Personalities

LIAM NIXON

CHAT NEWS

A Calgary native, Liam graduated from the Broadcasting program at Mount Royal College in 2007. During his studies, he broadcast for the Calgary Roughnecks of the National Lacrosse League and the Calgary Canucks of the Alberta Junior Hockey League. A month aftergraduation, he moved to Medicine Hat to begin his career at CHAT TV.

Liam is a converted Tigers fan, and will continue to cheer for his beloved Flames and Stamps. When he's not behind the desk, Liam can be found on the golf course, riding his bike, reading a good book, or enjoying quality downtime at home with his wife Jessica.

BOB RIDLEY

CHAT SPORTS

Shortly after arriving on the Chat scene, the Medicine Hat Tigers joined the Western hockey league and the result saw Bob becoming the play by play broadcaster, a job that he has held ever since.  Bob has broadcast all games but one and has witnessed the team winning five championships and two memorial cup championships, no doubt those trips to the memorial cup and broadcasting at that high level were a highlight of his career.

This Drumheller native graduated from the Radio and TV journalism program at Mount Royal College which led to him eventually coming back to Medicine Hat.

While enjoying covering all sports, Bob has played hockey, baseball, most racquet sports and was a member of the Alberta Canoe team for two years in the early ‘70’s.

Other career highlights for Bob came when he won the Civic Recognition sports award in 1995.  He was also named to the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame in 2000.  Then in 2005, won the Alberta Centennial award and more recently, two years ago, was the recipient of the RTNDA News Directors award.

Bob is married to wife Deb and has three children.  Son Bob is a dentist and lives in Edmonton and his two daughters live and have careers in Medicine Hat.

BREANNA KARSTENS-SMITH

CHAT NEWS

Breanna was born and raised in Edmonton and moved to Calgary to take the Broadcasting program at Mount Royal University.

Since joining the CHAT team, she has enjoyed covering a multitude of stories including elections, murder trials, flooding and more.

She loves speaking to residents and telling their stories and is always up for trying something new.

Outside of work Breanna likes spending time with her family, traveling, and cheering for her beloved Oilers.

GREYSON KNUTSON

CHAT NEWS

Greyson grew up only a couple of hours from Medicine Hat, in the southwest corner of Saskatchewan.  He began his broadcasting career, while still in his Grade 12 year, at the radio stations in Swift Current, beginning as an op and DJ, before moving to the newsroom.  After a year of post-secondary in Saskatoon, Greyson took his first television job in Lloydminster, where he was everything from a shooter, to a sports reporter, and even a weatherman.

Greyson is a hardcore sports fan, and is passionate about too many different sports and teams for his own good.  His two favorite are his beloved Montreal Canadiens, and, being from Saskatchewan, the Riders.

Greyson looks forward to learning more and more about the sports scene in Medicine Hat, and meeting members of the sporting community.

ROBERT BUFFAM

CHAT NEWS

Robert is a transplanted west-coaster -- having spent most of his life in Vancouver -- and is thrilled by the seemingly relentless sunshine of Southern Alberta.

Robert worked as a trial lawyer in Vancouver before deciding to pursue his long-held dream of a career in journalism.  He completed the broadcast journalism program at BCIT and interned at CBC Vancouver.  Before moving to Medicine Hat, he worked as an Anchor/Reporter with Newcap News in Lloydminster.

In his spare time, Robert likes playing golf, running marathons very slowly, and spending time with his wife and baby daughter. He is excited about getting to know the Hat increasingly well, and continuing to soak up that Alberta sun.

TY HUDEC

CHAT NEWS

Ty grew up just an hour north of Medicine Hat in the small farming community of Jenner. He then moved south to Redcliff at age 13 and lived there until he graduated from

Eagle Butte High School in 2010. Ty then moved to Edmonton where he studied TV Broadcasting at NAIT.

Ty's interest in Television came through his love of sports. He has competed in a number of sports in his life, including hockey, baseball and cross-country running. Ty is a fan of all sports and follows numerous leagues with great interest. His favorite teams include the Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Blue Jays and New England Patriots.

Ty spent time at CHAT-TV interning during the summer of 2011. He looks forward to his continued work in the local sports scene of Medicine Hat.

YVONNE RAYMOND

CHAT NEWS

Yvonne Raymond joined the CHAT TV team in October 2011, after completing a Communications degree from The University of Winnipeg and Creative Communications diploma at Red River College.

While TV broadcasting is her first love, Yvonne also enjoys writing. She has written for numerous publications, including Canada’s History Magazine. And she wrote a bestselling book about her hometown called
“Lockout: Exploring the Rich History and Uncertain Future of Powerview-Pine Falls, Manitoba.”

Yvonne is a two-time recipient of the Eric and Jack Wells Award.

When not at work, she can be found taking up a dance class, travelling, Skyping with family and exploring the beautiful trails of Medicine Hat.