The Voice of Nova Scotia: Legendary Nova Scotia broadcaster Rick Howe dies at 69

CITYnews halifax / By Amber Leblanc

His famous line at the end of his talk show was “If you’re not outraged, you’re not paying attention”.   Rick Howe, the host of “The Hotline”, one of the longest standing talk shows in Atlantic Canada, and his namesake show “The Rick Howe Show” on CityNews 95.7 has died of cancer at the age of 69. 

Howe retired from broadcasting in 2021, but was still a prolific writer and commentator.  He wrote 3 books, including his latest, “Eyewitness: Atlantic Canadians Experience History In Their Own Words” which was just published in October of 2023.

Working as a reporter and newscaster, Rick will be best known for hosting his talk show, first on CJCH-AM and then later on this radio station, CityNews 95.7.

His former producer Amber LeBlanc tells CityNews 95.7, the loss is devastating, “Rick was a true original.  He was always searching for the truth and working to make Nova Scotia a better place.  He was a giant of journalism in Atlantic Canada and beloved inside the newsroom because of his kindness and heart of gold.  This is a heartbreaking loss, and I know everyone who listened to Rick is heartbroken too.”

Howe’s career starting in Campbellton and Newscastle, New Brunswick where he did hockey play by play.  In 1976, he started at CFBC Saint John as the station’s sole reporter.  From there, Howe worked at CJCH in Halifax where he was news director and took over the iconic “Hotline” show, which gave Nova Scotians a voice.

When Howe announced his retirement in 2021, he admitted it was a difficult decision.  He told CityNews 95.7 at the time, “I loved the job.  I loved to work, I really did.  I woke up each morning, I was anxious to get into the car, hit the radio station, start the day and my show prepared.”

Well known for his standard “uniform” of a Hawaiian shirt, jeans and a ballcap, Howe continued to make appearances on the Todd Veinotte Show to comment on politics in Nova Scotia and connect with listeners.

When he retired, he fulfilled his dream of living on Nova Scotia’s South Shore.

Howe leaves behind 3 sons and his beloved wife of 44 years, well-known Nova Scotia broadcaster Yvonne Colbert.

Funeral arrangements haven’t yet been announced.