Lloyd Robertson, one of Canada’s most celebrated broadcast journalists, has passed away at the age of 92. A report by CTV News stated that Robertson died on Tuesday evening, as confirmed by a statement from his family. Richard Gray, the vice president of news at Bell Media, reflected on Robertson's indelible contribution to CTV News and Canadian journalism.
Gray described Robertson as having established a genuine connection with viewers, serving as a reassuring presence while covering significant events in Canada and around the globe. He emphasized that Robertson's enduring legacy endures through the standards and values he set at CTV News, noting that he would be profoundly missed by all.
Robertson, who famously concluded his newscasts with the phrase, "And that’s the kind of day it’s been," signed off as the chief anchor of CTV National News in September 2011, after an impressive 41-year tenure in that role. He joined CTV in 1976 and held the position of chief anchor and senior editor from 1984 until his retirement in 2011.
Prior to his long career at CTV, the native of Stratford, Ontario, spent two decades at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), where he anchored the national news. He began his career in broadcast journalism in 1952 at CJCS radio in Stratford and subsequently worked in various markets, including Guelph and Windsor, Ontario.
In addition to his impressive broadcast career, Robertson was honored in 1998 by being named to the Order of Canada. He was also inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame in 2007 and received multiple honorary degrees throughout his life.
Lisa LaFlamme, who succeeded Robertson as chief anchor at CTV, shared her grief on social media, describing him as a dear friend and mentor. In her Instagram tribute, she referred to him as a “true giant” and expressed her sorrow over the loss of a broadcast legend, stating that both Canada and she personally have lost a significant figure who shaped her career and life.
Robertson married his high school sweetheart, Nancy, in 1956, and together they raised four daughters, including a set of twins. His contributions to journalism and his strong connection with the public have solidified his status as a legendary figure in Canadian media.
Robertson's impact on the industry and the audiences that he served for decades is immeasurable. His ability to foster trust and maintain credibility served as a model for aspiring journalists and anchors. His profound understanding of the news landscape, combined with his compassion and integrity, has left a lasting imprint on the field of broadcast journalism in Canada.
