I have some news pic.twitter.com/lTe3Rs0kOA. She had the support of her boss, and so she let it grow out. Women wrote movingly about their own, less high-profile experiences with ageism and a double page open letter in support of LaFlamme ran in The Globe and Mail signed by luminaries such as Heather Reisman, Lloyd Axworthy and Romo Dallaire. Supporters describe LaFlamme as professional, passionate about her job and caring, but now the victim of a cold corporate culture at Bell. She also took aim at the narrative that LaFlamme was fired because the new boss in the newsroom, Michael Melling doesnt like women. According to former colleagues, Melling and LaFlamme definitely didnt see eye to eye. Crull had instructed newsrooms not to give Jean-Pierre Blais, then the chair of the CRTC, Canadas broadcast regulator, airtime. In an industry driven by eyeballs, that makes her abrupt dismissal more puzzling. When Stephan made my dress, he said, "I'm not going to make this gown so that you can ruin it with all that technical equipment." Its not always the city. LaFlamme has no idea if her hair played any role in Bells decision. In August, senior execs at CTV announced that it was I have a clothing allowance because I prefer shopping for myself. Even if all the claims are true, and gossip is highest when people are down, it wouldnt be enough to force out someone as high profile as LaFlamme. There have been claims of an abusive work environment created by LaFlamme. I like that freedom. One part of the memo from Moses to Bell Media staff thats being disputed by those close to LaFlamme is that she was offered a chance to say goodbye to viewers on air. The move prompted widespread ", Join the conversation This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Elizabeth Renzetti CTV was a very prominent position for LaFlamme to go grey in, says Herz. Unofficially, Bell sources are making the same claim of a toxic work environment that former colleagues have been making for days. We miss you, she says. Did LaFlamme finally pay the price for her role in a costly lawsuit? I know her clothes were designed by Givenchy and she weighed about a pound, but her style was so simple and elegant. Closed Captioning and Described Video is available for many CBC shows offered on CBC Gem. Many women, she said, are asking, Wow, if this could happen to her, how could it not happen to me in my low-profile job?, Ms. LaFlamme was widely praised when she stopped dyeing her hair in 2020, a decision that many called laudable in the face of the double standards that women encounter over their appearances in the workplace. I honestly can't see beyond that right now. I felt human again,"she tells DiManno. Bell has stated that they want to take a new direction, that the 11 p.m. national newscast will not be the sun that the CTV universe orbits around. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/30/world/canada/lisa-laflamme-ctv-departure.html. Of course she would. "As far as what the relationship with LaFlamme is going to look like in the future, that's to be determined.". Back in Kitchener, LaFlamme got a job working in the CKCO newsroom, the local affiliate of CTV. Without the hat. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. In Beijing I ate bugs. Someone always manages to look breathtaking. She spoke to DiManno in London, England while appearing as a special news correspondent for CityNews following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Last August, LaFlamme announced on Twitter that CTV's parent company, Bell Media, had made a "business decision" to end her contract. No one that I have spoken with questions LaFlammes journalism or dedication to producing the best possible product. Ms. LaFlamme was at the top of her profession, having interviewed heads of state and reported from countries in conflict and disaster-stricken cities, among them Iraq and Afghanistan after Sept. 11; New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and Haiti after the 2010 earthquake. Its hard to conclude that LaFlamme wasnt part of the problem at CTV National. LaFlamme sits down, sighs. Join Omar Sachedina for an unforgettable journey to his mothers homeland of Uganda. There was an error, please provide a valid email address. But is the business world ready for all that progress? I am proud to have played a role in reuniting so many families on Canadian soil. Women have to play the unspoken game of looking a certain way to be treated a certain way. Editor test-drives, designer spotlights and trend deep dives. Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. Bell Media later said it regretted how LaFlamme's departure was handled and, amid the furor, ordered a third-party workplace review of the newsroom. Youve got your retro finger waves, first discovered in the 1920s, your messy grunge waves, originally endemic to the American Pacific Northwest, your rippling mermaid waves, most often spotted in sunny climes. Amanda Watson, a sociologist at Simon Fraser University who studies media, said Ms. LaFlammes dismissal resonated with many people because it spoke to the problem of economic precarity the risk of losing a job despite significant success over a long career and because of the anchors sex and age. Hwang pushed back several sources said she retained a lawyer to fight the move while LaFlamme backed up her longtime associate.

The executive put on leave, Michael Melling, had overseen recent layoffs and cuts at CTV. DiManno states how the 58-year-oldwent to the cottage for those two months to try and escape and did lots of tear-shedding. LaFlamme has long been a critic of sexism in journalismin all industries, really. Even in LaFlammes video message [announcing her leaving the network] at the cottage. For normal workdays, how would you describe your style? I don't like big earrings. Please try again. it odd that you have to dress for the red carpet, just like the people you are covering? LaFlamme only talks about the aftermath of the controversy and does not speak about why or how it went down. Once LaFlamme was gone, though, the whispers got louder with claims that the anchor was harsh and condescending to the staff. It is unknown if LaFlamme will continue to work with Rogers or CityNews as coverage of the Queen's death or funeral winds down this week. "Journalists, especially women, become pincushions for the haters, if you will. World's sexiest referee Claudia Romani nearly fouled out, HUNTER: Suspect in Vaughan murder's astonishing record of violence, Prince Andrew desperate to stay at Royal Lodge, CTV exec Michael Melling taking leave after Lisa LaFlamme departure, LILLEY: LaFlamme ousted over clash on CTV's new direction, tap here to see other videos from our team, she broke the news in a self-recorded video from her cottage that was posted to social media and tells us there is more to the stor, Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account, Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on, Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists, Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists, Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword, Access articles from across Canada with one account, Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments, Get email updates from your favourite authors. They are a great addition to our nation. Two weeks later, the story is still The Sun reached out to Bell Media, Michael Melling, Lisa LaFlamme and Rosa Hwang for comment. Soon, a narrative emerged speculating that her newly grey hair might have played a role in the decision. In this case it would appear to be LaFlamme. She is an advocate for women in her industry, but equally importantpossibly more importantis her advocacy for women around the world. I'm never flashy. In a subsequent statement, the company said that CTV regrets that the way in which the news of her departure has been communicated may have left viewers with the wrong impression about how CTV regards Lisa., In that statement, Wade Oosterman, the president of the company, and Karine Moses, a senior vice president, announced an independent third-party internal workplace review of our newsroom. The executives said they took matters regarding any discrimination very seriously and are committed to a safe, inclusive and respectful work environment for all our employees, devoid of any toxic behavior.. For 35 years, journalist Lisa LaFlamme has been covering the newslast month, she found herself making it. I think anybody who sees my dress will love it. Lisa Laflamme Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty 1,225 Your age and experience should be read as a gravitas, as power., Stacy Lee Kong, a journalist and culture critic who writes a weekly newsletter, Friday Things, said: It was also very powerful to see someone in such an image-related industry who made a decision to change her hair in that way. She made it clear that the decision was made by Bell Media, the company that owns CTV, and not by her. If writing is your weakness, strengthen it. (Photo Supplied by CTV for Postmedia) The decision to Closed Captioning and Described Video is available for many CBC shows offered on CBC Gem. National CTV News anchor Lisa LaFlamme in photos provided by CTV Wednesday February 3, 2016. Love it or hate it? She notes that a group of female friends who are her contemporaries have left the television industry in the past few years, leaving for radio or other, less public-facing areas of journalism. Though some speculated that Ms. LaFlammes dismissal was tied to the financial crisis in journalism, most conversations centered on a deeply rooted problem that extends far beyond the news industry: sexism. By submitting a comment, you accept that CBC has the right to reproduce and publish that comment in whole or in part, in any manner CBC chooses. The circumstances around LaFlammes departure: she broke the news in a self-recorded video from her cottage that was posted to social media and tells us there is more to the story. Throughout, LaFlamme has maintained a dignified silence. So I'll be fine. We inherited it. Pseudonyms will no longer be permitted. The dismissal of Ms. LaFlamme, who was most likely one of the newsrooms highest-paid employees, followed a torrent of layoffs and budget cuts at CTVs network and local news operations over the past seven years, which were made despite government assistance to news organizations. What's he wearing? Last year, Julia Roberts looked amazing. Its an incredibly sophisticated look. Theres no coming back from getting your legs blown off in Afghanistan, or an earthquake wiping out your family., For the past several months, life has offered an unexpected gift: the luxury of time to think about the future without worrying about when the next plane departs. No one that accomplished wants to be reduced to the strands sprouting out of their scalp. Women can be rewarded for playing by these gender rules, and women who stray from what is considered acceptable presentation can expect to see those rewards withheld., Toronto celebrity hair stylist Jason Lee, who coifs many high-powered heads, says his clients in creative fields have more leeway to go grey with impunity: My clients who are businesswomen have an ongoing concern about looking young. Lisa LaFlamme, he says, made a groundbreaking statement with her hair: She brought the conversation to the forefront. That strong position may have been the problem, he says. I love to lie on a beach and do nothing for at least one week of the year. All of which begs the question: Is silver hair like LaFlammes only truly acceptable when its a costume? From our newsroom to your inbox at noon, the latest headlines, stories, opinion and photos from the Toronto Sun. 225 posts. After the Twin Towers fell, she hopped in a car with a producer, driving all the way to lower Manhattan, where they choked on the acrid air and were nearly arrested for trespassing. I am fine.". They reported around the clock for a week. Did LaFlamme finally pay the price for her role in a costly lawsuit? Those sources say Bell CEO Mirko Bibic was told of the decision to terminate LaFlamme earlier this year after the decision was made by the VP of news Michael Melling. Even one journalist who maintained that they had only experienced good things with LaFlamme and Hwang said they were often referred to as the mean girls in the newsroom. As for claims that sexism was the reason for pushing out LaFlamme, Mellings attempt to put Hwang in charge of a highly successful operation calls that into question. We have enabled email notificationsyou will now receive an email if you receive a reply to your comment, there is an update to a comment thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. The vice-president of news for Bell Media, Michael Melling, is taking a leave from the company following the departure of CTV National News anchor Lisa LaFlamme. HOMETOWN Kitchener, Ont. "You can take someone's job, but you can't actually erase their history and their body of work. She says she submitted her work independently after finding out her former employer wasn't putting it forward. Lisa LaFlamme holds her award for best news anchor at the 2015 Canadian Screen Awards in Toronto. She wanted stories to break on her newscast first and didnt appreciate the digital first strategy. The DiManno column goes on to state that LaFlamme ended up leaving her cottage and travelling back to Toronto when she got a call from Rogers Media, asking her if she would help cover the death. In earlier times, someone in the executive ranks might have stepped in to block Melling or others from axing the face of the network it didnt happen this time. Change only comes through awareness, and in the end, thats a reporters job: to shine a light because truth and progress die in darkness., Im not sure who said it first, so Ill quote Anonymous: Change is the only constant. We navigate it every single day in big ways and small.

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She hears this a lot. Bell, LaFlamme and Hwang have all declined to comment. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. "It was a business decision and that's what I know," she said. I remember thinking, this plane is never going to go down; Christiane Amanpour is on it! Despite the blazer mishap, she aced the audition, and a series of choice opportunities arose: parliamentary reporter, consumer advocate, co-host of Canada AM, CTVs national morning show. Rosa was Lisas bad cop, said one longtime co-worker of the pair. Most bizarre thing youve eaten while travelling? "This could be a really great thing for the network,"she said, but added this is a one-time special correspondence event. ", "The whole handling of this from a public relations perspective is a cautionary tale from all of the other networks in how they handle the very challenging transition from a traditional television focused audience to a digital and on demand product. Brands including Wendy's and Dove even created social media campaigns about grey hair in solidarity. Saturday in Green Park, London @CityNewsTO pic.twitter.com/TPqOIfiexB, One thing for sure is that although her exit is painful and completely wrong, she is still the beloved, respected and kick-ass journalistshe's always been. "Ive cried every day,"is the direct quote LaFlamme offers DiManno when talking about the weeks since she was unexpectedly let go as the anchor of CTV News. And while many have said LaFlamme could be encouraging and generous, a mentor to younger journalists, they said she allowed her second in command, Rosa Hwang, to run roughshod over people. I love Paris, France, as well as Guadalajara, Mexico. When search suggestions are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. It depends on where I am and my fatigue level. And I lived in France for two years. Scoop a new vibe in the numbers and do todays Daily Sudoku. In Grade 9, she told her guidance counsellor she wanted to be a journalist even though I wasnt exactly sure what a journalist did. This last observation, and many others, is followed with a long, throaty laugh. Demeaning to journalists and editors in the newsroom was a frequent description. The video also generated a steady drumbeat of outrage over how Bell Media treated Ms. LaFlamme, a veteran journalist whose rsum includes war zone reporting, the latest national news anchor award and over a decade as chief anchor of Canadas most-watched nightly news show. My initial response to LaFlamme leaving the way she did was that she deserved better on her way out the door, especially after 35 years, regardless of the reason. Ive covered sudden change my whole career, she says.