Bell Media, the parent company of CTV News, says it will launch an internal workplace review amid criticism of the firing of Lisa LaFlamme from her role as lead anchor.
Bell Media said in a statement that it “regrets” the way LaFlamme’s departure was handled, as it “may have left viewers with the wrong impression” that his storied career was not valued.
On Monday, LaFlamme released a video statement saying she was “blindsided” after learning in June that Bell Media was ending her contract at CTV National News. He said he kept the news under wraps until the details were finalized.
I have some news… pic.twitter.com/lTe3Rs0kOA
—@LisaLaFlamme_
The firing, which Bell described as a “business decision,” raised questions among media observers about whether sexism and ageism played a role in the shakeup.
Bell Media says in a statement today that it takes allegations of discrimination “very seriously” and is taking steps to launch an independent, third-party internal review of the newsroom workplace in the coming weeks.
Statement from Bell Media. pic.twitter.com/4I1LapDYpj
—@BellMediaPR
LaFlamme’s departure and his replacement were announced on the same day Monday, frustrating viewers who felt LaFlamme should have had a proper signing and career retrospective after 35 years with the company.
An internal memo sent by a CTV executive yesterday said LaFlamme declined the chance to say goodbye on air.