Anthony McCormack

Lore & Background

McCormack's early radio work began with the sketch comedy show "Porcelain Slap", which he co-hosted with Hugh R. Macdonald on late Sunday nights in 2005. He soon moved to SYN's flagship drive-time show, "The Wind Up", where he participated in publicity stunts including a campaign to get his co-host onto the television program Neighbours. In 2006 he became heavily involved in "The Naughty Rude Show", an informal look at sex and relationships that allowed listeners to SMS questions into the studio; the show rotated young people in guest-hosting roles to offer varied viewpoints.

McCormack was also involved with other SYN programs such as "Sketchy at Best", "Panorama", "Pen Island", and the "Get Cereal Breakfast Show", for which he served as the first Executive Producer. "Get Cereal" first aired on Monday 26 February 2007, featuring three hosts volunteering five days a week from 6am—a first for the station. In 2009 he wrote, directed, produced and anchored a television version of "The Naughty Rude Show" for Channel 31, which dealt with taboo sexual topics in a light but respectful manner. The show was often cited as an example of Channel 31's relevance during its struggle to obtain a digital broadcast license, which was finally granted in November 2009.

Starting in 2012, McCormack served as moderator for the community TV game/comedy show "31 Questions" for all three seasons it aired, also acting as a player in skits, writer, editor, and judge. Since that show, he has been co-host of the Channel 31 political satire show "The Leak" and host of its spinoff satire quiz show "Quiz Night" since its inception in the fall of 2017.

Reader's Guide

McCormack's significance lies in his role at SYN, where as the station's first Creative Director in 2007 he helped shape youth-driven radio content. His work on "The Naughty Rude Show"—both on radio and television—addressed sexual topics in a comedic yet respectful manner, resonating with young audiences. The television version became emblematic of Channel 31's struggle for a digital broadcast license, frequently cited as proof of the channel's relevance; the license was granted in November 2009. The show's two Antenna Awards in 2010 further underscored its impact. McCormack's later work on "31 Questions", "The Leak", and "Quiz Night" continued his involvement in community television, providing platforms for satire and comedy. His career illustrates the role of community media in fostering diverse, youth-oriented programming and in advocating for public access to broadcast licenses.

Did You Know?

• McCormack was SYN's first Creative Director in 2007.
• His first radio show was the sketch comedy 'Porcelain Slap', co-hosted with Hugh R. Macdonald.
• The television version of 'The Naughty Rude Show' won two Antenna Awards in 2010.
• He has hosted the quiz show 'Quiz Night' since its inception in fall 2017.