Veteran broadcaster Darrel Janz was pleasantly surprised to receive a distinguished award in Banff on Thursday and CTV Calgary was honoured with its own award.

Janz, who has been bringing the news into living rooms in Calgary for over 40 years, received the Hall of Fame Award during the Western Association of Broadcasters annual conference at the Banff Springs Hotel.

The WAB Hall of Fame award is the most prestigious honour that can be bestowed upon a Canadian broadcaster and is given to those who demonstrate excellence and leadership in the industry.

Darrel Janz was born and raised in Main Centre, Saskatchewan and started his career as a reporter in eastern Canada.

CTV Calgary management convinced Darrel to come to Calgary from London, Ontario in 1973.

“We worked with him to convince him that his future lay in Alberta,” said former News Director, Thompson MacDonald.

“I started with Darrel, started working with Darrel 40 years ago this year,” said Sports Anchor, Russ Peake.

“He got in the business the year I was born,” said former Anchor Barb Higgins.

Janz has spent many years behind the camera and has also passed along his broadcast experiences to the many students he has taught over the years.

“And everyone said, that’s Darrel Janz. I can’t believe it, he’s going to be one of our instructors,” said Len Perry, former student and Vice President and General Manager of CTV Calgary.

Those who have had the privilege to work with him say he is a true professional.

“You couldn’t work with anyone kinder, more thoughtful. He was non-confrontational. I really can’t say enough about Darrel,” said former sports broadcaster, Ken Newans.

“He’s a genuine gentleman and really a true professional,” said Peake.

“He’s just a really, really, nice guy, and that comes across,” said reporter Kevin Green.

“What stands out is the human being who is behind the career and I think that’ why he’s been so successful,” said Higgins.

Darrel Janz has been with CTV Calgary for 40 years and is still an integral part of our newsroom today.

Congratulations Darrel on your brilliant career and outstanding achievements from your broadcasting colleagues and co-workers at CTV News.

CTV Calgary wasn’t left out of the awards on the night, winning an award for outstanding community service for ‘Operation Renovation’, an annual project we take part in with our partners.