I had the pleasure of working closely with Jim McCourtie for three years. Throughout our time together his coaching was incredibly valuable to me and my career. He was a very dedicated and hard working Program Director that constantly pushed me to learn and grow. Jim is an open minded individual which makes round table discussions about ideas and strategies enjoyable. On a personal level he is caring, understanding and patient, especially in a busy and ever-changing industry like Radio. His guidance and support as a leader will always be remembered and appreciated. I hope we cross paths again in the future!

Jim McCourtie is a supportive Program Director and I had the pleasure of working under his direction on 939 The River CIDR-FM for just over two years. His feedback was constructive and useful – his focus on personal brand building was so important. He celebrated strengths, challenged personalities to take chances and he listened to feedback. His authenticity is something that cannot be trained – he cares. He supports what he represents and is absolutely the “real deal” that many claim to be. I’d jump at the chance to work with Jim again and his advice is something I will always keep on my back pocket and carry with me the rest of my career.

Jim’s Radio Broadcast teaching with us at Humber College has been refreshing. First year students really enjoy his ‘frank’ talk on navigating the industry and his insightful patience as they begin learning the programming side of Radio.  

I met Jim in 1998 after joining Shaw/Corus in the GTA.  As a top-notch Production Manager for The Edge – he caught my interest with his passion for radio and ability to pull magic out of the air talent.  Jim’s attention to detail and appetite to “think outside the lines” made him an excellent Program Director for London.  He successfully brought Fm96 back to the #1 overall position – complete with a new air-staff.  He also rebranded and launched the Energy/Fresh franchises – again with new air-staff.

Jim’s understanding of management mechanics (regulatory and budgeting) and his leadership in coaching, content innovation and his understanding of the connection between audience and advertisers, make him an excellent candidate for Senior Management.

 I’ve had the opportunity to work with Jim McCourtie through two different points in my career. As a young announcer the weekly air checks helped me become a better announcer not only on air, but at live events that I also hosted. Jim also taught how to prep and organize a show so when I was on air I was prepared to put forward the best show that I could. That led to my next job where I would still keep in touch with Jim and be air checked by him. I eventually had the chance to come back to FM96 and this time be in a programming role as Music Director. Jim helped show me the points of programming to make FM96 successful and sound the best that it could. There’s too many lessons that I learned from Jim to recount. I can say that I owe a lot to him and he’s taught me more than anyone else in my radio career. I would always jump at the chance to work with Jim again any time.

Jim McCourtie helped me discover skills I didn’t even know I had. Sure, I thought radio would be a fun career choice revolving around things that I love (music and telling stories). What I didn’t know at the time, was that a news reporter can indeed become a radio jock with a little help from a wise and encouraging program director.  He’s a well-rounded broadcaster and programmer – because he’s done everything from production to managing personalities, he has several resources to offer.  That’s the type of mentor I’m open to taking advice from.  He really has seen and heard it all and therefore can speak on behalf of so many aspects of the business.  Jim also taught me how to take constructive criticism and turn it into something positive. Although Jim was my first program director, still to this day, his airchecks have been the most valuable for my career.  I can still hear him in my head when I say the word, “like.” 

 I worked as a morning show host and later afternoon drive and music director under Jim’s supervision. Without question, Jim is one of the greatest motivators I have met, he is the “go to person” when conflicts arise — and is always looking forward, almost predicting the forthcoming change and being proactive. Jim has almost the perfect balance of letting creative juices flow, yet remain in control of the outcome. He looks out for his team, and morale is a constant even with uncertain times. He has built a reputation as someone who has a laser vision and this vision is what will take a company places. I witnessed him turn a faltering rock station back to number one, and also re-brand a tired CHR into a money and ratings producing machine. In fact, he set the building up for success long after he was promoted to a larger market. Simply put, Jim is your guy — and has the performance record to prove it. 

To whomever it may concern (if it doesn’t concern you, please stop reading),

Jim McCourtie gave me my start in radio. But he’s also done a lot of good for the industry.

When I worked for Jim, he was always supportive of my creativity. He didn’t say no. We would always try things. He’d let me throw it against the wall to see if it sticks.

In that instance we learned that “throw it against the wall to see if it sticks” was too visual of a bit for radio.

Jim recognized that my idiosyncrasies were keys to my success in radio. He doesn’t look for the announcer, he looks for the personality. Jim opened the door for my on air personality to come out. Unfortunately, neither of us remembered to close that door and several other personalities have emerged. That said, my psychiatrist assures me that very few of them are dangerous.

Through Jim’s coaching and guidance, I was able to land my first major market job. I’ll never forget the day I told him I got the gig and I was leaving for another station. I had never seen him so happy. And he was happy for me too.

Over the years, I stopped thinking of Jim McCourtie as a boss, and started thinking of him as my friend, in spite of his insistence that he’s not.

Jim is a great program director. One day I hope to be half the program director he is. Preferably the top half so I can still look at stuff.

 Jim’s background in Creative and Production Departments made him an absolute dream to collaborate with as a writer. Whether it was a large group brainstorm for major client pitch or a one on one conversation at 6 in the morning about a silly idea for a piece of imaging – Jim’s creative mind (and his door) were always open. Jim is an excellent leader. His passion for radio is infectious, and the three years I spent working with Jim and the support he gave me were invaluable to my development as a creative writer.

If you’re reading this because you’re thinking about hiring Jim McCourtie… do it! In our time together, Jim took my skills to another level. His coaching style is that of subtle encouragement. His door was always open, ideas were welcome and he made you feel part of a team chasing a common goal. Jim’s skills extend way beyond managing people. With a creative mind for promotions and writing, along with his production background and a love of music, Jim possesses the right combination that make him the perfect PD.

Jim hired me for the evening show at 953 Fresh Radio in Hamilton, when I was the swing announcer at 102.1 the Edge in Toronto working overnights and weekend mornings. He gave me the opportunity to have my very own show, because he saw something in me. Before working with Jim while still at the Edge, I would send demo’s from time to time and he would give me feedback. Did he have to do this? No, but it shows the kind of person he is. He cared about your career and wanted to help you evolve, he took the time, even if you were at a different station in a different market. And while working with Jim at Fresh in Hamilton, he was nothing but supportive and was  always was looking for ways to get you to the next level, whether it be in weekly air check or doing bits with me on air. Jim was all about your personal brand and finding ways to integrate it into your show, endless ideas.  He would always find  opportunities for me to host events or do interviews to get out into the community. Work life balance was also important to Jim, and if you were stressed or needed help, he would try to come up with a solution. He is your biggest cheerleader even when you cannot be one for yourself. 

I’ve known Jim on a personal and professional level for over 10 years.   In that time, I appreciated his passion for radio, his compassion for his fellow co-workers and his ability to brain storm and make you think outside the box.   I still apply many things I’ve learned from Jim.   

Jim McCourtie is both someone that I respect and admire. He is the hardest working Program Director I’ve ever had the privilege to work with, and he consistently puts in 10+ hours in the office and then heads out multiple times per week to see a band, attend a station event or take part in charitable work. Jim’s coaching is instrumental in my Morning Show reaching #1 with Men and #2 with Women in one of the most competitive radio markets in the country. He also genuinely cares about his team and co-workers, which is, unfortunately, a rare attribute in this modern world. Jim not only pushed me, but supported me daily to be the best announcer and programmer I could be. We’re living in an era where people are afraid to take chances and are far too comfortable with letting someone else take the lead. Jim is a leader, that any company would be lucky to have on their team. I truly hope that I have the opportunity to work with him again in the future.

 I had the pleasure of working with Jim directly at the Edge, and indirectly throughout Corus. I saw him blossom into a top notch PD and I continue to hear from just about every talent he has ever worked with who are quick to comment on what a solid PD and Leader he is. They state that he is one of the best they have worked for. They say he is a solid leader who is patient, trusting, and has a healthy respect for all. They are happy to say they would gladly work for him again should the opportunity arise. I also know that Jim is a solid strategic thinker who is very imaginative. Jim McCourtie appreciates, lives and breathes good radio!

 I had the extreme pleasure of working with Jim in London at FM96 and Fresh Radio. Jim taught me how to carefully manage a brand. He was instrumental in grooming me to become a Program Director in another one of our other markets. I watched him create and develop the Fresh Brand, grow the talent around him and consistently look for ways to colour outside the lines and innovate our brands. Jim has a very good work ethic, he is very creative and not afraid to take a chances on people and the ideas they believe in.

Jim was instrumental in helping me understand the mechanics of what it takes to build a morning show.  He helped us develop each of our own characters so we could get the most out of everyone on the team.  We started at FM96 at #5 A25-54 and, with Jim’s guidance, we made it to #1 within 6 books.  Keeping all the different pieces of a show running smoothly isn’t always the easiest task.  We were lucky to have Jim in our corner to help keep the whole team happy so we could continue to deliver results.  I consider myself very fortunate to have had the chance to work with Jim early in my career as a morning show host, as I have been able to use these tools to this day. 

 Jim McCourtie hired me to do afternoons on the air at Y108 in Hamilton.  He was a great cheerleader for my show, always encouraging me to strive to be the best I could be (without the Pom Poms).  Jim believed in regular air checks and meetings to make sure the show was on point and thinking about what people would be talking about next.  His creative background helped when brainstorming for show bits and features and he was always supportive of my ideas.  Jim also cared about work life balance and would ask about my family regularly.  He was very understanding if anything was going on in my personal life. He also loved going to shows and watching live music, and was a great concert buddy.  Jim was an awesome boss to have and I continue to use the on air skills I learned through his coaching daily.

Jim McCourtie is a proactive, engaging Program Director who works well with all departments within a cluster.  He is a positive influence in the building.  He is extremely approachable and supports Sales by collaborating with team members to generate solid content that not only provides positive experience for our listeners but also revenue generating opportunities for sales.  Jim focuses on solutions that are beneficial to both client and station.  He is extremely creative and dedicated as an ambassador of his stations and the community. 

 Jim was my Program Director for five years at 95.3.  He always kept an open mind and had a ” have you thought of this approach? ” attitude when guiding our show with content.  Quick to support his on air staff with coaching and air checking, he was helpful with his critiques and I still apply many of his methods when planning a show.

 Jim is a great coach and mentor who really helped me take huge steps in my performance.  He genuinely wants to help on-air talent reach their potential and never makes you feel like he’s ‘telling you what to do’ only challenging and enabling you to refine your content ideas to be the best.  He believes in personalities and their ability to be difference makers in radio while also possessing a great toolbox of ideas and strategies to navigate today’s modern media landscape.

 ​I had the privilege of working with Jim for 4 years. During our time together, Jim played a crucial role in helping to create and tone my on-air brand. His ongoing coaching, guidance and support helped me to develop significantly as a professional radio host. Jim has a natural ability to offer a new and unique perspective on many topics and situations, and was always sharing creative ideas that were interesting and appealing to me as well as the modern radio listener. Jim is a cool person who is in tune with good music, trending topics and the interests of people.

Jim McCourtie saved my career…twice!!