Maitland, Alan

Websites:  No
Origin: Toronto, Ontario → Vancouver, British Columbia, 🇨🇦
Biography:

Alan Maitland was a beloved Canadian broadcaster whose voice became one of the most familiar and comforting on Canadian radio for nearly five decades. Born on February 13, 1920, in Ontario, Canada, Maitland grew up with a deep love for literature, storytelling, and the spoken word — passions that would shape his lifelong career with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC).

Maitland joined the CBC in 1947 as an announcer shortly after the end of World War II. Over the ensuing years, he became one of the network’s most respected and recognizable voices, known for his warm, resonant tone and thoughtful delivery. While he performed many roles at CBC, he was particularly associated with As It Happens, a news and interview program that he co-hosted from 1974 until his retirement in 1993. His rapport with listeners and his thoughtful interview style helped define the program’s character for a generation of Canadians.

Beyond his work in news broadcasting, Maitland was especially cherished for his annual Christmas Eve readings on CBC Radio. His readings of short stories — including classics like O. Henry’s The Gift of the Magi and other seasonal favourites — became a cherished holiday tradition for many Canadian families. His ability to bring a wide range of literary voices to life on the air helped foster a national appreciation for storytelling and reflected his belief in the power of reading aloud to unite listeners.

Maitland’s contributions extended beyond radio. His storytelling segments and holiday readings were compiled into published collections, further cementing his legacy as a champion of literature and spoken performance.

After a distinguished career, Maitland retired in 1993. He passed away on February 11, 1999, in Vancouver, British Columbia, just two days shy of his 79th birthday. His death was attributed to heart failure related to congestive heart disease.

Alan Maitland’s legacy endures in the memories of listeners who grew up with his voice in their homes, and in the continued appreciation for the art of spoken storytelling he helped cultivate across Canada.