Lisa LaFlamme out at CTV News as Omar Sachedina named chief news anchor
TORONTO — Veteran journalist Lisa LaFlamme defied the odds as a silver-haired female anchor on the country's most-watched national newscast, but observers say her time at CTV came to an unceremonious end Monday as the network announced her departure and replacement.
Without an official sign-off, leadership at Bell Media issued a press release on Monday saying that LaFlamme was out at CTV National News as part of a decision based on "changing viewer habits."
What CTV didn't explain is how it intends to evolve the broadcast with her newly announced replacement, Omar Sachedina, currently the CTV News national affairs correspondent, who assumes the role on Sept. 5.
Representatives declined to comment aside from saying, "We wish Lisa nothing but the best as she begins a new chapter."
The lack of strategic clarity has only drawn more attention to LaFlamme saying she was "blindsided" by the company's decision to end her contract. It's also raised questions of whether she is another woman on the list of countless who've faced sexism and ageism in the broadcast news industry.
"This was a quick hit — and it was a hit," said Jeffrey Dvorkin, former head of the University of Toronto's journalism program.
"It makes the company look bad in the short-term, but in the long-term, they may come out of this looking better, like they're all geniuses and have made the right decision."
In the meantime, CTV faces questions about the intention behind sending their top news anchor packing. LaFlamme posted a video on social media saying she remains "shocked and saddened by Bell Media's decision," which cuts her ties to CTV after 35 years.
She said she was informed of their plans on June 29 but kept them under wraps as they worked out the specifics of her departure.
"At 58, I still thought I'd have a lot more time to tell more of the stories that impact our daily lives," she said in the video.
"Instead, I leave CTV humbled by the people who put their faith in me to tell their story."
LaFlamme's exit was met with an immediate reaction on social media from friends, viewers and colleagues.
Ian Hanomansing, one of the anchors at CBC's competing nightly news broadcast "The National," said he was "at a loss for words."
"Lisa is among the very best at what she does. I know surprisingly arbitrary decisions can be made in this business but Lisa, you deserve better than this. Way better," he posted on Twitter.
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