Long-time anchor Lisa LaFlamme has taken to social media to speak out following Bell Media’s abrupt cancelation of her contract with CTV National News.
According to a press release published by Bell Media, LaFlamme’s position as Chief News Anchor was terminated as the company looks to take the role in “a different direction” with respect to “changing viewer habits.” LaFlamme, who’s journalism career with CTV news spanned 35 years, will now be replaced by 39-year old Omar Sachedina, who is currently CTV’s National Affairs Correspondent, come the beginning of September.
However, according to LaFlamme, Bell Media’s decision to end the contract left her ‘blindsided.’ “On June 29, I was informed that Bell Media made a ‘business decision’ to end my contract, bringing to a sudden close my long career with CTV News,” she said in a video posted on her Twitter account. “While it is crushing to be leaving CTV National News in a manner that is not my choice, please know reporting to you has truly been the greatest honour of my life,” she continued, but failed to reveal further possible insight into the cancellation.
LaFlamme has a been the groundbreaker for women in Canadian journalism broadcasting, and has earned a multitude of awards throughout her career. She was named the Order of Canada— one of Canada’s highest honours— in 2019, and won the Canadian Screen Awards for best news anchor earlier this year.
Information for this briefing was found via CTV News and Twitter. The author has no securities or affiliations related to this organization. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
