An integral member of a Newfoundland broadcasting dynasty and a local radio pioneer has passed away.
Joseph V. Butler, the son of VOCM Radio founder Joseph L, Butler passed away on Wednesday at the age of 93.
Joseph V. Butler took over at the helm of the Colonial Broadcasting System at the young age of 22 when his father died in a plane crash while searching for a lost child in 1954.
The younger Butler expanded the VOCM empire from it’s original location on McBride’s Hill to open CHCM in Marystown in 1961. The following year he opened CKCM in Grand Falls-Windsor. Later expanding to Gander in 1968 and Baie Verte in 1971.
He opened stations in Clarenville and Carbonear in 1981, and established VO-FM, now known as K-Rock in 1982.
He created the VOCM Cares Foundation, dedicated to local charities and helping children, raising more than $3.5 million for distribution to some 170 organizations over a 16 year period.
Joseph V Butler (left) with VOCM General Manger, the late John Murphy, Elmer Harris and Vince Gallant of VOCM News
Butler was awarded with an Honourary Life Membership in the Atlantic Association of Broadcasters in 1991, and was inducted into the Canadian Association of Broadcasters’ Hall of Fame in 1992. He was also inducted into the JA Business Hall of Fame in 2006.
After selling the VOCM Radio Network to Newcap Broadcasting, he operated Metal World, a steel fabrication business with locations in Torbay and Argentia.
Cremation has taken place, and there will be no visitation as per his request. Donations in his memory can be made to a charity of one’s choice.
