Canadian journalist Lloyd Robertson, who anchored CTV National News and covered historical milestones from the 9/11 terrorist attacks during a 35-year run at the network, has died at age 92, according to his family. Robertson’s career in broadcasting spanned more than six decades, beginning in 1952 at a local radio station in his hometown of Stratford, Ont., before taking his deep, familiar voice to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and later CTV.
Early Broadcasting Career and Rise at the CBC
Robertson’s entry into media started in 1952 in Stratford, driven by an early fascination with radio. He recalled in a 2012 interview that radio provided an escape into a vast, imaginative world. By 1954, he transitioned to television as a staff announcer with the CBC, working in Winnipeg and Ottawa before securing a move to Toronto, which he viewed as the pinnacle of English-Canadian broadcasting at the time. He anchored the CBC’s The National from 1970 to 1976. However, strict union rules at the CBC prohibited news readers from writing and editing their own broadcast copy, creating professional friction that ultimately prompted his departure after 22 years, according to historical accounts.
Taking the Helm at CTV National News
In 1976, Robertson accepted a job offer from CTV that promised the editorial autonomy he sought, joining as co-anchor of CTV National News alongside Harvey Kirck. When Kirck retired in 1984, Robertson assumed full leadership of the nightly news broadcast as chief anchor and senior news editor. He held that position until 2011, making him one of the longest-serving news anchors in television history. Reflecting on his tenure during his final broadcast in 2011, Robertson called his time in the anchor chair a “front-row seat to history” and noted his fascination with watching Canada grow in confidence and stature.
Did you know? Lloyd Robertson’s signature sign-off at the end of each broadcast was a familiar fixture for generations of viewers: “And that’s the kind of day it’s been.”
Covering Defining Global and National Events
Throughout his extensive career, Robertson reported on numerous watershed moments. In a 2018 interview with film critic Richard Crouse, Robertson pointed to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks as the most remarkable event he covered, noting that it fundamentally altered global security and daily life in North America. His extensive reporting portfolio also included Neil Armstrong’s moon landing in 1969 and Terry Fox’s 1980 Marathon of Hope telethon, which raised $10 million. President John F. Kennedy as a turning point that made him realize broadcasters could participate in stories larger than themselves.
Honors, Legacy, and Personal Life
Tributes followed Robertson’s retirement in 2011. Then-Prime Minister Stephen Harper described his departure as “the end of an era,” noting that Robertson had become a part of Canada’s geography. Former interim Liberal leader Bob Rae characterized Robertson’s broadcasting style as rooted in integrity and authority. Over the years, Robertson received numerous recognitions, including the Order of Canada in 1998, an honorary Doctor of Laws in 2006, and a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame in 2007. His hometown of Stratford previously declared Sept. 1 “Lloyd Robertson Day,” and a local park in Markham was named in his honor. He is survived by his wife, Nancy, whom he married in 1956, and their four daughters.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long was Lloyd Robertson’s broadcasting career?
Lloyd Robertson’s broadcasting career spanned more than six decades, beginning in 1952 at a radio station in Stratford, Ontario, and continuing past his departure from the CTV anchor desk in 2011.
What major historical events did Lloyd Robertson cover?
According to his career retrospectives, Robertson covered the 1969 moon landing, Terry Fox’s 1980 Marathon of Hope, the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, and the 1963 assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy.
When did Lloyd Robertson retire from anchoring CTV National News?
Robertson stepped down as chief anchor and senior news editor of CTV National News in September 2011, handing the anchor chair to Lisa LaFlamme.
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