Broadcaster Lloyd Robertson has died at the age of 92, following a career spanning over four decades. The renowned Canadian newsreader was chief anchor of CTV National News from 1984 until 2011, and previously anchored CBC's The National for six years.
Tributes from colleagues and Prime Minister
Lisa LaFlamme, who succeeded Robertson as chief anchor of CTV National News in 2011, paid an emotional tribute on Instagram: "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."
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney described Robertson as "a reassuring voice in moments of uncertainty" and "a calm and steady presence through the moments that shaped our nation."
Career highlights and accolades
During his time at CTV, Robertson covered 11 federal elections, three Canadian-hosted Olympic Games, two Quebec referendums, the 9/11 attacks, the 1985 Air India bombing, and the death of Princess Diana.
Henry Kowalski, former CTV news chief, called him "the guy with the smallest ego I've ever seen in the television business, when he has a right to the largest one." Peter Mansbridge, a longtime friend, 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."
Robertson began his broadcasting career in 1952 at a local radio station in Stratford, Ontario, later moving to Guelph before joining the CBC in 1954. He was inducted as an officer into the Order of Canada in 1997 and became the first journalist inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame. He received lifetime achievement awards from the Radio Television Digital News Association in 2015 and the Canadian Journalism Foundation in 2016.
Robertson married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Barrett, in 1956, and they had four daughters.
