Legendary Canadian sports broadcaster retiring after 40 years at TSN
Make the final, Vic Rauter has announced his retirement.
More than 40 years after first joining TSN, Vic Rauter will call his last sporting event this weekend. He’ll put down his microphone for the last time on Sunday, as he calls the LGT World Men’s Curling Championship.
A number of Rauter’s TSN colleagues are paying tribute to him on social media.
“What a legend,” said James Duthie. “Congrats Vic on a half century of gifting us one of the smoothest voices and deliveries in broadcasting.”
Darren Dreger called him a “legend in the industry.”
“A true gentleman,” added Jennifer Hedger.
Rauter’s 53-year broadcast career began at CFTR Radio in Toronto, before moving to Global Television Network and CBC.
He joined TSN during its infancy in September 1985, when the Canadian sports network had been on the air just one year.
Known as the “voice of curling” in Canada, Rauter has covered just about every sport for TSN. He’s also one of the few broadcasters in the country with his own catchphrase, saying “make the final” whenever announcing a game’s final score.
Vic Rauter joined TSN during its infancy in 1985 (TSN)
“When you’re a 19-year-old walking into a job at a radio station right out of college, you just can’t fathom this moment. But after an amazing 53 years on the air… I’ve made the decision that this is the right time to step away,” Rauter said in a press release.
“I’d like to express a sincere thank you to all the fans who have watched us over the years, to my incredibly talented colleagues, and the wonderful friends I’ve made along the way. It’s been truly unforgettable, and I’ll cherish the memories always.”
Rauter has worked with countless analysts on TSN broadcasts, but none more famous than Will Ferrell. Playing the character Ron Burgundy, the American actor joined the TSN broadcast booth during a 2013 curling event in Winnipeg.
The promo video was hilarious, with Burgundy trash-talking Rauter.
“Vic is an icon of sports broadcasting in Canada, and his exceptional work is a valuable example to any aspiring broadcaster who dreams of spending their career behind the mic,” said Shawn Redmond, vice president and general manager of Bell Media Sports. “On behalf of everyone at TSN, we thank Vic for his incredible contributions to the network, and we wish him all the best in his retirement.”
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