Arnie Jackson
Bell Memorial Award- Inducted 2025
Arnie Jackson, born on July 12, 1944, in Calgary, Alberta, is a renowned Canadian broadcaster whose career spans over six decades. His lifelong dedication to sports broadcasting, particularly in rodeo and chuckwagon racing, has made him a beloved figure in Alberta's sports community.
Early Career
Arnie began his broadcasting journey in 1962 at the age of 18, while still attending high school. He started as a DJ on CFAC Radio in Calgary, hosting the all-night show. After graduating, he ventured to CFSL in Weyburn, Saskatchewan, in 1964 to host the evening show. In 1965, he moved to CKLN in Nelson, British Columbia, where he served as a DJ and play-by-play announcer for the Nelson Maple Leafs hockey team during the 1965–66 and 1966–67 seasons.
Return to Calgary and Expansion into Sports Broadcasting
In 1967, Arnie returned to Calgary to work alongside legendary sportscaster Eric Bishop, providing on-air sports reports during Calgary Stampeders football games. He then rejoined CFAC, collaborating with another broadcasting icon, Joe Carbury, to announce road games for the Calgary Centennials of the Western Canada Hockey League.
Covering Rodeo and Chuckwagon Racing
Arnie's passion for rodeo and chuckwagon racing flourished when he moved to Red Deer to become the sports director at CKGY. He covered rodeo events, thoroughbred races, and live chuckwagon races across Alberta in towns like Benalto, Rocky Mountain House, Rimbey, Stettler, and Red Deer. He also covered curling during his time at CKGY and developed strong connections with Red Deer's Roy Talbot, Edmonton's Hec Gervais, and Calgary's Ron Northcott and Paul Gowsell.
In 1977, Arnie returned to Calgary to work in television with Ed Whalen and later at CBC-TV with Gary Arthur. In 1984, he became the first TSN sports stringer. From 1985 to 1988, he provided play-by-play commentary for Team Canada hockey on the CKO-FM All News Network, preparing for the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics.
Arnie began broadcasting chuckwagon races on radio in 1989, covering events in High River, Strathmore, Calgary, and Ponoka. In 1992, he teamed up with Jim Cummings to start live nightly TV coverage of chuckwagon races at major Alberta events on Shaw TV, continuing until 2012.
Chuckwagon Radio Network and Continued Contributions
In 2003, Arnie co-founded the Chuckwagon Radio Network with Billy Melville, providing live coverage of the World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) Pro Tour and the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby. He has remained an active host and broadcaster for WPCA Pro Tour Live on Rural Radio Sirius XM.
Education and Mentorship
Committed to nurturing future broadcasters, Arnie started a broadcast journalism program at Calgary Christian School in 2004 and 2005. He continues to mentor students at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), assisting them with field broadcast assignments.
Continued Sports Coverage
Arnie remains an active sports reporter, covering Calgary Flames home games for various outlets, including the Canadian Press and iHeart Radio. He also covers the Calgary Stampeders football games and provides driver profiles and rodeo results for the Calgary Stampede Chuckwagon Radio Network broadcasts.
Awards and Recognition
- WPCA Media Person of the Year: 1991, 2001
- Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) Broadcaster of the Year: 2005 (first Canadian to receive this award in the broadcasting category)
Legacy
Arnie Jackson's extensive career reflects his unwavering dedication to sports broadcasting and his passion for promoting amateur sports in Alberta. His contributions have significantly impacted the visibility and popularity of rodeo, chuckwagon racing, hockey, football, curling, and more. Known for his integrity, professionalism, and kindness, Arnie continues to inspire colleagues, athletes, and aspiring broadcasters.
