“The narrative was that Lisa’s age, gender or gray hair played into the decision,” wrote Mirko Bibic, president and CEO of BCE Inc. & Bell Canada, in a LinkedIn post. “I’m glad that’s not the case and I wanted to make sure you heard that from me.” Instead, the removal of the longtime anchor reflects huge changes in traditional broadcasting in Canada, he said. “The days of viewers waiting until 11 at night to get their news are over,” Bibitz said. “While some may resist change, it is necessary and must be addressed … Bell Media must provide our journalists with the resources they need across all platforms where news is consumed.” His post caps a week of mounting fallout from LaFlamme’s departure that saw Bell Media vice president of news Michael Melling take a leave of absence from his job starting Friday. Melling has been the subject of “multiple complaints” and is on leave pending the outcome of a workplace review, Bibitz said. “To address concerns raised about the working environment in the newsroom, we have launched an independent review that includes confidential interviews with all journalism employees who choose to participate,” he said. “Any necessary changes that become apparent will be implemented quickly to ensure a respectful, unified workplace.” Meanwhile, a long list of high-profile Canadian artists, politicians, business leaders and philanthropists issued an open letter Saturday condemning LaFlamme’s abrupt firing. The letter, which appeared across two pages in the weekend edition of the Globe and Mail, said LaFlamme was an award-winning ratings leader for the company “until one thing changed: her hair color.” “In making their ‘career decision,’ Bell confirmed a sad truth: even after all the progress women have made, they continue to face sexism and ageism at work every day in ways that are unacceptable,” it said. the letter addressed to the board of directors and management of BCE and Bell Canada; Bibic said he would like to say more about Bell Media’s decision to terminate LaFlamme’s contract, but is “bound by a mutual separation agreement negotiated with Lisa, which we will continue to honor.” The controversy has raised questions among media observers about whether sexism and ageism played a role in the newsroom’s upheaval and sparked a reckoning with the ongoing gender discrimination women face in the workplace. LaFlamme, who has covered stories ranging from wars and natural disasters to elections and the Olympics, announced in an Aug. 15 video shared on social media that her contract had been terminated. The longtime CTV National News anchor said she was blindsided by the company’s decision. Bell Media said terminating LaFlamme’s contract after 35 years was a business decision, adding that the company wanted to move the lead news anchor role in a “different direction.” Omar Sahedina has been selected to take over the post. LaFlamme has garnered strong support on social media since announcing her retirement. Brands including Wendy’s, Dove and Sports Illustrated have publicly supported the 58-year-old journalist, who has been open about not dying her gray hair. This report by The Canadian Press was first published on August 28, 2022.
