Two storied sports journalists will be returning to the airwaves next month on B.C.’s only independent, employee-owned TV station.
Don Taylor and Rick Dhaliwal are set to debut their new sports variety show, Donnie and Dhali – The Team, April 5 on CHEK.
The pair, along with producer Ryan Henderson, are well-known from their former radio show on TSN/Team 1040, a station that suddenly shuttered last month.
“When TSN 1040 closed, a lot of fans were very disappointed. And so were we,” says Taylor.
“The fact CHEK is an independent, local, employee-owned station, made our decision to join them a no-brainer. Fans in the Lower Mainland, Victoria and throughout Vancouver Island are going to have a relevant show that reflects them.”
The news generated plenty of buzz when it was announced Monday, and on Thursday even B.C. Premier John Horgan weighed in on the acquisition.
“Welcome to employee ownership, guys. Now that you’re on TV on the Island, I’ll have to send you [Western Lacrosse Association] Shamrocks hats!”
Welcome to employee ownership, guys. Now that you’re on TV on the Island, I’ll have to send you @WLAShamrocks hats! @DonTaylor5 @DhaliwalSports @RJHenderson7 https://t.co/hHvPIKEvVD
— John Horgan (@jjhorgan) March 18, 2021
Produced by Oh Boy Production Studios in Vancouver, Donnie and Dhali – The Team will air from 10 a.m. to noon, Monday to Friday on CHEK.
It will also be available on multiple digital platforms including CHEKNews.ca, as a live and on-demand podcast on Apple, Spotify and other podcast providers, and will also be provided on the soon-to-be-launched CHEK+ app for Roku, Apple TV, Amazon, Android and iOS.
Fans can expect the same quick-witted and humourous takes from Taylor and Dhaliwal, who promise a show for more than just hardcore sports fans.
“This is a sports variety show,” says Dhaliwal. “A lot of fun, a lot of anarchy, free-wheeling. It’s gonna be a great ride and an antidote to all the bad stuff going on right now.”
In addition to joining CHEK, the trio will also become part-owners of CHEK, which moved to an employee-owned model 11 years ago.
“We have focused very much on our local market,” says CHEK Media Group Chair Levi Sampson.
“Decisions are made here, not Toronto. We are delighted Rick, Don and Ryan are joining our team because team is what it’s all about.”
Catch Donnie and Dhali – The Team weekdays from 10 a.m. – noon on CHEK beginning April 5.
Ryan Henderson, Rick Dhaliwal and Don Taylor are returning to TV on CHEK starting April 5.
CHEK News
