John White Hughes Bassett

John White Hughes Bassett

John White Hughes Bassett, broadcasting executive (b at Ottawa 25 Aug 1915; d at Toronto 27 Apr 1998). The son of the publisher of the Montréal Gazette, Bassett graduated from Bishop's University in 1936 and became a reporter with the Toronto Globe and Mail. After wartime service with the Canadian Army in Italy and Europe, Bassett returned to run unsuccessfully as a Conservative candidate in the 1945 general election. He then joined the Toronto Telegram as its manager. In 1952 he purchased the Telegram and ran it until its demise in 1971.

Bassett diversified his interest in journalism by investing in television and sports. He sat as chairman of BATON BROADCASTING INC, which owns station CFTO in Toronto. He was at various times owner of the Toronto Argonauts football club and part owner of Maple Leaf Gardens. In 1962 he again ran unsuccessfully in a federal election, this time in Toronto's Spadina riding.

Known for his colourful and outspoken business style, Bassett was well connected in the social and business circles of Toronto and Montréal. Bassett's son John (d 14 May 1986) was an active businessman and sports promoter; his son Douglas (b 22 June 1940) is president and CEO of Baton; and his granddaughter, Carling BASSETT-SEGUSO, was an international tennis star.