The Montreal sports journalism community is mourning the loss of a revered voice. Michael Whalen, the veteran TSN broadcaster who covered the city's sports scene with distinction for over two decades, passed away last week at the age of 82.
A Voice of a Golden Era in Montreal Sports
Whalen served as TSN's bureau reporter for Montreal and Quebec from 1986 to 2007, becoming the network's first reporter stationed outside of Toronto. His career spanned a pivotal period, covering everything from the glory and heartbreak of the Montreal Expos to the closing of the historic Forum and the tumultuous departure of Canadiens legend Patrick Roy.
Colleagues remember him not just as a skilled journalist, but as the ideal companion during the inevitable downtimes of the job. In the world of baseball coverage, the ultimate compliment is to be considered "a good guy to have around in a rain delay." Whalen, often alongside French-language counterpart Serge Touchette, was precisely that—a master storyteller who could turn a long wait into an engaging experience.
From Music to Medicine to the Press Box
Whalen's path to sports broadcasting was unconventional. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, he hosted a music program for CBC Radio. He counted among his career highlights an interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono during their famous "Bed-in for Peace" at Montreal's Queen Elizabeth Hotel in 1969.
He later transitioned to medical reporting at CFCF, where he first teamed up with cameraman Glen Koshurba, witnessing procedures from hair transplants to spinal surgery. This foundation in general news reporting served him well when he moved to sports. He brought a depth and professionalism that colleagues admired, focusing on eliciting real answers rather than seeking camera time.
Glen Koshurba, his longtime cameraman, recalled the early days at TSN as a time of forging a new path. Together, they covered 20 spring trainings, built relationships with Expos stars like Moises Alou and Larry Walker, and reported on the 1994 baseball strike that shattered Montreal's World Series dreams.
The Professional's Professional
Described as tall, dapper, and possessing a mellifluous voice, Whalen was a "pro's pro." His calm demeanor put athletes and coaches at ease, which allowed him to conduct insightful interviews. He was part of a respected generation of Montreal journalists, including Dick Irvin and Ron Reusch, who set a high standard for the craft.
However, he was not uncritical of the sports world's evolution. He was deeply troubled by the rise of exorbitant salaries, the erosion of loyalty, the steroid era, and the downplaying of concussion risks to athletes' health. A dedicated music lover, he even felt his hearing was at risk from the overpowering speakers in the then-new Molson Centre press box, yet he endured it night after night to cover the story.
His career with Bell Media ended when he was forced out at age 65, a move that many felt prematurely sidelined a reporter still at the height of his abilities. The professionalism he embodied, colleagues note, was irreplaceable.
Michael Whalen is survived by his wife Michèle, daughter Leah, and son Nicko. Reflecting on his life and career with his friend Koshurba before his death, Whalen simply stated, "I've had a good run and I'm good with that." For those who listened to his reports and shared a dugout or press box with him, it was a run that defined an era of Montreal sports broadcasting.
