Izzy Asper Founder of Global TV
Izzy Asper: A Life in Media, Politics, and Jazz
On a walk this summer through Shaarey Zedek Cemetery in Winnipeg, Manitoba, I came across the grave of Izzy Asper—media mogul, political leader, and lifelong lover of jazz.
Born to Leon and Cecilia Asper, musicians who emigrated from Ukraine in the 1920s, Izzy grew up in a home filled with music. It’s no surprise, then, that jazz became the soundtrack of his life. “My greatest love in life is music,” he once said. “And that means jazz.”
But music wasn’t his only passion. After a brief but notable political career—serving as the leader of the Manitoba Liberal Party—Izzy turned his attention to media. In 1975, he launched his first television station, CKND, in Winnipeg. Just two years later, he founded CanWest Global Communications.
Headquartered in his hometown, CanWest grew into a Canadian media powerhouse, with assets in television, radio, and publishing across the country. Under Izzy’s leadership, it became one of the largest media empires in Canada.
Yet, even the strongest empires face storms. Following years of expansion—and mounting debt—CanWest began to falter during the global recession. In 2008, the cracks widened, and by late 2009, the company entered bankruptcy protection. The media giant Izzy had built from the ground up began to dissolve, just a few years after his passing.
Still, Izzy Asper’s legacy remains. Not just in broadcasting, but in his dedication to public service, his love of the arts, and the unmistakable Winnipeg spirit that shaped everything he did.
Despite the love of family it was said that Izzy was born a loner and died as one. Israel Harold “Izzy” Asper passed away on October 7, 2003. He was 71.
1932-2003
