Canadian Media Legend Jay Switzer Passes Away at 61

Jay Switzer, a legend of the Canadian media industry, has died at the age of 61 after a battle with brain cancer.

Switzer’s mother, Phyllis Switzer, helped found Citytv, where he began working when he was just 16. He eventually became program manager of the station. Later, he was named CEO of CHUM channels, launching an array of specialty services that include Much, Bravo, CP24, FashionTelevision and Space. In 2010, Switzer co-founded Hollywood Suite, where he served on the board of directors as chair of the Canadian independent broadcasting company.

Switzer was an active board member serving organizations such as the Canadian Association of Broadcasters, the Banff Television Festival, the National Association of Television Program Executives and the Toronto Film Board. He served as chair of the board of GlassBOX Television from 2009 to 2011 and most recently served on the boards of OUTtv, Shaftesbury Films and Comweb Corporation.