Omar Sachedina Replaces Lisa Laflamme

USPA NEWS - Bell Media announced on Monday afternoon in a news release that as of September 5th, 2022, Omar Sachedina will become the new Chief News Anchor and Senior Editor of CTV National News.

LaFlamme was given notice on June 29th, 2022, that as the result of a "business decision" Bell Media would not be renewing her contract. In a video posted to social media Lisa LaFlamme said, “I was blindsided and I’m still shocked and saddened by Bell Media’s decision.” LaFlamme also noted, “I was also asked to keep this confidential from my colleagues and the public until the specifics of my exit could be resolved.”

Karine Moses, Senior Vice-President, Content Development & News, Bell Media and Vice Chair, Quebec, Bell said, “As a veteran journalist who brings years of experience to his new role as anchor, Omar Sachedina is the ideal choice to lead the coverage being delivered by CTV National News each and every day across a variety of platforms. 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. 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.”

Omar Sachedina had this to say, “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. 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.”

Lisa LaFlamme has been named Best National News Anchor five times by the Canadian Screen Awards since 2011, when she took over the position from Lloyd Robertson, when he retired at the age of 77. In 2019, LaFlamme was also named Officer of the Order of Canada.

Lisa went on to say that the decision is “not my choice,” and expressed her heart felt gratitude to viewers, her colleagues and her family. This decision has left many loyal viewers of the CTV National News scratching their heads. Since 2011, LaFlamme has been a fixture in the homes of millions across the nation who have put their trust in her integrity and compassion in covering the events of the day and stories that are important Canadians.

LaFlamme concluded by saying, "Reporting on the darkest days of war, to covering natural disasters, this pandemic, federal elections and so many consequential events — this is a trust I have never taken for granted and I am forever grateful to you, such loyal viewers for sharing in the belief that news delivered with integrity and truth strengthens our democracy. Please know, reporting to you has been the greatest honour of my life and I thank you for always being there. At 58, I still thought I’d have a lot more time to tell more of the stories that impact our daily lives, 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.” Lisa LaFlamme, began her career in Kitchener, Ontario in 1989 and said, " the job has meant everything."