Ken Reid living broadcaster’s dream

Ken Reid, who grew up in Pictou, has turned a love for sports into a career in television bradcasting that has hit a high mark with his participation on the Sportsnet sports network during the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London, England. He can be seen doing reports on the network this week and next week as the Games continue through Aug. 10. (Submitted photo)

A sports broadcaster who grew up in Pictou can add Olympic coverage to his resume.
Ken Reid, who graduated from Pictou Academy 20 years ago, is among Sportsnet staff with a ticket to the 2012 Summer Olympic Games that began last weekend in London, England.
“My career has taken me through Dartmouth, Calgary, Edmonton and Toronto and I’ve got to see a lot of country and sport event, but I never thought I’d be going to the Olympics,” he said.
“This is the cherry on top of the cake.”
Reid left Toronto July 24 and started on air Saturday with regular shows from 6 to 8 p.m. Atlantic time. He says working on one of Canadian television’s sports channels ties in with his aspirations as a kid growing up in Pictou.
“It’s something I always wanted to do,” he said. “I always loved sports.”
Besides the schooling needed to become a sports journalist, Reid credited the late Charles Keating with giving him a chance at Keating’s cable TV outlet in Dartmouth.
“Charlie Keating gave me my first break, that’s how I got my foot in the door,” Reid said. “It led to a lot of things. People have been really cool over the years with their support.”
Reid cites voices from the present and past as idols he’s looked up to: Bob Cole, Dick Irvin and the late Danny Gallivan.
“They meant a lot to me,” he said. “You try to emulate them. Then you realize the best way to success is to be yourself.”