Margaret Lyons facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Margaret Lyons
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| Born | November 21, 1923 Mission, British Columbia, Canada
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| Died | October 4, 2019 (aged 95) Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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| Other names | Keiko Margaret Inouye |
| Alma mater | McMaster University |
| Occupation | Radio executive |
| Awards | Order of Canada |
Keiko Margaret Lyons was a very important person in Canadian radio. She was the first woman to become a vice president at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). Margaret Lyons is famous for leading the "Radio Revolution" at CBC Radio. This was a big change that made radio shows more popular and fun. Because of her, we have shows like Quirks and Quarks and As It Happens. She was recognized for her work and became a Member of the Order of Canada in 2010.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Margaret Lyons was born Keiko Margaret Inouye on November 21, 1923. Her family lived in Mission, British Columbia. In 1942, her family and many other Japanese-Canadians had to leave their homes. This was a difficult time for them.
Her family then moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba. There, Margaret worked in homes to help her family. In 1944, she moved to Hamilton, Ontario. She worked as a maid at McMaster University while finishing her high school studies. After that, she went to McMaster University. She studied economics and earned her degree. Later, she married a fellow student named Ed Lyons. They moved to London, England.
Career in Broadcasting
Margaret Lyons started her career in radio in 1952. She worked as a typist for the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) in England. About a year and a half later, she became a producer. She worked on news programs about Asia for six years.
In 1957, Margaret interviewed Lester B. Pearson, who later became a Canadian Prime Minister. He had just won the Nobel Peace Prize. He told her she should work in Canadian journalism. So, in 1960, Margaret moved to Toronto. She became a producer for public affairs shows at CBC Radio. She quickly moved up in her job.
Margaret Lyons led the current affairs department at CBC Radio. She also managed the AM radio service. In 1983, she made history. She became the vice president of network radio. This made her the first woman to be a vice president at the CBC.
The Radio Revolution
In the early 1970s, CBC Radio was having a tough time. Its shows were seen as too serious and boring. Margaret Lyons was given the job to make them better. She wanted to make radio more fun and easy to listen to.
She hired many young and talented people. These included hosts like Barbara Frum, Mark Starowicz, and Peter Gzowski. Margaret also started playing pop and rock and roll music on her programs. She stopped making very long documentaries.
Under her leadership, CBC Radio created popular shows. These included Quirks and Quarks, As It Happens, and Morningside. These big changes were called the "Radio Revolution." It made CBC Radio much more popular with listeners.
Some people did not like all the changes. But many others, like CBC executive Peter Herrndorf, said she was one of the most important radio leaders in 60 years. They said she was great at finding new talent.
In 1986, Margaret Lyons moved back to London. She worked there as the Director of European Operations for the CBC. She retired from the CBC in 1991 and returned to Toronto.
Awards and Recognition
McMaster University gave Margaret Lyons an honorary degree in 1996. This was a special award for her achievements. The university's Lyons New Media Center is named after her. In 2010, she was made a Member of the Order of Canada. This is one of Canada's highest honors. It recognized her amazing work in broadcasting.
Personal Life
Margaret Inouye married Ed Lyons in 1949. They had two children, a son and a daughter. Margaret also spent six years on the McMaster University Senate. She helped local groups that worked to save history and support Japanese culture.
Images for kids
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Margaret Lyons, a leader in Canadian radio.
