Advisory Board

The College of Sports Media is committed to delivering the best sports broadcasting education in the country with the highest standards and the best reputation.

In order to achieve this, we’ve enlisted our expert Advisory Board to help us create the most dynamic, relevant, and cutting edge course content, giving students a solid and advantageous start in the broadcasting industry once they graduate.

The the College of Sports Media Advisory Board:

Phil King - TSN
Anthony Cicione - The Score Television Network, Sirius Satellite Radio
Joel Darling - Director of Production, CBC Sport
Joe Thistel - Director, Sports/Talk Programming - XM Canada
Nelson Millman – The FAN 590
Deb Sanderson – The Shopping Channel, formerly with Rogers Sportsnet

Phil King

President, TSN

One of the most powerful and well-connected executives in sports television, Phil King brings a unique dynamic to his role as President of TSN, the top-rated specialty channel in the country. King's vision and leadership in the competitive marketplace has strengthened TSN's position as the number one source for sports in Canada.

King oversees the day-to-day operations of TSN, including programming, production, acquisitions and negotiations, marketing, sales, and the development of staff and talent. King is also responsible for sports digital services ESPN Classic Canada and NHL Network, as well as TSN.ca, Canada’s leading sports Web site, and TSN's new marketing division, TSN Events.

King joined TSN in 1989 as Audit Manager and quickly advanced to Manager of Program Administration, Director of Programming, and Senior Vice-President of Programming.

King graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a BA in Administration and Commercial Studies and Economics. He received his CA in 1988.

"It was without hesitation that I accepted an advisory board role with the College of Sports Media. The curriculum breaks ground in its practical and theoretical teachings by focusing on what's really needed in the professional workplace. In recognizing and anticipating current and future trends the College of Sports Media will change the way students learn, and in doing so change the landscape of the young professional."

Anthony Cicione

		VP of Programming and Production - The Score Television Network Anthony Cicione graduated from Ryerson with a BA in Radio and Television Arts in 1988 and today he holds what is arguably one of the most challenging jobs in the country as VP of Programming and Production for the Score Television Network.

Not only is The Score Television Network Canada’s only 24 sports news and information channel, but its license allows it to blend live event and other marquee properties to the mix.

Cicione’s responsibilities include overseeing all of the day-to day news and programming operations and his duties range from acquiring new properties to hiring talent to creating entertaining programming that fits into The Score’s Home for the Hardcore brand.

Preceding his current work at The Score, Anthony Cicione worked as VP of Programming and Production at what was previously Headline Sports. Cicione also spent 10 years at Global Television working on Sportsline.

“The College of Sports Media approaches radio and television broadcasting in a way that’s never been done before. From curriculum to equipment to facility, I was so impressed with the overall vision and goals for the graduate that I decided to join the faculty.

Joel Darling

		Director of Production, CBC Sport Joel Darling was appointed to the position of Executive Producer for CBC’S Hockey night in Canada in August 2000, after having been the Senior Executive Producer for CBC Sports for the previous three years. He was also the Executive Producer of the 2000 Olympic Summer Games in Sydney and the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City.

In addition to CBC’S Hockey night in Canada regular season broadcasts, Darling’s work also involves the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Stanley Cup Final, CBC’s Hockey Day in Canada, the NHL All-Star Game and the NHL Awards Show.

In 2004 Joe won Best Sports Program or Series for Hockey Day in Canada and he has won an impressive five Gemini Awards for his work including Best Live Sporting Event for:
-1997, Centennial Olympic Games
-1998, the 18th Olympic Winter Games
-2000, Pan Am Games
-2002, Hockey Night in Canada: First Saturday of the 50th Season

In 1980, Darling gained his first TV experience as associate director of NHL Hockey on ESPN. He worked with CBC’S Hockey Night in Canada from 1981-1986. From 1983-1986, Darling provided play-by-play commentary as well as produced Toronto Marlborough Hockey on radio. He was associate producer from 1984-1986 for Buffalo Sabres Hockey and later became the producer, and was also associate director of Global Television's presentation of the NHL Playoffs for the 1987-‘88 season.

After working for CTV as associate producer for the 1988 Winter Olympics and NBC for the 1988 Summer Olympics, Darling joined the CBC as an associate producer and was promoted a year later to producer. He has served as executive producer of the CFL on CBC for two years and produced four Grey Cup games.

Darling’s major sports event experience also includes the 1989 Canada Summer Games and the 1990 and 1994 Commonwealth Games. His Olympic work includes the 1992 Winter Olympics (Albertville); he was senior producer at the 1996 Summer Olympics (Atlanta) and the 1998 Winter Olympics (Nagano).

"The difference between theory and reality in sports media is vast. Who teaches a broadcasting student can make all the difference in the world in that student's future in the business. The College of Sports Media understands that, and will pay special attention to the faculty based on experience and expertise in the field of broadcasting. It will create a broadcasting post-secondary environment that will help ensure the success of every student."

Joe Thistel

Director, Sports/Talk Programming - XM Canada

Joe Thistel is one of Canada’s leading sports radio specialists, and has worked with some of North America’s most recognizable personalities including Pat Summerall, Don Cherry, Brian Williams, Bob McCown, Bob McKenzie, Jerry Howarth, Jim Tatti and Tom Cheek.

Joe’s many accomplishments include winning several National awards. He has been a pioneer in developing sports radio in Canada, including the country’s first all-sports station, The FAN 590, in Toronto.

Currently Joe is the Program Director of Sports for XM Canada where he oversees talk shows, call-in shows, and live play-by-play coverage of more than 1,000 NHL games per season (that’s over 40 a week!) including the NHL all-star game, the playoffs and the Stanley Cup.

“This is a cutting edge concept that caters to today’s expectations in sports media and anticipates future trends, both on-air and behind the cameras and microphones. It is long overdue. It’ll be fun to be a part of another sports media start-up especially one that will have a direct impact on the future of Canadian Sports Broadcasting”

Nelson Millman

Vice-President, General Manager, Program Director
Toronto’s Sports Radio The FAN 590

Nelson Millman has spent an impressive 34 years in radio, the last 15 of which at The FAN 590 in Toronto where he has worked under the titles of Vice-President, General Manager, and Program Director.

Millman is also an active part of The FAN Radio Network which produces and syndicates long-form and short-form programming across Canada. The network programming includes; a 2 hour daily show that is also simulcast television nationally on Sportsnet; the Toronto Blue Jays and Canada’s most listened to syndicated daily short-form show called Grapeline with Don Cherry.

Millman is also the proud co-chair of the Conn Smythe Celebrity Sports Dinner and Auction in support of Easter Seals. He has won a number of awards throughout his career, including ESPN Sports Radio PD of the Year and Broadcaster of the Year as awarded by the Broadcast Educators of Canada.

"It's incumbent on us, as broadcasters, to ensure we have people who are trained and ready to enter the broadcasting business. The College of Sports Media has implemented the necessary foundation to provide exactly that."

Deb Sanderson

		Vice President Of Broadcast, The Shopping Channel Director of Live Events, Rogers Sportsnet

For years Deb Sanderson has been one of the top sports production executives in Canada. Named as one of Canada’s Top 20 Most Influential Women in Sport and Physical Activity in 2004 Deb is a true trail blazer for women in senior television production positions across the country.

Deb was one of the original builders of CTV Sportsnet when it went to air October 1998. Her responsibilities included editorial direction, hiring producers, directors and commentators and making sure over 200 hours of live event programming went flawlessly to air on Sportsnet's four regional feeds!

Deb Sanderson oversaw Canada's busiest production of live event coverage as Director of Live Events for Rogers Sportsnet. Her portfolio includes coverage of NHL and Junior Hockey, MLB, NBA, PGA, Soccer, Lacrosse, and many other sports.

Deb has recently taken one of the top positions at The Shopping Channel and remains in the Rogers family. As Vice President Of Broadcast, Deb is responsible for 18 hours of live to air programming every single day.

“From a practical and production point of view the College of Sports Media sets new heights. Its relationship with the OUA allows students to learn what really goes into coverage of a live event from top to bottom. The hours and hours of live in-house and web-cast programming are unprecedented for a Canadian college or university. Its newsrooms, equipment and facility are as real as you’ll find in the professional workplace.