New CTV National News anchor got start in northern Ontario
Following Monday's shocking news about long-time CTV National News Anchor Lisa LaFlamme's departure, CTV Northern Ontario speaks to the man who will be taking over her role.
The news about LaFlamme's abrupt exit was released in a video on Twitter, followed by a statement from the company saying it is taking the show and the role in a "different direction."
Her replacement, Omar Sachedina, was announced shortly after.
Sachedina is a veteran correspondent who got his start in broadcasting at CTV News in Timmins.
He is familiar with the chief anchor role after filling in often.
Sachedina spoke to CTV News at 6 Anchor Brendan Connor from San Francisco in a live video interview Monday night about his reaction to the change.
"What I can tell you is that commitment to quality journalism is something that's not going to change," he said.
"And one of the things that I look forward to every day is our afternoon editorial call. There is a free exchange of ideas and I just mentioned the dynamic and the exceptional intelligent team that we have and each of those people brings a certain perspective to the table. And what I most admire is that sometimes those discussions can be animated, they can be passionate, but that's the way it should be. People should be able to speak with conviction for the stories that matter to them and that's certainly something that's going to continue."
Sachedina begins his new role Sept. 5.
LaFlamme spent more than 30 years with CTV News, the last 11 as the chief anchor and senior editor of the national news.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING 122 active wildfires burning across Canada, 32 considered 'out of control'
The 2024 wildfire season has begun, and it's shaping up to follow last year's unprecedented destruction in kind, with thousands of square kilometres already consumed.
B.C. parents sentenced to 15 years for death of 6-year-old boy
A British Columbia Supreme Court judge has sentenced the mother and stepfather of a six-year-old boy who died from blunt-force trauma in 2018 to 15 years in prison.
Veteran TSN sportscaster Darren Dutchyshen has died
Veteran TSN broadcaster Darren 'Dutch' Dutchyshen, one of Canada’s best-known sports journalists, has died. He was 57. His family says 'he passed as he was surrounded by his closest loved ones.'
Miller scores late as Canucks grind out 3-2 win over Oilers in Game 5
J.T. Miller scored in the final minute of the game and the Vancouver Canucks came back for a 3-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 5 of their second-round playoff series Thursday.
Think twice before sharing 'heartbreaking' social media posts, RCMP warn
Mounties in B.C. are urging people to think twice before sharing "heartbreaking posts" on social media.
Police issue Canada-wide warrant for Regina homicide suspect
Police have issued a Canada-wide warrant for a man wanted in a homicide which occurred in Regina on May 12.
Trudeau calls New Brunswick's Conservative government a 'disgrace' on women's rights
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau assailed New Brunswick's premier and other conservative leaders on Thursday, calling out the provincial government's position on abortion, LGBTQ youth and climate change.
Kevin Spacey receives star support as he fights to get his career back
Kevin Spacey is pushing back on the 'rush to judgment' against him and is being backed by some big names as he seeks to reclaim his acting career.
Speaker cuts ties with Sask. Party, alleges he faced threats, harassment from gov't MLAs
The Speaker of the Saskatchewan Legislature Randy Weekes has severed ties with the Sask. Party after accusing some members of harassment and intimidation tactics, including a situation he claimed saw the Government House Leader bring a hunting rifle to the legislative building.