‘I was blindsided’: National anchor Lisa LaFlamme given boot by CTV

After more than three decades with CTV, Lisa LaFlamme has been shown the door.

The veteran national anchor took to social media this morning to discuss her exit from the network where she has worked since 1988.

“On June 29, I was informed that Bell Media made a quote ‘business decision’ to end my contract, bringing to a sudden close my long career with CTV News,” LaFlamme explained.

“I was blindsided. And I’m still shocked and saddened by Bell Media’s decision.”

While she was informed of the decision a month and a half ago, LaFlamme said she was asked to keep it confidential “until specifics of her exit were resolved.”

I have some news... pic.twitter.com/lTe3Rs0kOA

— Lisa LaFlamme (@LisaLaFlamme_) August 15, 2022

With the decision made official today, it puts an end to LaFlamme’s lengthy career at CTV News that included the last 11 years as national anchor.

“A trusted broadcaster and distinguished voice in Canadian news, Lisa has been on the front line of the world’s biggest headlines,” said Karine Moses with Bell Media.

“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.”

The statement from Bell Media noted that the decision came due to “changing viewer habits.”

Replacing the award-winning journalist as national anchor will be Omar Sachedina, Bell Media announced today, who said he is “honoured” to follow in the footsteps of names like LaFlamme and Lloyd Robertson.

“For more than a decade, (Sachedina) has played a key role in keeping Canadians informed of breaking news unfolding across Canada and around the world,” explained Moses.

“Omar is a skilled anchor who connects with our viewers, and with him at the helm, we’re excited to maintain the status of CTV National News as Canada's most-watched national newscast."

In her video post today, LaFlamme said she is forever grateful to the viewers that have tuned in to her newscasts over the years.

“While it is crushing to be leaving CTV National News in a manner that is not my choice, please know that reporting to you has truly been the greatest honour of my life and I thank you for always being there.”

_{Thumbnail photo courtesy of CTV News/Facebook.}