In The Spotlight with CTV’s Mike Killeen

Photo Credit: CTV Vancouver
Photo Credit: CTV Vancouver

Born and raised in beautiful British Columbia, Mike Killeen is a well-known face as the co-anchor of CTV News, where he joined the team in 2001.

Since graduating from BCIT, Mike has become an award-winning journalist as an anchor, reporter and producer. He has worked in international radio and TV in Beijing, Bangkok, Singapore and Hong Kong.

Mike is also a family man. He and his wife Jill have two sons, Ryan, 20 and Sean, 17. With such a busy career and family, how did Mike manage to juggle everything and still find success? I had the opportunity to ask him just how he finds the right balance.

As a busy working father, how did you find the right balance between career and family when your children where young?

It was a daily challenge, especially when I was working night and weekend shifts. But I’m a notorious planner and scheduler. The family calendar was/is my friend. It keeps us focused on who’s going where and when. My wife Jill also worked full-time but between the two of us, we seemed to figure it out. And I’m pretty good at tuning out of work issues and demands when I’m not on shift which made it easier to deal with the boys when they were younger.

Is balancing easier now that your children are older? 

Maybe a bit.  Not as much micro-managing while I’m at work. And the reality is they don’t want to spend as much time with Mom and Dad as they get older.

As a well-known television anchor, how does being in the spotlight affect you and your family?

Hah! It’s all the boys have ever known, so Dad being on TV is not a big deal AT ALL. When they were younger, I remember them asking me why people were asking for my autograph. Viewers are great. If someone comes up to say hi at the grocery store or restaurant I’m cool with it. The family is too.

Tamara Taggart & Mike Killeen Photo Courtesy: CTV Vancouver
Tamara Taggart & Mike Killeen
Photo Courtesy: CTV Vancouver

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

I really like the people I work with. While the “routine” may be the same – every day is different. I’ve been in the news business for 30-plus years and I still love coming to work every day.

What things do you like to do together as a family?

We try to do Sunday dinner – but that can sometimes be a challenge with work/hockey schedules. We travelled a lot together when they were younger. And we’re big on getting together with the rest of the family. The boys have cousins in San Diego, Scottsdale and New Brunswick.

Mike Killeen Family
Photo Credit: Mike Killeen

What is the best thing about being a parent?

Just watching them grow and develop into young men along with my wife. Hopefully, some of what we say sinks in.

What is the most challenging thing about being a parent?

 The challenges change over the years. It used to be the daily juggling. Now it’s cars, girls, angst. We just try to pass along what is hopefully sage advice.

When you get some “ME” time, what do you do?

Beer-league hockey. Hiking. Golf. The odd pub night with some pals.

What is once piece of parenting advice you have learned over the years that you
can share with readers?

Be patient! It’s hard sometimes. And this is the toughest question to answer!

Mike Killeen in the co-anchor for CTV News weeknights at 6 p.m. and co-anchor for CTV News weekdays at 12 Noon. For more info you can visit CTV News. You can also follow Mike on Twitter and Like him on Facebook.

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