Overview

Winston Maxwell "Max" Keeping CM OOnt (April 1, 1942 – October 1, 2015) was a prominent Canadian television news anchor and community advocate. For decades he was the public face of CJOH-DT in Ottawa, serving both on air and in management while becoming widely known for his local presence and charitable work. He was recognized with honours such as the Member of the Order of Canada (citation) and other provincial distinctions.

Broadcast career

Keeping spent the bulk of his professional life at CJOH-DT, the CTV-affiliated television station in Ottawa. He held the title of vice-president of news and public affairs while anchoring the station's main newscasts from 1972 until his retirement in 2010. CJOH is part of the CTV network and served as his primary platform for reporting on regional and national stories (CTV). Through decades on air he became a familiar presence in the Ottawa area and across Ontario.

On-air style and role

Keeping was known for a straightforward, community-oriented approach to local news: clear delivery, emphasis on practical information, and an interest in human-interest reporting. Off camera he combined reporting duties with editorial and managerial responsibilities, shaping newsroom priorities while maintaining a visible role as anchor. Viewers relied on him for steady coverage of civic issues, weather, and breaking events.

Community involvement and philanthropy

Beyond journalism, Keeping was active in charitable causes and community fundraising throughout his career. He used his public profile to support hospitals, youth services and local initiatives, becoming an advocate for community organizations. Born in Grand Bank, Newfoundland, he later made Ottawa his long-term home and continued to engage in civic activities there.

Honours and notable facts

  • Recipient of national and provincial honours, including the Order of Canada (details) and the Order of Ontario.
  • Long-serving anchor and newsroom executive at CJOH-DT, influencing local television journalism for several decades.
  • Public figure who regularly promoted and supported charitable campaigns and community services.

Retirement and legacy

Keeping retired from his anchor role in 2010 and remained a respected elder statesman of local broadcasting. He died in Ottawa on October 1, 2015, following a battle with cancer (medical report), at the age of 73. His passing prompted widespread acknowledgements from colleagues, community groups and viewers who remembered his consistent presence on local television and his long-term civic engagement. For further information about his life and work see biographical summaries and archival material (biography, Ottawa tributes).