Lisa LaFlamme: Timeline of sexism and ageism in the Canadian media industry
The Coalition For Women In Journalism has compiled a timeline of its coverage of Canada’s long-time news anchor Lisa LaFlamme’s abrupt and sudden departure from CTV News. Lisa’s contract was unceremoniously terminated earlier this month after she spent over three decades at the Bell Media channel, winning several accolades and awards for her influential work as a broadcaster. CTV’s decision has raised several questions over sexism and ageism in the Canadian media industry after criticism over the manner and reasons behind removing the country’s top-rated news anchor.
2022
August 28
Bell Media President and CEO Mirko Bibic says ending Lisa's contract had nothing to do with her age or gender. "The narrative has been that Lisa's age, gender or grey hair played into the decision. I am satisfied that this is not the case and wanted to make sure you heard it from me." He says the decision instead reflects massive changes to traditional broadcasting in Canada.
August 26
Melling takes leave from his job as Vice President of News, according to an internal memo. The leave is effective immediately “pending the outcome of a workplace review” launched by Bell media following criticism and allegations over the manner of Lisa’s exit.
August 16
Reports allege that Melling interfered in CTV news coverage, and that Lisa was fired because she pushed back against the executive. High-level source says Melling “doesn’t like it when women push back and he brags about how he’s destroyed careers of anyone who dares push back.”
August 15
Lisa, now Canada’s top-rated news anchor, is abruptly asked to leave CTV News after working 35 years for the company. Lisa says she was “blindsided, shocked, and saddened”, but Bell Media calls it a “business decision”.
January 4
Melling climbs up the ranks to become vice president of CTV News.
2015
CEO George Cope ousts Bell Media president Kevin Crull for interfering in CTV news coverage. Cope vows to uphold the independence of Bell Media’s news operations. “There can be no doubt that Bell will always uphold the journalistic standards that have made CTV the most trusted brand in Canadian news.”
2011
Robertson retires, is given an on-air send-off, and is toasted for his 40 years with CTV. Lisa is appointed successor as Chief News Anchor, a role she continues in until 2022. In the following years, Lisa continues to shine as a journalist, receiving an honorary doctorate from her alma mater, the University of Ottawa, and winning several awards.
2006
Lisa is recognized for her outstanding career as an influential journalist and is awarded an honorary Doctorate of Laws from the Wilfrid Laurier University.
2003
Lisa takes up assignment as CTV National News foreign correspondent and backup anchor to Loyd Robertson. The same year, Michael Melling joins the company as an editorial assistant.
2000-2002
She moves back to Ottawa to take up a role as CTV News Parliamentary Correspondent. Soon, she is named co-host of Canada AM, and is live on air on 9/11 – her second day of the job.
1997-1999
Lisa is assigned the role of Weekend Anchor/Reporter at CTV’s Toronto headquarters. She eventually becomes the Prime News Anchor for the 24-hour news channel.
1988
Lisa Laflamme graduates from University of Ottawa, begins career as copywriter at CTV's Kitchener affiliate, CKCO.