Media Centre > News Releases > Archive > 1996 > May 16, 1996

'Fearlessly' Canadian broadcasting system needed, says CTV's Robertson

OTTAWA, May 16, 1996 - CTV Chief News Anchor Lloyd Robertson says the broadcasting system as a whole must become more fearlessly Canadian.

"More outlets - more opportunities to relate the Canadian experience. That is what we want and that is the challenge we should relish," Robertson told an overflow dinner crowd last night at the Château Laurier, where he received the 1995/96 Gold Ribbon Award for Broadcast Excellence. "We know we can do it. We know we can sell the results."

Private broadcasters produce successful Canadian drama that draws receptive audiences at home and are popular abroad, continued Robertson.

He also said Canadian news programs are holding their own and growing despite pressure from US tabloid formats like Inside Edition and Hard Copy. "Audiences continue to choose the genuine article."

Turning to Canadian broadcasters' historic expertise in the fast growing area of magazine type programming, Robertson said: "It is crucial we reclaim this territory from the Americans. All of us in Canada have our own news divisions. Why aren't we doing more of our own magazines, with our stories?"

Among more than 300 dignitaries at the first annual Broadcast Excellence Dinner were Prime Minister Jean Chretien, cabinet ministers, senators, more than 70 MPs, and leading broadcasters from across Canada.

He also said Canadian AM and FM radio "firmly rules the waves", adding that the impact of American radio stations, in spite of their resourcefulness and funding, is minimal at best.

Robertson commended the extraordinary success of Canada's mixed private and public broadcasting sectors in meeting many different interests in national, regional and local communities.

Paying tribute to Canada's 'most trusted TV journalist' were the Prime Minister, Industry Minister Manley, CTV President John Cassaday, Téléjournal anchor Bernard Derome, CTV news ace Craig Oliver, Newsworld's Pamela Wallin, Jim McCoubrey, of Telemedia Communications, and Steve Rae, of CJCS Radio, Stratford, where Robertson got his broadcasting start in 1952.

The prestigious Gold Ribbon Award for Broadcast Excellence recognizes such qualities as the 'unselfish giving of skills, time and advice' and 'dedication and hard work that ... reflects a genuine concern for the highest standards of broadcasting'.

While best known as chief anchor of highly-rated CTV news, Robertson also anchors the 'CTV Radio News' on more than 120 stations. He anchored CBC's 'The National' from 1970 to 1976 before becoming host of 'CTV National News' with Harvey Kirck. He became CTV Chief News Anchor and Senior News Editor in 1983.

Sponsored by the Canadian Association of Broadcasters, the Broadcast Excellence Dinner was co-hosted by CAB Chair Bruce Cowie and President Michael McCabe.

Please contact:

Susan Tolusso
Director, Communications
(613) 233-4035 ext. 331
(stolusso@cab-acr.ca)