Longtime CTV News anchor Lisa LaFlamme ‘blindsided’ after being fired by Bell Media

Longtime CTV National News anchor Lisa LaFlamme broke her silence after being let go by Bell Media, saying she was blindsided and shocked by the “business decision” to end her contract after 35 years.

In a video published on Twitter, the Canadian journalist says she was informed on June 29 by Bell Media, the parent company of CTV News, that her contract would not be renewed and that the media outlet was going “in a different direction.”

“I was blindsided, and I am still shocked and saddened by Bell Media’s decision,” LaFlamme said.

“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.”

Born in Kitchener, LaFlamme’s career with CTV News spanned decades after being hired as a weekend news anchor with “CTV News Net” in 1997.

In 2010, LaFlamme was appointed successor to Lloyd Robertson as the full-time anchor of CTV National News. One year later, she was named Chief Anchor and Senior Editor of “CTV National News with Lisa LaFlamme.”

In 2019, LaFlamme was announced as one of 83 Canadians named Officer of the Order of Canada. Earlier this year, she won best news anchor at the Canadian Screen Awards.

“I need you to know this is a trust I have never taken for granted,” LaFlamme said on Monday.

“As a reporter and as an anchor. I am forever grateful to you, such loyal viewers, for sharing the belief that news delivered with integrity and truth strengthens our democracy.”

Omar Sachedina named Chief News Anchor of CTV National News

In a news release through Bell Media, CTV announced that Omar Sachedina was named Chief News Anchor and Senior Editor of CTV National News, effective September 5.

Sachedina, 39, of Vancouver, British Columbia, is currently National Affairs Correspondent for CTV News. He first joined CTV National News as a correspondent in Toronto in 2009.

“I am 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. And I am excited to work with our outstanding and dedicated team in this new capacity,” Sachedina said through the news release.

In a news release through Bell Media, CTV announced that Omar Sachedina was named Chief News Anchor and Senior Editor of CTV National News, effective September 5. Photo: CTV News.

“The daily connections we make with Canadians over the past six decades are built on a foundation of trusted journalism, fairness, balance and integrity. I look forward to upholding this and continue delivering news that Canadians rely on.”

Karine Moses, Senior Vice President of Content Development and News at Bell Media, called Sachedina “the ideal choice” to lead CTV National News.

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

“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.”

LaFlamme, 58, says she believes she has much more to offer in the industry.

“Instead, I leave CTV humbled by the people who put their faith in me to tell their story. I guess this is my sign-off from CTV, so I want to express my deepest gratitude to all of you.”