Lloyd Robertson signed-off for the last time Thursday night on a high note, with his final broadcast now ranking as his most-watched newscast on record.* Last night’s edition of CTV NATIONAL NEWS WITH LLOYD ROBERTSON was watched by 2.1 million viewers, up 74% compared to its 2010/11 average audience. It was the most-watched program overall on Canadian television Thursday night, attracting 3.3 million unique viewers to the late-night, 11 p.m. broadcast.
Lloyd Robertson, gives a wave to the crew, CTV National News, Sept. 1, 2011
Meanwhile, 1.7 million viewers tuned in at 10 p.m. for LLOYD ROBERTSON: AND THAT’S THE KIND OF LIFE IT’S BEEN, winning its timeslot and making it the most-watched original CTV documentary on record.
“CTV News covers historic events every day, but last night our newscast made history itself,” said Wendy Freeman, President, CTV News. “It’s no surprise that Lloyd’s final sign-off was a record breaker as Canadians came together to celebrate this incredible newsman.”
Produced by Robertson’s daughter Lisa, LLOYD ROBERTSON: AND THAT’S THE KIND OF LIFE IT’S BEEN (1.7 million), treats viewers to a unique and personal glimpse into the life of one of the country’s most treasured icons.
Winning its 10 p.m. timeslot with 23% more viewers than ROOKIE BLUE (1.37 million, Global/ABC), the CTV Original Documentary peaked with more than 2.2 million viewers and goes on record as the most-watched documentary special in CTV recorded history. The documentary airs again tomorrow, Saturday, Sept. 3 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 4 at 1 p.m. on CTV.
In his closing newscast, Robertson thanked Canadians for spending their nights with him over the years. “Thank you a thousand times over for all of your touching messages, some that speak of watching through the generations,” he said.
Online, almost 2,000 Canadians took the time to write personal messages to Robertson about his impact on their lives, his contribution to Canadiana and their love and dedication to him over the years.
Lisa LaFlamme takes the helm of CTV NATIONAL NEWS this coming Monday, September 5 at 11 p.m.
