Longtime Global Calgary anchor Linda Olsen will retire next month after almost three decades with the station. Her last day anchoring Global News at 5 and Global News Hour at 6 will be Monday, Aug. 19.
A born and raised Calgarian, Olsen started her career with Global Saskatoon in 1988 after graduating from the SAIT Broadcast Journalism program earlier that year. She went on to work as a reporter and anchor for CTV Calgary before joining Global Calgary in 1995.
“It has been the honour of a lifetime to tell the stories of my hometown,” said Olsen, in a Corus Entertainment announcement. “After almost 30 years at the station, Global has become my second home and the people are like family to me. I am grateful to have been invited into viewers’ homes to deliver the news every day and I thank everyone who has seen me in the city and taken a moment to say hello or sent me a note. I will miss the people, and the work we do, and will continue to be an advocate for the importance of journalism with a local lens.”
Global says Olsen will remain closely connected with the station as she continues her community and charitable work, which includes serving as a board member of the Calgary Children’s Foundation.
“Linda has been a force in Calgary and the face of Global News in the community in which we serve,” said Ward Smith, Senior Vice President, Global News. “While being a trustworthy and steady hand in front of the camera, Linda has been a wonderful friend and colleague behind the scenes, and a champion on behalf of those who needed one. We will miss Linda and are so excited for her to remain one of our cherished ambassadors.”
During her nearly four decades in broadcasting, Olsen has received numerous accolades including an Honorary Fellow Award from St. Mary’s University in Calgary in 2020 for her role in the community. She was also part of the team that won RTDNA Canada awards for Best TV Newscast in 2014 and 2018. More recently, she was part of the group acknowledged with a Canadian Screen Award for Best Live News Special as part of Global’s 2023 provincial election coverage.
“Linda leaves a lasting legacy of kindness and positivity at Global Calgary,” added Carmela Gentile, Station Manager/News Director, Global Calgary & Lethbridge. “She cares deeply about our audience and we will be forever grateful for all she has taught us about always putting our community first.”
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