Expelled for the decision to appear on video at the age of 58 with gray hair: it is the suspicion of sexism and age-related discrimination that hovers over the sudden torpedoing by Canadian TV Ctv of Lisa LaFlamme, one of the most popular anchors in the country, awarded just this year with the Canadian Screen Award as best national host.
It was she who revealed in a video on Twitter that in late June she had been informed that her parent company, Bell Media, had decided to end her contract after 35 years of service, two years early. .
"They were taken aback and are still shocked, saddened by this decision," said the reporter, adding that she was asked to keep the news confidential for a while.
"At 58 I thought I still had a lot more time to tell new stories that impact our daily lives," explained the anchor, who covered the major events of her time, including elections, wars and natural disasters.
"If on the one hand it is devastating to leave Ctv News in a way that is not the result of my choice, on the other you know that informing you has been the greatest honor of my life and I thank you for always being there", he honored the its viewers.
The top management of the broadcaster ensures that it is only a "business decision" to pursue a "different direction", citing "changes in user habits".
And on the same day they announced LaFlamme's replacement: 39-year-old correspondent for national affairs Omar Sachedina, whose skill and diversity (a Muslim from an Indian family who emigrated from Uganda) were not enough to calm the controversy.
Viewers, media colleagues and cultural celebrities, such as former singer Anne Murray, condemn the move and someone asks for the head of the broadcaster's managers.
Among the possible background of the commentary also the disputes between the presenter and the head of Ctv News Michael Melling on the resources to cover the war in Ukraine.
But LaFlamme's choice to stop dyeing her hair in 2020, when the pandemic prevented her from going to the hairdresser, is holding the spotlight.
"In the end I said 'Why bother?
A choice appreciated by Canadian women.
But the decision annoyed Melling, who asked who approved of it and disliked the effect of the purple shade of the hairstyle under the studio lights.
The Canadians have now taken to social media celebrating the anchor for hugging her gray hair and not hiding her age.
"Lisa allowed herself to age on video and doing so gave me the confidence to shine in my natural beauty as I age," wrote Sarah M. Others have warned that the dismissal sends middle-aged women the message. which could suffer professional consequences if they opt for a more natural look.
The media also point out that Lloyd Robertson, LaFlamme's predecessor, retired at 77 and was honored with a video farewell.
(HANDLE).
