editor, newscaster, and senior editor, before being appointed director of Broadcast News in 2012.
Throughout her career, Kingdon oversaw coverage of significant events, including the World Trade Center attacks, the 2003 blackout, and Canada's mission in Afghanistan. Editor-in-chief of The Canadian Press, Andrea Baillie, praised Kingdon's dedication and work ethic, stating, "Her dedication to CP was second to none... She had exacting standards and an unbelievable work ethic, but she was also such a softie — kind, generous, funny, wry and always ready to lend an ear. We are heartbroken". Kingdon's passion for radio was evident from the start, recalling it as "love at first on air light". In 2023, upon receiving a lifetime achievement award, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to "make great radio" and "cover some of the biggest stories of our time".
Kingdon's legacy extends beyond her professional achievements. She mentored many journalists and was known for her sharp wit and kindness. Colleague Ellen Huebert fondly recalled Kingdon's humour during breaking news situations, saying, "You would be in the newsroom and something would happen, and she would give you her take on it, and people would be killing themselves laughing". Her contributions to Canadian broadcasting will be remembered by her colleagues and the countless individuals she impacted throughout her career.
