The surprise firing of CTV National News anchor Lisa LaFlamme sent shock waves across English Canada and abroad. Thanks to a 35-year career, the chief of Antenna Star has received a lot of support in newspapers and social networks.
Famed newscaster Lisa LaFlamme announced her abrupt dismissal from CTV via a Twitter video on Monday. At 58 and after a 35-year career, she will be replaced by 39-year-old journalist Omar Sachedina.
His video, posted on Twitter, quickly went viral, prompting strong reactions from Canadian journalist and public figure Johanna Schneller: “Shame on the Bell media. Lisa LaFlamme deserves better. »
Photo taken from @lisalaflamme’s Twitter account
She shared her surprise and sadness after the famed newscaster (whose departure evoked emotions comparable to those experienced by Quebecers when Bernard Derome and Pierre Bruno retired) was fired in rather cavalier fashion by Bell Media (which owns CTV).
“For 35 years I’ve had the privilege of being welcomed into your homes every night to deliver the news, so I figured you should hear it from me,” she said. On June 29th, I was informed that Bell Media had made – and I quote – “a business decision to terminate my contract,” abruptly ending my long career with CTV News. I am surprised, shocked and saddened by this decision. »
The video has so far garnered 4.2 million views, 79,800 likes and 16,100 comments, almost all positive. Reactions also came in the form of open letters from outraged readers crying out against sexism and ageism in newspapers. The Globe and Mail.
Bell Media decision
In a statement Monday, Bell Media said Omar Sachedina will replace him on Sept. 5, citing “changing viewing habits” that will take the show and the anchor “in a different direction.”
However, according to recent Numeris data, Lisa Laflamme’s newscast is one of the most popular in Canada. The numbers raise questions over Bell Media’s decision to abruptly terminate Lisa LaFlame’s contract.
Screenshot, CTV
Lisa LaFlamme chose to keep her natural hair color.
In English Canadian newspapers, rumors spread, sparking a case of a toxic office clean-up here, and a controversial report there that led to Patrick Brown’s resignation as leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario.
Contacted about this News magazineJournalism professor at UQAM, Jean-Hugues Roy, does not hesitate to talk about ageism towards women.
“I think it’s very unfair that women suffer such injustices,” he said. Would Mrs. Laflamme have received the same treatment if she had been a man? I don’t believe it. Would she still be here if she was human? I think so. Generally, men are free to let themselves go. It feels like we’re going backwards. »
Bell Media did not respond to an interview request from Log.
The age of TV presenters when they retire
- Lloyd Robertson: He retired from CTV in 2011 at age 77.
- Peter Mansbridge: He retired from the CBC in 2017 at the age of 69.
- In Quebec, Pierre Bruno He retired last June at the age of 70.
- Bernard Derome He retired in December 2008 at the age of 64.
They respond on social networks
“ Lisa LaFlamme’s firing was disgusting and particularly badly handled by Bell Media. I want to pay tribute to a famous anchorwoman. Lisa Laflamme has been solid on CTV National News. Big loss. And great inconvenience … “
– Esther Begin, anchor, host and documentary filmmaker
“ 35 years as a journalist and news anchor on a primetime national newscast…and we told her it was ultimately her choice.
– Anne-Marie Withenshaw, Animator
“ I have always admired and respected Lisa LaFlamme. Here’s an example of a dignified exit… even if it wasn’t her choice, she explains. respect »
– Patrice Roy, news anchor
“ I’m sorry, Lisa. »
– Céline Galipeau, host at Téléjournal
“Shame on Bell Media. Lisa LaFlamme deserves better. »
– Johanna Schneller, columnist for The Globe and Mail
About The Author
More Stories
“Avatar: The Way of the Water”: The Great Return of James Cameron
To end polarization
Pokemon says goodbye to Ash and Pikachu!