Veteran broadcaster Lloyd Robertson has died at the age of 92. He spent more than four decades delivering the news, serving as the chief anchor of CTV National News from 1984 until 2011. Prior to this, he was the anchor of CBC's The National for six years.
End of an era
Robertson was renowned for setting the standard for TV news in Canada. Lisa LaFlamme, who succeeded Robertson as chief anchor of CTV National News in 2011, penned an emotional tribute to her late colleague on Instagram, believing his death marks the "end of an era".
She wrote: "My heart is heavy with the passing of my friend and mentor, the great Lloyd Robertson. A true giant. Canada has lost a broadcast legend. I have lost a teacher, a trusted friend, and someone who helped shape both my career and my life."
Career highlights
Robertson began his broadcasting career in 1952 at a local radio station in his hometown of Stratford, Ontario. The following year, he moved to a radio station in Guelph before joining the CBC in 1954, where he transitioned into television.
During his time at CTV, Robertson was at the helm of coverage for 11 federal elections, three Canadian-hosted Olympic Games and two Quebec referendums, as well as major events including the 1985 Air India bombing, the 1989 Montreal massacre and the September 11 attacks.
Colleagues pay tribute
Robertson was described as "the guy with the smallest ego I've ever seen in the television business, when he has a right to the largest one," by Henry Kowalski, former CTV news chief in 2001.
Peter Mansbridge, a friend and colleague of Robertson's for more than 50 years, added: "He was not just a fine journalist but a fine person. His audience believed him, and they trusted him. He set the bar for those who anchored newscasts across the country, and he will always be remembered for that."
Awards and personal life
Robertson was presented with numerous accolades throughout his career. In 1997, he was inducted as an officer into the Order of Canada and went on to become the first journalist to be inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame.
The news anchor received lifetime achievement awards from the Radio Television Digital News Association in 2015 and the Canadian Journalism Foundation in 2016.
After news of Robertson's death was announced, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney paid tribute, describing him as "a reassuring voice in moments of uncertainty" and "a calm and steady presence through the moments that shaped our nation."
Robertson married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Barrett, in 1956 and they went on to welcome four daughters.
