Inside 680News: Peter Coleman

1. What is the memorable news story you’ve covered?

Sadly my two most memorable news stories were the ones that left me sobbing on air, almost unable to do my job. The coverage of the Paul Bernardo trial and the funeral for Pierre Trudeau; especially Justin’s farewell to his “Papa.”

2. What are your hobbies?

My hobby is producing home movies as if they are Hollywood releases with music, special effects and credits. So far the family indulges me with rave reviews of my yearly production. I have noticed sometimes “General” my cat tends to fall asleep in the middle.

When I’m not at 680News, weekdays I tend to spend my time reading newspapers, local and from around the world — love the internet. Weekends usually find me in the kitchen as I enjoy cooking for intimate dinner parties; with friends. Politics and world affairs tend to dominate the conversation.

I’d say my signature dish is prime rib with Yorkshire pudding. The latter I think — after 40 years — I have finally moved pretty close to what my mother used to serve up every Sunday when I was growing up. For fun, I enjoy whipping up pizza. My love affair with cooking seems to have carried over to my two adult children who both have surpassed their Dad’s abilities. So when the grand children visit I stick to making grilled cheese.

3. What is your favourite place (country, city) visited and why?

My favourite cities, aside from Toronto, are Kyoto, Toyko and New York City. The latter being so close I used to visit once a month for several years to visit friends. One of my fondness memories is climbing Mt. Fuji in Japan with my son and his best friend (who I call my No. 2 son). We only made it halfway up but it wasn’t because of Dad. We just ran out of time as we had a tour scheduled at the fire department on the Fuji U.S. military base.

4. If you’d have another career, what would it be?

I have always wanted to be a radio news anchor, but if I was to do something else it would be making documentary movies.

5. Do you like/drink coffee or tea?

I have been know to change cruise lines because the coffee (black) served wasn’t to my liking.

6. Do you have any children?

Yes.

7. Do you have any pets?

Yes, a cat named “General.”

8. How long have you been with 680News/Rogers?

I’ve been with 680 since the beginning, after working radio and TV in Toronto in the ’70s and the ’80s in Montreal as a news director and host of a noontime talk show.

9. Which living person do you most admire?

My son.

10. What is your motto?

What’s important is how you perceive yourself!

• Read more about Peter on the 680News bio page.