CTV Chief News Anchor and Senior Editor Lisa LaFlamme has revealed that Bell Media terminated her contract at the end of June after 35 years with the network.
In its own release, Bell announced LaFlamme’s departure Monday afternoon, saying that “Recognizing changing viewer habits, CTV recently advised LaFlamme that it had made the business decision to move its acclaimed news show, CTV National News, and the role of its Chief News Anchor in a different direction.”
LaFlamme, 58, took to social media with her own version of events, saying she’d been “blindsided” by the company and asked to keep her release quiet.
“On June 29, I was informed that Bell Media made a quote ‘business decision’ to end my contract, bringing to a sudden close my long career with CTV News. I was blindsided and still shocked and saddened by Bell Media’s decision,” said LaFlamme in a video posted to Twitter. “I was also asked to keep this confidential from my colleagues and the public until the specifics of my exit could be resolved. That has now happened and I want you to know what these last 35 years have meant to me…everything.”
“Reporting on the darkest days of war from Iraq, Afghanistan, and this year Ukraine to covering natural disasters, this pandemic, federal elections, amazing Olympic moments and so many other consequential events including this summer’s papal apology to residential school survivors. I need you to know this is a trust I have never taken for granted as a reporter and as an anchor. I am forever grateful to you, such loyal viewers, for sharing in the belief that news delivered with integrity and truth strengthens our democracy,” LaFlamme continued.
“At 58, I still thought I’d have a lot more time to tell more of the stories that impact our daily lives. Instead, I leave CTV humbled by the people who put their faith in me to tell their story. I guess this is my sign off from CTV, so I want to express my deepest gratitude to all of you, to my incredible colleagues for their unwavering support, my dear friends and my loving family. While it is crushing to be leaving CTV National News in a manner that is not my choice, please know reporting to you has truly been the greatest honour of my life and I thank you for always being there.”
I have some news… pic.twitter.com/lTe3Rs0kOA
— Lisa LaFlamme (@LisaLaFlamme_) August 15, 2022
LaFlamme had been anchoring CTV National News since 2011, when she succeeded Lloyd Robertson in the role, and prior to that spent more than a decade as CTV News’ National Affairs Correspondent. She began her career at CTV Kitchener affiliate, CKCO, as a copywriter and script assistant. In addition to serving as a foreign correspondent, she also co-hosted Canada AM in the early 2000s, among other roles.
LaFlamme is both a Canadian Screen Award winner and Gemini nominee. She was named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2019.
“A trusted broadcaster and distinguished voice in Canadian news, Lisa has been on the front line of the world’s biggest headlines,” said Karine Moses, Senior Vice President, Content Development & News, Bell Media and Vice Chair, Québec. “With an unfailing commitment to delivering the stories that matter most to Canadians as part of Canada’s leading news team, Lisa has deftly guided viewers through both turbulent times and celebration, and we wish her nothing but the best as she begins a new chapter.”
CTV has named Omar Sachedina the Chief News Anchor and Senior Editor of CTV National News, effective Monday, Sept. 5. Sachedina is currently the network’s National Affairs Correspondent and has been with CTV since 2009.
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