About Bob Irving

Irving began covering the Blue Bombers in September of 1973 and over the years he became as familiar to the fans as any of the coaches and players. A trusted and respected reporter, his work in radio and in television over parts of six different decades was universally lauded by fans and by other play-by-play voices. What also made his work unique was it came while working for one media outlet: CJOB.

Irving is a member of a number of halls of fame, including the media wing of the Canadian Football Hall of Fame and the Manitoba Sportswriters and Sportscasters Media Roll of Honour.

He also received the Order of Manitoba in 2014, our province’s highest honour, and his impact in the community beyond his work at CJOB while working with numerous charities is immeasurable.

He was added to the Blue Bombers Ring of Honour in 2021.

About the Scholarship

The Manitoba government established the Bob Irving Scholarship in 2023 to support a full-time student entering their second or later year (minimum of two years of study) of a recognized post-secondary broadcast journalism program who strives to make a career in the field. The scholarship will be awarded annually in Fall of each year to support the eligible student.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be enrolled full-time in a recognized post-secondary broadcast journalism program
• Must be entering second year or later (minimum of two years of study completed)
• Must demonstrate a passion for broadcast journalism
• Must be a Manitoba resident
• Must have maintained a minimum GPA of 3.0 in previous academic year

Selection Criteria

Applicants will be evaluated based on:

• Academic achievement
• Demonstrated interest in broadcast journalism
• Quality of portfolio submissions
• Community involvement
• Letter of recommendation

Application Process

Past Recipients

The Bob Irving Scholarship has been supporting promising broadcast journalism students since 2023. Our past recipients have gone on to work in various media outlets across Manitoba and Canada.

• 2024: Connor Hrabchak – Canadian Mennonite University
• 2023: Brian Finlayson – Canadian Mennonite University