News anchor Lisa LaFlamme ‘shocked’ after CTV replaces her with Omar Sachedina
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‘At 58, I thought I would have more time to tell more of the stories that impact our daily lives as I have done for so many decades’
Former CTV News anchor Lisa LaFlamme in 2016. File photos provided by CTV. Article content
Longtime news anchor Lisa LaFlamme said she is “shocked and saddened” by Bell Media’s decision to end her contract with CTV National News.
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In a press release issued by CTV News, the company said this decision was made in recognition of “changing viewer habits” and the desire to move the news show and the role of chief news anchor in a “different direction.”
A following statement by CTV News announced that Omar Sachedina, the current national affairs correspondent for the network, would take LaFlamme’s position.
LaFlamme had been with CTV News for 35 years, working as the international affairs correspondent before replacing Lloyd Robertson as the chief news anchor and senior editor of CTV National News in 2011.
In a statement, LaFlamme said she was informed her contract would come to an end on June 29. She said she was asked to keep this information confidential until the “specifics of (her) exit could be resolved.”
“Whether it is reporting from the field or, for the last 12 years, from the anchor desk, I am forever grateful to you, such loyal viewers, for sharing in the belief that news delivered with integrity and truth strengthens our democracy,” said LaFlamme.
“At 58, I thought I would have more time to tell more of the stories that impact our daily lives as I have done for so many decades.”
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I am honoured to be following in the footsteps of Lisa LaFlamme and Lloyd Robertson. So excited to be working with our incredibly talented team in this new role! https://t.co/HcduhjBqAl
— Omar Sachedina (@omarsachedina) August 15, 2022
In the CTV Statement, Sachedina said he is “honoured to follow exemplary journalists, such as Lisa LaFlamme and Lloyd Robertson, who have had the privilege of anchoring this newscast and established it as a go-to source for current events.”
Other veteran Canadian journalists reacted to the news on Twitter.
“My jaw is on the floor,” tweeted David Cochrane, a senior parliamentary reporter for CBC News, in response to a video statement LaFlamme posted to the social media site.
“You have always been the best of field colleagues. And such a hardworking passionate human and we have all benefited from your rigour and dedication,” tweeted Adrienne Arsenault, chief correspondent and co-anchor of The National for CBC News. “I am really really sorry to hear this.”
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Karine Moses, senior vice president of content development and news at Bell Media said in a statement, “With an unfailing commitment to delivering the stories that matter most to Canadians as part of Canada’s leading news team, Lisa has deftly guided viewers through both turbulent times and celebration, and we wish her nothing but the best as she begins a new chapter.”
Lisa LaFlamme’s full statement
Today, with profound gratitude and a range of other emotions, I am sharing with you some news about me and my career with CTV News. For 35 years, I have had the privilege of being welcomed into your homes to deliver the news on a nightly basis, so I felt you should hear this from me directly.
On June 29th, I was informed that Bell Media made a “business decision” to end my contract, bringing to a close my long career with CTV News.
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35 years of service – of journalism – of work that I have dedicated my life to – over.
I was, and still am, shocked and saddened by Bell Media’s decision. I was also asked to keep this confidential from my colleagues and the public until the specifics of my exit could be resolved. That has now happened, so please allow me to reflect on the last 35 years.
Reporting on the darkest days of war – from Iraq, Afghanistan and this year, Ukraine – to covering natural disasters, this pandemic, federal elections and so many other consequential events, including this summer’s papal apology tour to residential school survivors and their families, is a trust I have never taken for granted.Whether it is reporting from the field or, for the last 12 years, from the anchor desk, I am forever grateful to you, such loyal viewers, for sharing in the belief that news delivered with integrity and truth strengthens our democracy.
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At 58, I thought I would have more time to tell more of the stories that impact our daily lives as I have done for so many decades.
I leave humbled by the people who put their faith in me to tell their story.
As I sign off from CTV, I want to express my deepest gratitude to all of you who call Canada home who have shared in this journey with me, and for the unwavering support of colleagues, friends and family.
While it is crushing to be leaving CTV National News and a team that is more like family in a manner that is not my choice, please know these last 35 years of bringing to you every major national and international event has been the greatest honour of my life.
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