Subject: CFTR CONTEST PROMOS
Station: CFTR Toronto
Date: 1972-73
Time: 11:54

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(Description by Dan Haber)

There are a plethora of airchecks on this site deservedly highlighting the talent that made Top 40 such a great format. But you can't forget the amazing contests and promos that contributed to those stations' overall sound.

When CFTR officially went rock and roll in 1972, they started with Canada's First Tremendous Ripoff (which happened to be their call letters when shortened to initials). But it was the syndicated Last Contest, which originated out of KCBQ in San Diego, which really garnered attention. The prizes were amazing, worth thousands and thousands of dollars, with the advantage that they almost never gave anything away.

In the beginning, they used to call people live on air, giving out their home addresses in the process. That would never happen today but the live element caused them a lot of grief back then. It's hilarious how skilfully the great Steve Young (a.k.a. Keith Elshaw) handles two embarrassing situations without missing a beat. And in an unusual moment, somebody actually wins a huge prize from one of these random calls.

Enjoy the CFTR contest promos here. 


(The Dan Haber Collection)