54 - Bob Sumner

A lot can happen in 30 years of broadcasting, and in this episode Bob Sumner, AKA News Bob, walks us through his lengthy career in broadcast media, from his first TV job at the Calgary ’88 Olympics through the golden age of broadcasting and up to today when Twitter drives the news cycle. We talk about about witnessing history 5 feet in front of your nose, the importance of objective journalism, how to stop fearing change, and the bizarre Calgary icon known as Crack Macs.

When Calgary’s craft beer scene began to develop Bob would have the opportunity to meet Mark and other key players in the local beer scene, and would find himself gravitating towards doing news stories about the amazing things going on in this community. It would prove to be a welcome reprise from the doom and gloom that normally dominates the news cycle that put Bob at the epicentre of every fire, car crash, and murder in the city.

Even with the inspiration of Calgary’s brewers Bob would find himself feeling burned out on being a bad news dude and as he approached 60 felt it was time for a change. Today Bob is the Director of Media Relations and Business Development at Parker PR, a boutique Public Relations firm based in Kensington. Now News Bob gets to be only a good news dude, helping local businesses and brands to build up their following through news appearances, community building, and giving back to the community around them.

What’s next for Bob? Who knows! In five years he thinks perhaps he’ll retire, but doesn’t think he’ll ever truly be out of the game. One thing is for certain though, Bob will be heeding the call of the open road atop his motorbike.

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Get your own copy of the books and music discussed in this episode:

Mark Manson | The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck

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Let’s Meet For A Beer!

Alberta Beer Festivals: website | twitter | instagram

Bob Sumner: website | twitter | instagram