Quebec Entertainment Broadcaster Franco Nuovo Dies at 72 After Decades in Media
The Quebec entertainment scene has lost one of its most recognizable voices with the passing of Franco Nuovo at age 72. The broadcaster, whose career spanned nearly five decades, died on Sunday following a heart attack, as confirmed by Radio-Canada.
A Legacy Built Across Multiple Media Platforms
Nuovo's media journey began in the 1970s when he joined the Journal de Montréal as a film critic before transitioning to a columnist role. His distinctive voice and insightful commentary quickly made him a respected figure in Quebec's cultural landscape.
In 2004, he took on hosting duties for Je l'ai vu à la radio on Radio-Canada, where he had previously served as a fill-in host for René Homier-Roy. His presence extended beyond radio, with appearances on numerous cultural television programs and contributions to publications including Clin d'oeil and Quebec Rock magazines.
Tributes from the Broadcasting Community and Beyond
Radio-Canada announced his passing on their Facebook page, noting that "A prominent figure on ICI Première for many years, Franco Nuovo left his mark on audiences with his wit, his vast knowledge and his sensitivity." The network extended condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues who worked alongside the veteran broadcaster.
Quebec Premier François Legault also expressed his sympathies through social media, posting: "Mes condoléances à tous les proches de cet animateur et journaliste très sympathique." This tribute underscores the broad impact Nuovo had across Quebec's cultural and political spheres.
Remembering a Media Institution
Franco Nuovo's nearly 50-year career represents a significant chapter in Quebec's entertainment journalism history. His work spanned:
- Print journalism with the Journal de Montréal
- Radio broadcasting on Radio-Canada's ICI Première
- Television appearances on cultural programs
- Contributions to magazine publications
His passing marks the end of an era for Quebec media, particularly for those who followed entertainment coverage through multiple generations of broadcasting. The heart attack that claimed his life occurred as he remained active in the cultural community he helped shape for decades.
As tributes continue to pour in from colleagues, audiences, and public figures, Franco Nuovo's legacy as a knowledgeable, witty, and sensitive broadcaster will endure in Quebec's collective memory of its entertainment landscape.
