There are just three more nights until Lloyd Robertson signs off for the last time on Thursday, September 1 at 11 p.m. on CTV. After 60 years in broadcasting – and 35 years at CTV – Canada’s most-trusted news anchor vacates his role as Chief Anchor and Senior Editor of the country’s most-watched newscast and bids farewell to the millions of nightly viewers of CTV NATIONAL NEWS WITH LLOYD ROBERTSON. Today, Robertson – the voice and face synonymous with news in Canada – posted a personal letter to Canadians on CTV.ca, with his thoughts on entering a new and exciting chapter of his life.
“I can scarcely believe it’s finally happening,” Robertson’s letter starts. “It’s been a wonderful ride! I have learned so much more about this fascinating country we inhabit and the qualities and idiosyncrasies of its provinces, territories and peoples. Travelling our land, talking to people from all segments of our society, I’ve come to understand our uniqueness.”
The entire letter can be read online here: http://www.ctv.ca/lloyd/
In the weeks leading up to his final newscast, hundreds viewers from coast to coast to coast have flocked to CTV.ca/Lloyd, paying tribute to Robertson on the dedicated, interactive website with hundreds of personal messages, memories and highlights of his storied career.
In the hour leading up to Robertson’s final newscast, viewers are taken beyond the anchor desk for a rare and intimate glance at Robertson’s life. The original one-hour documentary AND THAT’S THE KIND OF LIFE IT’S BEEN airs Thursday, September 1 at 10 p.m. immediately preceding Robertson’s final newscast in all markets on CTV. The documentary is also available for viewing online atCTVNews.ca, immediately preceding Robertson’s final newscast, which also streams online for those that want to tune in around the world via the web. Encore presentations of the documentary air Saturday, September 3 at 7 p.m. local time in all markets and Sunday, September 4 at 1 p.m. ET on CTV.
Lloyd Robertson enjoying a simple dinner of bread and jelly at CBC radio in Winnipeg in 1956.
Robertson began his broadcasting career in 1952 at CJCS radio in his hometown of Stratford and then joined CJOY in Guelph in 1953. After moving to the CBC in Windsor in 1954, Robertson spent four years (1956-’60) in Winnipeg and two years in Ottawa (1960-’62). He went on to anchor CBC’s National News from 1970 to 1976.
Robertson joined CTV in 1976, where he initially co-anchored with Harvey Kirck.
He has held the title of CTV’s Chief Anchor and Senior Editor since 1983.
Robertson does a stand-up for CTV News with Expo ‘86 in the background, Vancouver, B.C.
Lloyd Robertson at the CTV National News desk in 2009.
And that’s the kind of career it’s been… Robertson; a veteran of live-news coverage, has anchored some of the most memorable events such as 9/11, the Quebec Referendum, 14 Canadian elections, the 50th anniversary of D-Day, royal weddings, Expo ‘86, openings of Parliament, state funerals, papal visits, and the Terry Fox Run, and the Moon Landing in 1969.
June 2, 2011 Lloyd Robertson annouces that his last newscast will be on September 1 and LaFlamme shares her admiration for Robertson and her vision for CTV News. Her first offical newscast as CTV’s National News Anchor will be September 5, 2011.
On July 8, 2010 – Robertson announced that he will vacate his anchor chair in 2011 after 35 years at CTV News. He will continue on at CTV in a variety of roles, including host of Canada’s longest running news magazine and current affairs program W5.
