(Toronto) Veteran anchorwoman Lisa LaFlamme says she was “caught off guard” when Bell Media terminated her contract with CTV National News after 35 years.
Posted at 3:19 p.m.
According to the company, it’s a “business decision” that will move the anchor role in “a different direction” with a new person at the helm.
Lisa LaFlamme revealed the decision in a video on social media, saying she was still shocked and saddened by the announcement that was made to her in June, but which she could not speak about until today.
In her social media video, she thanked viewers and her colleagues for their “unwavering support” while acknowledging that this was likely her official departure from CTV.
In a written statement, she highlights her “35 years of service — of journalism — of work to which I have dedicated my life,” which are now over. “At 58, I thought I had more time to report to you on the events that impact our lives, as I have done for decades,” she says.
“It is with humility that I leave behind the people who trusted me to tell their stories,” she continues.
In a separate announcement, Bell Media says Omar Sachedina will replace Mme LaFlamme starting September 5. Mr. Sachedina, who joined the network in 2009, is the national affairs correspondent for CTV News.
The company described the decision as a “business decision”, adding that it recognizes “the changing habits of viewers”.
Mme LaFlamme was named to the Order of Canada in 2019 and earlier this year won Best News Anchor at the Canadian Screen Awards.