Kevin Newman is stepping away as a host and correspondent for CTV’s W5 to focus on other projects, including a new podcast for CTV News and Bell Media’s iHeartRadio.
Bell Media says details of the new podcast project, which will focus on issues related to technology and democracy, will be released in the lead-up to and throughout the upcoming federal election. Newman will also continue as a contributor to the network.
“I feel genuinely fortunate to have done some of the most meaningful work of my career at W5,” said Newman in a press release. “After four decades of reporting, it’s time to make room for the next generation, and I am grateful to be contributing to CTV News in new ways.”
Newman started his career at campus station CHRW Radio at the University of Western Ontario in London, moving on after graduation to Global Ontario in 1981. Stints with CTV, CBC, and ABC followed before Newman returned to Canada and Global News in 2001 as anchor and executive editor of Global National with Kevin Newman. The Emmy, Gemini and Peabody Award-winning host and reporter has been with W5 since 2012.
“Kevin has been an integral part of our news team’s mission to deliver compelling and in-depth news stories that matter to Canadians,” said Wendy Freeman, president of CTV News. “We’re very supportive of Kevin’s decision and look forward to continuing our work with him in a variety of new ways, including as a contributor to CTV National News during the Canadian federal election.”
“Kevin has reported many of our toughest and most insightful stories on W5 in recent years. He has also been instrumental in our reaching new audiences and in developing our crisp, cinematic visual style,” said Anton Koschany, executive producer, W5. “I am thrilled that Kevin will continue his association with W5 and look forward to developing special projects and stories with him in the future.”
Bell says when W5 returns for its 54th season on Sept. 21, Lisa LaFlamme, CTV chief news anchor and senior editor; Sandie Rinaldo, W5 reporter and CTV National News weekend anchor; and W5 investigative journalists Avery Haines and Peter Akman, will be joined by a roster of contributing correspondents from across the network.
Newman is the second high-profile Canadian host to announce a move away from terrestrial broadcasting to enter the podcast realm. It was announced in May that CBC Radio’s Anna Maria Tremonti would leave her role as host of The Current after 17 years to join CBC Podcasts as a host and producer.
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