Lloyd Robertson, once the face of Canadian television news and a towering figure in the nation's media landscape, passed away on Tuesday evening at the age of 92. The former CTV News chief anchor, whose career spanned over four decades, was remembered as a pillar of integrity and journalistic excellence. His family confirmed the news to The Canadian Press, marking the end of an era for Canadian broadcasting. Born on January 19, 1934, in Stratford, Ontario, Robertson began his career in radio at a young age. While still in high school, he secured a position at CJCS, a local radio station in his hometown. By 1954, at the age of 20, he was working as an announcer at CBC Radio in Windsor. This marked the beginning of a long and distinguished career in broadcasting that would see him rise to prominence across both radio and television platforms. Robertson's journey through the ranks of Canadian media was remarkable. Starting with CBC, he eventually became the host of CBC Television’s flagship program, The National, from 1970 to 1976. During this time, he played a pivotal role in transforming the format of news broadcasts in Canada, advocating for greater journalistic involvement beyond mere script-reading. However, his tenure at CBC was not without its challenges. In 1972, he faced what he described as "Byzantine bureaucratic turmoil" and a union strike, which ultimately led to a period of personal strain and nervous exhaustion. Despite these difficulties, Robertson continued to thrive in his profession. He moved to CTV in 1976, where he served as chief anchor and senior editor from 1984 until his retirement in 2011. Over the course of his career, he anchored CTV National News With Lloyd Robertson for 34 years, delivering nightly updates to millions of Canadian households. His signature sign-off, “That’s the kind of day it’s been,” became synonymous with his calm and measured approach to news delivery. Throughout his career, Robertson was recognized for his unwavering commitment to journalistic standards. He was awarded numerous accolades, including being named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1998. For 11 consecutive years, TV Guide Canada readers voted him the most trusted news anchor in the country. His influence extended beyond the screen, as he was often approached by political parties and even considered for a Senate appointment in 2003, though he declined all such offers. Personal challenges marked parts of Robertson’s early life. His mother struggled with severe mental illness, and after unsuccessful treatments, she underwent a frontal lobotomy, a procedure now regarded as outdated and controversial. In his autobiography, The Kind of Life It’s Been, published in 2012, Robertson reflected on how this experience affected him throughout his life. Robertson’s professional achievements were matched by his personal life. He married his high school sweetheart, Nancy, in 1956, and the couple had four daughters, including a set of twins. They lived in various cities, including Winnipeg and Ottawa, before settling into their roles in the broadcasting industry. As a respected figure in Canadian media, Robertson was known for his insistence on journalistic autonomy. He often resisted the notion that his role was limited to reading from a teleprompter. Instead, he emphasized the importance of investigative reporting, analysis, and editorial input. This philosophy guided his work at CTV, where he was instrumental in shaping the network’s news division. Bell Media, the parent company of CTV News, released a statement expressing deep sorrow over Robertson’s passing. The company praised his contributions to journalism and highlighted his lasting impact on the network and the broader media landscape. Richard Gray, Bell Media’s vice-president of news, noted that Robertson’s legacy would continue to inspire future generations of journalists. As the news of his death spread, colleagues and fans alike paid tribute to a man who had become a symbol of reliability and professionalism in Canadian broadcasting. His passing marks the end of an influential chapter in the history of television news, leaving behind a legacy that will endure for many years to come.
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