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
Chants of 'shame on you' greet guests arriving for the annual White House correspondents' dinner
An election-year roast of U.S. President Joe Biden before journalists, celebrities and politicians at the annual White House correspondents' dinner Saturday.
What is a 'halal mortgage'? Does it make housing more accessible?
The 2024 federal budget announced on April 16 included plans to introduce “halal mortgages” as a way to increase access to home ownership.
Here's where Canadians are living abroad: report
A recent report sheds light on Canadians living abroad--estimated at around four million people in 2016—and the public policies that impact them.
Deadly six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 sparked by road rage incident
One person was killed in a six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 in Innisfil Friday evening.
Opinion I just don't get Taylor Swift
It's one thing to say you like Taylor Swift and her music, but don't blame CNN's AJ Willingham's when she says she just 'doesn't get' the global phenomenon.
Invasive and toxic hammerhead worms make themselves at home in Ontario
Ontario is now home to an invasive and toxic worm species that can grow up to three feet long and can be dangerous to small animals and pets.
Harvey Weinstein hospitalized after return to New York from upstate prison
Harvey Weinstein’s lawyer said Saturday that the onetime movie mogul has been hospitalized for a battery of tests after his return to New York City following an appeals court ruling nullifying his 2020 rape conviction.
'We are declaring our readiness': No decision made yet as Poland declares it's ready to host nuclear weapons
Polish President Andrzej Duda says while no decision has been made around whether Poland will host nuclear weapons as part of an expansion of the NATO alliance’s nuclear sharing program, his country is willing and prepared to do so.
Central Alberta queer groups react to request from Red Deer-South to reinstate Jennifer Johnson to UCP caucus
A number of LGBQT+2s groups in Central Alberta are pushing back against a request from the Red Deer South UCP constituency to reinstate MLA Jennifer Johnson into the UCP caucus.