Allan Slaight

$1.25 B

Ranked #1356 in World

About Allan Slaight

John Allan Slaight (1931-2021), a luminary in the Canadian broadcasting and media industry, hailed from Galt, Ontario. His career, spanning over five decades, began with a fascination for magic before venturing into radio at CHAB in Moose Jaw. Slaight's innovative strategies propelled Toronto's CHUM radio to the forefront, leading to his vice presidency and board membership at Radio CHUM-1050 Ltd. His entrepreneurial spirit flourished with the founding of Slaight Broadcasting Ltd., eventually acquiring and revitalizing Global Television Network. Slaight's legacy extends beyond broadcasting; he was instrumental in launching the Toronto Raptors NBA team and demonstrated profound philanthropy, contributing significantly to health, arts, and education through the Slaight Family Foundation. His contributions earned him a place in the Canadian Association of Broadcasters Broadcast Hall of Fame and an appointment as a member of the Order of Canada.

Born

January 01, 1933 in Galt, Ontario, Canada

Died

September 19, 2021 (aged 88)

Source Of Wealth

Broadcasting

Industries

Media

Citizenship

Canada

Residence

Ontario

Spouse

Ada Mitchell (1950-1987), Emanuelle Gattuso (1995-2021)

Children

3, including Gary Slaight

John Allan Slaight was born on July 19, 1931, in Galt (now Cambridge), Ontario, Canada. He was the son of Florence Eileen Wright and John Edgar (Jack) Slaight, a newspaperman. From a young age, John developed a passion for magic, performing as "Will Powers" and touring Western Canada. He eventually owned a large-scale magic show under the "Slaight & Co" banner and published several magic titles. Slaight also co-hosted an annual magicians conference called "31 Faces North."

Allan Slaight: Family

John Allan Slaight was married twice. His first wife was Ada Slaight, with whom he had two children: Gary Slaight and Marla Slaight. After Ada's passing, John married his second wife, Judy Slaight.

Allan Slaight: Career Highlights

John Allan Slaight's career in broadcasting began at the age of 17 at his father's radio station CHAB in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. He worked as a news reporter, announcer, and jazz program host. Slaight then moved to Edmonton, Alberta, where he worked at CFRN and CJCA before joining CHED-AM as News Director and Merchandising Director. In 1958, he was hired as program and promotions manager for the Toronto-based CHUM radio station. Slaight successfully instituted a new format and made CHUM the number one radio station in Toronto. He was later appointed Vice President of Radio CHUM-1050 Ltd and elected to the board in 1965.

Allan Slaight: Companies

Throughout his career, John Allan Slaight founded and led several companies. He established Allan Slaight Limited and formed a strategic partnership with Stephens & Towndrow for advertising and communications consulting. In 1970, he founded Slaight Broadcasting Ltd. and raised funds to purchase radio station CFGM-1310 AM. Slaight also acquired CFOX-AM in Montreal and merged Slaight Broadcasting Ltd. with IWC Communications, gaining ownership of additional radio and cable media systems. He later renamed IWC Communications Ltd. to Radio IWC Ltd. and acquired controlling interest in Urban Outdoors.

Slaight's most notable acquisition was Standard Broadcasting Corporation, which he revitalized and expanded significantly.

Allan Slaight: Major Achievements

John Allan Slaight's major achievements include transforming CHUM into the number one radio station in Toronto, successfully acquiring and restructuring the debt-ridden Global Television Network, and revitalizing Standard Broadcasting Corporation. He also played a key role in launching the Toronto Raptors, one of the first NBA franchises outside the United States.

Allan Slaight: Awards & Achievements

John Allan Slaight received numerous awards and recognitions throughout his career. He was inducted into the Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB) Broadcast Hall of Fame in 1997, received an Honorary Doctor of Commerce from Ryerson Polytechnic University in 2000, and was appointed as a member of the Order of Canada in 2001. Slaight also received the Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award from the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) in 2005.

Allan Slaight: Personal Life & Legacy

John Allan Slaight was known for his philanthropic activities, particularly in the areas of health and arts. He made significant donations to various Canadian charities, including the Art Gallery of Ontario, Princess Margaret Hospital, OCAD University, and the National Ballet of Canada. Slaight also established the Slaight Family Foundation and supported numerous organizations through it. He was passionate about magic and founded the Allan Slaight Radio Institute at Toronto Metropolitan University. Slaight's legacy includes creating Canada's largest privately and solely owned multimedia company and being a pioneer in the Canadian media industry.

Allan Slaight: Trivia

John Allan Slaight was known as the "father of rock radio in Toronto" and was instrumental in bringing rock and roll music to mainstream radio in Canada. He also had a passion for collecting antique cars and owned a significant collection.

Wealth History

Timeline

July 19, 1931

John Allan Slaight is born in Galt (now Cambridge), Ontario, Canada.

1958

Slaight is hired as program and promotions manager for Toronto-based CHUM radio station.

1965

Slaight is appointed Vice President of Radio CHUM-1050 Ltd and elected to the board.

1970

Slaight founds Slaight Broadcasting Ltd. and raises funds to purchase radio station CFGM-1310 AM.

1985

Slaight acquires Conrad Black and Montegu Black's Hollinger Argus Ltd.'s 49% stake in Standard Broadcasting Corp.

1997

Slaight is inducted into the Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB) Broadcast Hall of Fame.

2000

Slaight receives an Honorary Doctor of Commerce from Ryerson Polytechnic University.

2001

Slaight is appointed as a member of the Order of Canada.

2005

Slaight receives the Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award from the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS).

2021

John Allan Slaight passes away.

Allan Slaight : FAQs

What is Allan Slaight's net worth?

As of 2014, Allan Slaight's net worth was $1.25 billion.

What are Allan Slaight's main sources of wealth?

Allan Slaight's main source of income comes from Broadcasting.

In which industry does Allan Slaight primarily operate?

Allan Slaight is primarily involved in the Media industry.

Is Allan Slaight dead?

Yes, Allan Slaight died on September 19, 2021 (aged 88).

How many children does Allan Slaight have?

Allan Slaight has 2 children.

Who was John Allan Slaight and what is his legacy in Canadian media?

John Allan Slaight (1931-2021) was a Canadian rock and roll pioneer and media mogul, known as the 'father of rock radio in Toronto'. He founded Slaight Broadcasting Ltd., acquired numerous radio stations, and created Canada's largest privately owned multimedia company. His legacy includes transforming the Global Television Network to profitability and significantly influencing the Canadian broadcasting landscape.

How did John Allan Slaight start his career in magic and broadcasting?

John Allan Slaight developed a passion for magic at a young age, performing under the name 'Will Powers' and later owning a large-scale magic show. He began his broadcasting career at 17 at CHAB, his father's radio station, and moved through various roles in radio before making CHUM the number one station in Toronto as its program and promotions manager.

What role did John Allan Slaight play in the founding of the Toronto Raptors?

John Allan Slaight partnered with John Bitove Jr. to launch the Toronto Raptors, holding a 39.5% share. Disagreements over building a separate arena led Slaight to invoke a 'shotgun clause', gaining 79% control. Eventually, the Ontario Teachers Pension Plan bought out Slaight, integrating the Raptors into Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment.

Can you detail John Allan Slaight's philanthropic contributions?

John Allan Slaight's philanthropy extended across health, arts, and journalism. Notable donations include $5 million to the AGO, $50 million to Princess Margaret Hospital for cancer research, founding the Slaight Family Foundation, and supporting Canadian NGOs with millions. He also funded awards for magicians and contributed to serious journalism through The Walrus.

What honors and public service roles did John Allan Slaight hold throughout his life?

John Allan Slaight held numerous honorary positions and was actively involved in public service, including as a trustee of Women's College Hospital and director of United Way of Greater Toronto. He was inducted into the CAB Broadcast Hall of Fame in 1997, appointed as a member of the Order of Canada in 2001, and received several other distinctions recognizing his contributions to broadcasting, philanthropy, and public service.