Tag Archives: Lisa LaFlamme

TV, Eh? Podcast Episode 252: CBC’s fall debuts and returns and Lisa LaFlamme’s new gig

[Editor’s note: After we recorded this, we were reminded that Hudson & Rex returns on Sunday, September 25 on Citytv and Highway Thru Hell returns on Monday, September 26 on Discovery.]

It’s a jam-packed couple of weeks in Canadian TV! As always, Greg and Amy go through debuts and returns on the Canadian TV calendar.

Then, we cover the latest Canadian TV news, including Lisa LaFlamme’s new correspondent role at CityNews; Adrienne Arsenault’s new gigs at CBC News; and Blue ant Media purchasing Mike Holmes’ content library, which will include new TV projects.

This podcast brought to you by San Pellegrino Momenti and The Famous Grouse Scotch Whiskey.

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TV, Eh? Podcast Episode 251: Moonshine and the Lisa LaFlamme debacle

After a little break, where not a lot was going on, Greg and Amy go through debuts and returns on the Canadian TV calendar.

Then, we cover the latest Canadian TV news, including CBC renewing Moonshine for Season 3; ET Canada giving Sangita Patel co-hosting duties; Boat Rocker teaming with Jay Baruchel; AMI-tv’s fall schedule; and the CTV/Lisa LaFlamme debacle.

This podcast brought to you by coffee and Harvey’s Sussex Best.

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Omar Sachedina named chief news anchor and senior editor of CTV National News

From a media release:

CTV announced today that Omar Sachedina has been named Chief News Anchor and Senior Editor of CTV NATIONAL NEWS, effective Monday, September 5. A veteran journalist with more than 15 years’ experience covering many of the world’s most significant breaking news stories, Sachedina is currently National Affairs Correspondent for CTV News. He first joined CTV NATIONAL NEWS as a correspondent in Toronto in 2009.

As National Affairs Correspondent for CTV News, Sachedina has been on the ground,  reporting in English and French, for many international news stories, including multiple assignments in Ukraine during the ongoing war; reporting from the Colombia-Venezuela border during Venezuela’s political power struggle between Nicolas Maduro and Juan Guaido; delivering Canadian Screen Award-winning coverage of D-Day’s 75th Anniversary in Normandy, France; covering the Pro-Democracy Protest in Hong Kong; reporting on natural disasters in Haiti and Indonesia; and covering Brexit. For Canada’s 150th anniversary, he reported from aboard an icebreaker as he journeyed through the Northwest Passage.

During his tenure in CTV’s Parliamentary Bureau, Sachedina travelled with the Prime Minister to cover international summits and conferences. He also served as a fill-in host on CTV News Channel’s daily marquee political program POWER PLAY. Part of CTV News’ 2015, 2019, and 2021 Federal Election team, Sachedina reported from the campaign trail from coast-to-coast-to-coast and interviewed federal party leaders. Prior to joining CTV NATIONAL NEWS, he served as a reporter and anchor at CP24.

For his outstanding coverage, Sachedina has been recognized with multiple nominations for Best National News Reporter at the Canadian Screen Awards, and has received multiple RTDNA Awards, most recently for a feature from Nunavik, Que., where he explored the roots of Mary Simon: Canada’s first Indigenous Governor General. Sachedina was also recognized by the Canadian Association of Journalists with a nomination for a Daily Excellence award.

Born in Vancouver to parents of Indian descent from Uganda, Sachedina holds a degree in Political Science from McGill University, a Masters in Journalism from Columbia University, and is a graduate of The Poynter Institute.

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Lisa LaFlamme departs CTV News

From a media release:

CTV announced today that Chief News Anchor and Senior Editor Lisa LaFlamme is departing the network. Since 2011, LaFlamme has anchored CTV NATIONAL NEWS, and before that spent more than a decade as CTV News’ National Affairs Correspondent.

Recognizing changing viewer habits, CTV recently advised LaFlamme that it had made the business decision to move its acclaimed news show, CTV NATIONAL NEWS, and the role of its Chief News Anchor in a different direction.

“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, Senior Vice President, Content Development & News, Bell Media and Vice Chair, Québec, Bell. “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.”

As part of the multi-award-winning CTV News team, staffed with the country’s best writers, producers, and editors, LaFlamme covered some of the most important stories during her 35 years with CTV News. CTV News prides itself on covering those stories that matter, no matter where they take place in the world, so that Canadians everywhere can stay informed on the key developments, both domestically and globally, that impact their lives.

LaFlamme issued the following statement following CTV’s release:

“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.

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.

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.”

– Lisa LaFlamme

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