Lloyd Robertson, a towering figure in Canadian journalism and the long-serving anchor of CTV National News, has died at the age of 92. His death was confirmed by his family to CBC News on Tuesday evening.
For over four decades, Robertson was a constant and trusted presence in Canadian living rooms, delivering news with an authoritative yet unflappable demeanor. His career spanned more than six decades, beginning in local radio in his hometown of Stratford, Ontario, in 1952. He transitioned to television at the CBC in 1956, eventually anchoring the national newscast, The National, from 1970 to 1976.
Robertson then moved to CTV in 1976, where he co-anchored CTV National News before becoming its chief anchor and senior editor in 1984. He remained at the helm of the flagship evening broadcast until his retirement in 2011, a tenure that made him North America’s longest-serving national network news anchor. His career at CTV concluded with his trademark sign-off: “That’s the kind of day it’s been.”
During his distinguished career, Robertson chronicled many of the defining moments of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. He covered numerous federal elections, three Canadian-hosted Olympic Games, papal visits, royal tours, and significant national and international events. Among the major stories he reported on were the construction of the Berlin Wall, the 1969 Moon landing, the Air India bombing, the Montreal Massacre, the 9/11 attacks, and Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope.
Colleagues and public figures remembered Robertson for his integrity, calm presence, and dedication to fairness in reporting. Peter Mansbridge, former chief correspondent for CBC News, described Robertson as a “friend and colleague of mine for more than 50 years,” adding, “His audience believed him, and they trusted him. He set the bar for those who anchored newscasts across the country.” Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney lauded Robertson as someone who “helped Canadians make sense of the world,” and was a “reassuring voice in moments of uncertainty. A calm and steady presence through the moments that shaped our nation.”
Robertson’s professional achievements were recognized with numerous accolades, including being appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1997 and inducted into the Canadian News Hall of Fame in 2016. He also received lifetime achievement awards from the Radio Television Digital News Association and the Canadian Journalism Foundation.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Robertson was also known for his philanthropic work. He hosted CFTO’s annual Hospital for Sick Children Telethon for eleven years and was the host of a historic five-hour telethon that helped raise $10 million for cancer research following Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope, later serving as honorary chairperson of the Terry Fox Run.
Born in Stratford, Ontario, on January 19, 1934, Lloyd John Robertson was the younger of two sons. He married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Barrett, in 1956, and the couple celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on July 14, 2026. He is survived by his wife, their four daughters, seven grandchildren, and one great-grandson. A private memorial service will be held in his honor.
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Global Affairs Desk at The Chenab Times covers international developments, global diplomacy, and foreign policy issues through fact-based reporting, explainers, and analytical pieces. The desk focuses on major geopolitical events, diplomatic engagements, and international trends, with an emphasis on verified information, multiple perspectives, and contextual understanding of global affairs.
