Jay Switzer

{{Short description|Canadian television executive (1956–2018)}}

{{for|the American chemist|Jay Switzer (chemist)}}

Jay Switzer {{post-nominals|country=CAN|CM}} (July 11, 1956 – January 29, 2018) was a Canadian television executive, most noted as a longtime senior executive of CHUM Limited.[https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/jay-switzer-dead-veteran-canadian-tv-programmer-was-61-1071115 "Veteran Canadian TV Programmer Jay Switzer Dies at 61"]. The Hollywood Reporter, January 29, 2018.

Born in Calgary, Alberta and raised in Lethbridge, he was the son of broadcast executives Israel Switzer and Phyllis Switzer. He had his first job in broadcasting as a weekend switchboard operator for Citytv, and then worked as a cable installer for Maclean-Hunter, a director of television pilots and a research analyst for the Financial Post. He attained an MBA from the University of Western Ontario's Ivey Business School,[http://www.broadcasting-history.ca/personalities/switzer-jay "Jay Switzer (1956-)"]. Canadian Communications Foundation, 2004. before rejoining Citytv as director of programming in 1983. In that role, he also oversaw the launch and development of MuchMusic, the first of CHUM's forays into ownership and operation of cable channels.

In March 2000, he was named senior vice-president and general manager of the company, before being promoted to president and chief executive officer in 2002."CHUM set to move in new direction?: New CEO Switzer faces numerous major challenges". National Post, December 2, 2002. He stepped down in 2007 after CHUM was acquired by CTVglobemedia."CHUM CEO Switzer to step down". The Globe and Mail, June 22, 2007. He then joined the board of directors of OutTV,"THE BIZ: DEALS AND MOVES IN CANADIAN ARTS". The Globe and Mail, October 23, 2008. and became one of the founding investors in Glassbox Television."GlassBOX Television Inc. Announces $5 million Series A Financing". Canada NewsWire, June 9, 2008. In 2011, he was one of the founding partners in the new pay TV film service Hollywood Suite,"Hollywood Suite to offer HD films on TV 'substantially cheaper' than Netflix: Hollywood Suite to offer HD movies on TV". Canadian Press, August 23, 2011. and joined the board of directors of Shaftesbury Films."Shaftesbury Appoints Industry Veteran Jay Switzer to its Board of Directors". Canada NewsWire, August 29, 2011.

He was married to actress Ellen Dubin.

He died in Toronto of brain cancer.{{cite news|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/obituary/8097181/jay-switzer-obit|title=Canadian Media Veteran Jay Switzer Dies at 61|publisher=Billboard|date=2017-01-30|accessdate=2017-01-29}}