An independent assessment of CTV’s newsroom will be conducted over the next few weeks following the surprise departure of anchor Lisa LaFlamme earlier this week, Bell Media said.
• Read also: CTV executive reportedly wondered about Lisa LaFlamme’s gray hair
• Read also: Anchor Lisa LaFlamme’s contract terminated by Bell Media
“We have always taken issues related to any type of discrimination very seriously and are committed to providing all of our employees with a safe, inclusive, respectful workplace free from toxic behavior,” reads a press release signed by Bell Media’s senior management and sent on Friday.
According to the Globe and Mail, Michael Melling raised questions about the host’s gray hair shortly after becoming head of CTV News.
It was Ms. LaFlamme who herself revealed the end of her contract in a video posted on social media, claiming to have been taken by surprise by this choice after 35 years of contract.
“CTV regrets that the way the news of her departure was delivered may have given viewers the wrong impression of CTV’s regard for Lisa and her remarkable career,” Bell Media said.
The management of the company had justified this decision on Monday on the pretext of “the evolution of the habits of television viewers”.
“In a newsroom, it’s always difficult to make the decision to replace the anchor. We knew many viewers and members of the CTV family would be disappointed by the departure of Lisa LaFlamme as anchor and editor-in-chief.
Lisa LaFlamme will be replaced by Omar Sachedina on September 5.