CTV's Lisa LaFlamme
Lisa LaFlamme will replace Lloyd Robertson as anchor of CTV National News, the network announced on Friday.
Ms. LaFlamme, who began her broadcast career at a Kitchener-Waterloo affiliate in 1988, is currently national affairs correspondent for CTV News.
"To follow in the footsteps of Lloyd Robertson is an enormous honour and extremely humbling," she said in a statement. "He is an institution, the very foundation that fair and honest journalism is built on, and has personally taught me so much about this business that I love."
Ms. LaFlamme, 45, is a CTV veteran who has regularly filled in for Mr. Robertson. She has been nominated five times for a Gemini for best news anchor.
The former Canada AM co-host and parliamentary correspondent has reported on several high-profile stories, including the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the war in Afghanistan, the death of Pope John Paul II, Hurricane Katrina, the earthquake in Haiti, the BP oil spill and the World Cup. She also hosted some of CTV's Vancouver Olympic coverage.
In a surprise move, Mr. Robertson announced on Thursday that he will retire next year.
Mr. Robertson, 76, said he will leave the anchor chair in mid-2011, which would give him a 35-year-tenure as host of CTV National News.
"There comes a time and this is it," he said. "I want to leave a suitable period for my successor to have a smooth and seamless transition. While I'll be hoisting anchor next year, I'll be continuing at CTV for some time."
Mr. Robertson will take other roles at the network, including as co-host of W5. Mr. Robertson and Ms. LaFlamme will share anchor duties in the next year.
On Tuesday, Global Television is to announce a replacement for Kevin Newman as host of Global National. Mr. Newman announced in April that he would leave the newscast in August after nearly 10 years as anchor, citing a "desire for rest and creative renewal."
Jill Mahoney