Former Ontarion Sports Editor now holds Executive Producer title
For many students, choosing a university and an academic program means simultaneously choosing a future career plan – or that’s the dream, anyways. Truth be told, a lot of students find themselves switching career paths once or twice before really settling in. Robert Gibson, executive producer at Sun News Network, could very well be the poster boy for this kind of student.
A few major accomplishments, decisions, and years removed, Gibson took the first step towards a career he couldn’t yet envision by choosing to attend the University of Guelph for Political Science. “Knowing that I was pursuing a BA, I really could have gone to a number of schools,” Gibson said of his choice. “It was the beauty of the campus that made the decision obvious. It looked like a big Ivy League school to me when I was 19.”
A registered Gryphon with big dreams, Gibson went through an experience that isn’t uncommon for a lot of students. “I took [political science] because I really did think I was going to be Prime Minister one day. Hilarious to think I thought that now,” Gibson said of the transition from one aspiration to the next. “Once I realized I didn’t like glad-handing enough and liked late nights way too much, I knew the Ottawa thing wasn’t on.”
Gibson would eventually pursue a Journalism degree at Sheridan College after graduating from the University of Guelph. However he credits his position as the Sports & Health Editor of the Ontarion as a defining moment in the switch from the world of politics to the world of journalism. “I always enjoyed writing and sports, so when the Ontarion was looking, applying was a no-brainer,” Gibson explained. “I was offered the job and have never looked back.”
A potential career in journalism didn’t seem to hold the same kind of benefits that a government job promised, and Gibson’s father pointed this out, only wanting the best for his son. “My Dad was a tad put off. He always wanted me to get into politics,” Gibson said. “He knew the life those folks in Ottawa have. High paying, vacation-heavy, protected jobs. He wanted me to reap the benefits.”
Gibson did end up reaping the benefits, and still is today. Those benefits just belong to a different set of priorities. Gibson’s first show, The Grill Room, included a variety of recognizable athletes and today he works
with opinion heavyweights like Ezra Levant. But even these benefits don’t top Gibson’s list. “I tell myself all the time how lucky I am to be in this industry,” the Executive Producer said. “The pay isn’t out of sight, but I enjoy coming to work every day.”
Before landing at SunTV, Gibson recognized his strong interest for the broadcast world, and had the amazing opportunity of working for TSN – The Sports Network, Canada’s leader in sports television. “This really got me in the game,” Gibson said of the experience. “I was fortunate enough to be hired by TSN before I had even finished my post-grad degree. I have never been without a job I loved since.”
As great as the bragging rights that came with working for TSN, Gibson looks to his roots at the University of Guelph as the backbone of his career, and life in general. “For one, I never would have been hired by TSN if I didn’t graduate from Guelph,” Gibson explained of the degree itself. “Secondly, my university experience in general, I think, largely shaped the person I am now. I found myself there. What made me tick, the type of people I wanted to call friends, my artistic and academic interests. My whole experience at Guelph helps me in life.”
In addition to the position with Sun TV, Gibson has added business owner to his resume with the beginning of his own independent music label called Optical Sounds. “When I moved to Toronto I found myself in the middle of a bunch of excellent and unique artists,” Gibson explained of the label’s beginning. “It seemed a shame to me that these people didn’t get the recognition they deserve.” Gibson and his younger brother started the label as a “platform” for these artists, and it’s been going strong for the past five years.
Looking back on his career thus far, Gibson doesn’t shy away from keeping some of the credit for himself. “I have more often than not made my happiness a priority for myself since I can remember,” Gibson said, joking that it isn’t nearly as bad as it sounds. “If you can make yourself happy, my guess is that being happy with everyone else in your life is that much easier. My continued emphasis on myself has lead me to the position I cherish in a job I love doing every single day.”
Gibson doesn’t think of himself as the type to give advice, but believes students today should ask themselves if they’re happy. “Make yourself happy and life itself will be more fun and a lot easier to handle,” the former Gryphon explained.