Head of TVA antenna for nearly 46 years, Pierre Bruneau announced Thursday during his news bulletin his retirement. There followed a shower of tributes on social networks.
After 50 years of career, this pillar of information, become one of the familiar figures of the small screen in Quebec, will give up the antenna next June 16, a few days after celebrating his 70th birthday. “I have always had a passion for the job, coming to work has never been a chore, on the contrary. But after 45 years in the spotlight of TVA and 50 years of journalism, I have a taste for a little shade, to enjoy life, ”he delivered in front of the camera, visibly moved.
After having cut his teeth in the Centre-du-Québec and Mauricie regions, Pierre Bruneau was hired in 1976 by what was still called Télé-Métropole at the time. Quickly, he will become one of the headliners of the station thanks to his reassuring tone and his deep voice, recognizable among all.
Recipient of 23 Artis trophies, a record, Pierre Bruneau has won the sympathy of Quebecers with his personal story. In 1988, his 12-year-old son Charles died of leukemia after a long, publicized battle. The Charles-Bruneau Foundation works today for research in pediatric oncology.
He also specified Thursday that he would remain active within the foundation. The headliner of TVA has also made it known that he will return to the air in another role during the electoral campaign next fall.
“Thank you to my TVA colleagues, members of management, journalists, producers, technicians for their professionalism. You all made me better. Together, we have made TVA not only the most listened to network, but the reference in Quebec, ”he said, after explaining that his retirement had been delayed by the pandemic, then the war in Ukraine. .
Respect
Pierre Bruneau will have covered all the major events in recent Quebec history, from the massacre at the Polytechnique to the attack on the Great Mosque of Quebec, including the Oka crisis and the two referendums.
Its longevity has been unanimously hailed on social networks, starting with Pierre Karl Péladeau, the CEO of Quebecor. “Respected by his peers, Pierre Bruneau has forged a bond of trust with Quebecers. Pierre, it was a privilege to count you in the large Quebecor family for 46 years. Thank you for your passion and professionalism that have taken TVA Nouvelles to new heights,” the former Parti Québécois leader wrote on Twitter.
“Quebecers will miss Pierre Bruneau. After 46 years of career, we can say that it is a deserved retirement. Thank you for informing Quebec all these years! “Reacted for his part the Prime Minister François Legault.
The name of Pierre Bruneau’s successor has not yet been revealed.