Broadcaster Mike Critch remembered as 'friend to all'

Former local radio broadcasterMike Critch has died at the age of 93.

Critch was a journalist withVOCM for over 20 years starting in the 1960's, and is father to comedian Mark Critch and radio personality Mike Campbell.

He passed away at St. Patrick's Mercy Home on Sunday.

Critch was known for his distinctive style and presentation, and was a household name in provincial broadcasting during his tenurein the industry.

Friend,colleague, mentor

Long-time friend and colleague Gerry Phelan took some time to reflect on his relationship with Critch during an interview with the St. John's Morning Show Monday.

"Mike was a friend, a colleague, a mentor, a teacher, I could go on-and-on," he said.

"He was by far, and I say this after being in the business for more than three decades, the most trusted newsman in Newfoundland and Labrador."

Phelan said that one of the things that made Critch such a good journalist was his commitment to fact-checking.

"Mike was one of the few who went above and beyond to make sure things were not just right, but they were correct," he said.

He was by far, and I say this after being in the business for more than three decades, the most trusted newsman in Newfoundland and Labrador.- Gerry Phelan, former VOCM news director

"Sometimes he would make five and six calls just to verify what would become a 30 second voicer. It wasanabsolutelyamazing thing to watch."

A trusted voice

Phelan said people trusted Critch, who worked as a court reporter, more than most journalists in the business.

"Mike was a friend to all," he said."People would call our newsroom and they would not speak to anyone but Mike Critch."

Even though Critch spent his career reporting news in Newfoundland and Labrador, Phelan said his reputation extended outside the province as well.

"You could walk into a news room in Toronto, and this guy from Newfoundland, Mike Critch, was somebody that people asked you about," Phelan said.

Special kind of broadcaster

Phelan said despite having an unconventional voice for his time, people accepted him as one of the province's best newscasters.

"Mike came from the time when most journalists had those booming voices, and he didn't try to be bigger than he was," Phelansaid.

"He was just that special kind of broadcaster because he was Mike Critch."

A funeral mass will take place Thursday at the Basilicaon Military Road.