I can scarcely believe it's finally happening.
When I step aside from the national news anchor desk at the end of the broadcast on Thursday, September 1, it will be 35 years from the same month in 1976 when I agreed to move to CTV. Some of you may remember that time. Harvey Kirck and I teamed up to become the most successful national news pairing in Canadian television history. We were together for seven years, five-and-a-half months.
While bringing a wide range of TV experience to the CTV desk, my journalism skills were not what they should have been; my writing for the crisp style of daily news was underdeveloped and my judgments on stories were not finely honed. I learned much from the wonderful professionals throughout the CTV system who showed exemplary patience in helping me move forward to become senior editor of the broadcasts in 1984. I was then able to become a more central figure in helping to build upon the already well-established reputation of CTV News for accuracy and fairness.
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.
I've also had the good fortune to travel the world with stops for assignments in major centres: Washington, New York, London, Moscow, Tokyo and Beijing and through countries and regions in other parts of the world including the Balkans, Germany and Scandinavia. If someone had told me the job would be like this when I started in broadcasting almost 60 years ago I would have had to say they were dreaming.
With every step I've tried to grow my knowledge and experience to better serve the needs of Canadian audiences that have become increasingly sophisticated in their understanding of the world around them and the part this country plays.
We glow with pride on being known as one of the best in the world; we can brag, but only in that modest Canadian way of course, about our triple-A credit rating: We staged an Olympics in Vancouver in 2010 that allowed us to shine and not just in medals but in enthusiasm and caring attitude as well. The television broadcasts, of which I was so proud to be a part, are now the gold standard for similar presentations in the future.
Since the near-death experience of the Quebec referendum in 1995, we have become ever more confident in our future together and while separatism isn't dead, it is certainly dormant. However, its thinning band of luminaries will always hope to rekindle the independence flame among a youthful population that looks to have other, more worldly pursuits on its mind.
I have been asked in the past what it means to be voted Canada's most trusted newscaster so often. It's something I've never taken lightly. It's made me even more aware in today's multi-channel universe, with its multiplicity of clutter and chatter, that continually striving for what the iconic journalist Walter Lippmann described as the "best obtainable" version of the truth must be your everyday goal. To the drive for accuracy, especially in mainstream newscasts, you have to be concerned about balance and fairness and, in the rush to the daily deadline, hope you're getting it together in the right way. Will you sometimes be wrong? Of course! It's the purity of your intentions that counts and if you're true to yourself the viewers will understand.
So why am I leaving the desk? In spite of our former CEO Ivan Fecan's assurances that I was "anchor for life", I knew there would be a right time to depart. Our newscast has been Number One for several years, I am 77 years old and, after 41 years of work through both CTV and CBC national newscasts at eleven o'clock at night, I want a change of pace. Fortunately, I can continue with my role on the long-running current affairs show W5 and take part in other interesting network projects. This is not about disappearing altogether into the mists.
Lisa LaFlamme will be a superb successor. She comes to the CTV anchor desk much better equipped than I was 35 years ago. Lisa is first class in every way: an outstanding television journalist, a compelling communicator who is passionate about what she does and, as audiences will also realize, a wonderful human being.
Thank you a thousand times over to those who have been so dedicated to our broadcasts through the years. I am deeply touched by the many tributes flowing into our website.
Please understand that it is not false modesty to underline that I am only the most visible member of a highly skilled and thoroughly devoted team of news professionals to whom I can never deliver plaudits enough.
For me, September 1st brings an end to a chapter in which half of my life is displayed. I look forward to the next stage and hope to see you along the way.
Sincerely, Lloyd
Videos
Canada AM: Lloyd Robertson on moving on
While he is sad to go, Lloyd is also relieved to start a new chapter in his life. He also explains how he will miss seeing his friends every day, and discusses his love for Stratford, Ont.
Lloyd's Reflections: September 11th attacks
In this report, Lloyd looks at the September 11 attacks.
Lloyd's Reflections: Terry Fox's lasting impact
In this report, Lloyd looks at the everlasting and expanding legacy of Terry Fox.
Lloyd's Reflections: Quebec Referendum
In this report, Lloyd returns to October 30, 1995, the last Quebec referendum.
Lloyd Robertson's front-row seat to history
Lloyd Robertson has been a constant on CTV News for almost 35 years and has had a brilliant career as a newsman.
Stories
Lloyd Robertson signs off for final time
Lloyd Robertson told Canadians what kind of day it's been for the last time Thursday night, as he stepped down after 35 years as CTV's chief anchor and senior news editor.
Canadian News Icon Lloyd Robertson Signs Off Sept. 1 on CTV
Canada's most-trusted news anchor Lloyd Robertson signs off for the last time on Thursday, September 1 at 11 p.m. on CTV
Lloyd Robertson's last newscast: September 1
CTV's Chief Anchor and Senior Editor Lloyd Robertson will be giving his trademark sign-off for the last time on Sept. 1, as the veteran journalist announced the date of his final nightly newscast today.
Sept. 1 proclaimed Lloyd Robertson Day in Stratford
City of Stratford Unveils Plans for Lloyd Robertson Garden in front of City Hall.
Lloyd Robertson in line for special Gemini award
CTV newsman Lloyd Robertson is among the broadcast veterans in line for a special award from the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television.
Lloyd Robertson to release memoir in fall 2012
Veteran Canadian news anchor Lloyd Robertson will reflect on his storied career in a memoir due for release in fall 2012.
Viewers share their memories, best wishes on Lloyd's retirement
Message of congratulations and thanks to Lloyd Robertson:
Lloyd Robertson leaving anchor desk
CTV's Chief Anchor and Senior Editor Lloyd Robertson announced Thursday night that he will be stepping down from the anchor's chair sometime in the middle of 2011.
Lloyd Robertson, W5 Host and Chief Correspondent
After 60 years in broadcasting and 35 years at CTV, Robertson signed off for the last time on Thursday, September 1 on CTV. He is W5 Host and Chief Correspondent.
Lloyd Robertson Documentary
In the hour leading up to Lloyd's final newscast, CTV will air LLOYD ROBERTSON – AND THAT’S THE KIND OF LIFE IT’S BEEN, a new, original one-hour documentary directed by Robertson's daughter Lisa. The documentary premieres Thursday, September 1 at 10 p.m. local time, scheduled across Canada to immediately precede Robertson's final newscast in all markets on CTV.
The documentary and Lloyd’s final newscast will also be livestreamed on ctvnews.ca starting Thursday Sept. 1 at 10 pm ET.
Your Messages to Lloyd
Thank you so very much for your good wishes.
I have been deeply touched by the thousands of Canadians who have taken time to send along personal anecdotes or just to say thanks regarding my long service at CTV National News.
Be assured every single one will be read and appreciated.
To all for now: Sincere Regards
Lloyd
