Considering the bare-bones “just chilling in the studio”-vibe of early-era Much Music broadcasts, you’d think there wouldn’t be much to see behind the scenes that wasn’t already on the air. But compared to the highly choreographed glamfest we know today, it’s still refreshing to reminisce about a more laid back time in Canada’s pioneering broadcast history.
Dana Lee, a Professor at Ryerson University’s RTA School of Media and Operations Supervisor at Much Music and CityTV throughout the 1980s and 90s, shared this glimpse behind the scenes at the Nation’s Music Station circa 1986 on YouTube this week. The footage shows VJ Erica Ehm casually throwing to requests, making faces at the camera and showcases what can only be described as a enviably easy-going work environment.
“A rare behind the scenes look at a typical Saturday at Much, spring 1986, at 99 Queen Street East,” writes Lee. “This is the kind of casual freedom we were allowed back then. Get the job done, but feel free to have some fun during the production.” Sounds nice.
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Michael Kolberg is The Sprawl Editor at Toronto Standard. Follow him on Twitter for jokes @mikeykolberg.
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