Pierre Houde Celebrates His 50-Year Career: A Legendary Figure and Voice of Sport in Canada

MONTRÉAL--(BUSINESS WIRE)--An iconic figure in sports media in Québec and Canada, Pierre Houde celebrates 50 years of an exceptional career this year. Renowned for his professionalism, eloquence and infectious passion for sport, he has marked generations of viewers and listeners with his unique voice and incredible precision.

Pierre Houde was just 18 years old when began his media career in the mid-70s working for CKAC radio in Montreal. After studies in marketing and a stint on weekend music radio, he perfected the art of sports communication with exacting precision, developing a unique style combining accuracy, emotion and a mastery of live broadcasting—a solid foundation for a career destined to leave a lasting mark on the Canadian media landscape.

After several years on the air, he broadened his expertise and worked as Director of Programming and Marketing at CFGL-FM from 1982 to 1985, where he honed his management and communication skills. Passionate about motorsport, he was then appointed General Manager of the Canadian Grand Prix, a role he held in 1985 and 1986. With the creation of Réseau des sports (RDS) in 1989, Pierre Houde became the official play-by-play announcer for Montreal Canadiens games—a position he still passionately fulfills to this day. Since 1993, he has also been the voice behind the masterful descriptions of Formula One broadcasts.

In 2024, Pierre Houde was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto and named the recipient of the 2024 Foster-Hewitt Memorial Award, a prestigious recognition that highlights his remarkable contribution to the development of national sport through the decades. He joins the biggest names in hockey, not for his prowess on the ice, but for the depth and quality of his descriptions, which have shaped the hockey experience for millions of Francophones across the country.

“I always approached every match, every race, every competition as if it was the first time listeners were hearing my voice. I always had to rise to the challenge to honour Foster Hewitt,” says Pierre Houde. “Sport is live, it’s pure emotion — and I’ve had the privilege of having been a part of it for half a century.”

A career marked by excellence

Pierre Houde has spent more than 30 years as a distinguished sports announcer, being the Francophone voice of the Montreal Canadiens on RDS and enthusiastically covering Formula One Grand Prix races, accompanying millions of fans as they experience the most thrilling moments in sport. He also provided commentary for 14 Olympic Games, vividly narrating the achievements of athletes from both at home and abroad.

Pierre helped promote the profession of French-speaking sports commentator well beyond the borders of Quebec, inspiring the next generation and earning the respect of his peers across the country.

“I’ve never taken this job for granted. Being fully prepared before each broadcast is always of the greatest importance to me. I still regard each day I spend on the mic as both an honor and a duty that I deeply respect. I want to thank everyone who has believed in me over the years,” he added.

An ever-present voice

As he enters the 51st year of his career, Pierre Houde remains active and committed, pursuing his mission of bringing the action to the audience and stirring up emotion as he seamlessly transmits each play. He continues to inspire the next generation with the same integrity and passion that marked the beginning of his career.

About

Pierre Houde is a sports host, play-by-play announcer and commentator. He has been a constant media figure throughout Québec and Canada for 50 years, and is considered one of the greatest communicators of his generation in the French-speaking sports world.