Where is Travis Dhanraj? That question was answered, at least in part, by the journalist’s lawyer this week following his quiet disappearance from CBC News Network last year.
As the network ushers in the debut of new primetime Ian Hanomansing vehicle, Hanomansing Tonight, renewed questions were raised about what had become of Canada Tonight with Travis Dhanraj, which launched in the same 7 – 9 p.m. ET time slot in January 2024.
It has been widely speculated Dhanraj’s absence from the airwaves was tied to his challenge of the public broadcaster’s executive bonus structure last spring and his assertions on-air and on social media that then-CBC President Catherine Tait had refused to appear on the program to discuss the issue.
Dhanraj’s lawyer Kathryn Marshall issued a statement to the media on Tuesday afternoon saying her client had been “compelled to step away for a time.”
“Travis Dhanraj has consistently approached his role at CBC with dedication and professionalism. However, due to ongoing systemic issues, he has been compelled to step away for a time,” the release stated. “Throughout his tenure, Mr. Dhanraj has fought to break down barriers in order to foster diversity of thought, inclusion of all political perspectives, and equity—principles he believes are essential for improving CBC’s workplace culture and content. As a journalist, he is deeply committed to the belief that Canadians deserve to have faith in the public broadcaster they fund, and he does not take that responsibility lightly.”
“It is important to emphasize that my client has the right to speak out on matters of workplace fairness and inclusivity as a member of the Canadian Media Guild,” the statement continued. “The decision to raise these concerns publicly reflects his belief that transparency and open dialogue are key to addressing the systemic issues at play and fostering a more inclusive, diverse and supportive environment at CBC. We hope these actions will contribute to positive change for the benefit of all employees and that CBC will address these issues in good faith, free from retaliation.”
CBC Head of Public Affairs Chuck Thompson confirmed to Broadcast Dialogue on Wednesday that Dhanraj is still employed by the network.
“As I’m sure you can appreciate, we don’t comment on employee matters publicly,” Thompson wrote in an email. “What we can say is Travis Dhanraj remains a senior reporter for CBC News; he is currently on a leave.”
Prior to taking the helm of Canada Tonight, Dhanraj had most recently been with CBC consumer affairs program Marketplace, following his return to CBC in 2021 as a senior reporter in the Parliamentary Bureau. He previously served as Global News’ Queen’s Park Bureau Chief, after working as a reporter for the public broadcaster in both Toronto and Edmonton from 2011-14. He’d also been a producer for Entertainment Tonight Canada and CBC, in addition to reporting and anchoring for CP24 and CTV News.
The Canadian Media Guild said due to confidentiality concerns, the union can’t discuss matters related to individual members.
