Bell Media is fighting back against accusations that CTV National News anchor Lisa LaFlamme was fired because of her appearance and that it interfered with the network’s coverage of the fallout. Wade Oosterman, president of Bell Media, said in a letter Monday that any claims the administration violated its policy on journalistic independence in covering the Lisa LaFlamme story are “outrageous.” “Just as the termination of Lisa LaFlamme’s contract had nothing to do with age, gender or gray hair, I can categorically confirm that no actions were taken that violated the policy of journalistic independence.” Oosterman’s comments are directed at human rights attorney Paul Champ, who submitted a letter to the company on behalf of a “large number” of CTV News reporters who raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding LaFlamme’s firing and whether they are related to her appearance. The unnamed CTV News reporters said they believe LaFlamme’s firing was based “more on personal malice than any business reason” and are concerned her age may have been a prejudicial factor. “Her firing appears to be an outrageous act of revenge, tainted by ageism, sexism and misogyny at the hands of a male boss,” they said in the letter. The reporters also said they lack confidence in Michael Melling, who was a CTV News vice president before Bell Media put him on leave pending a workplace review. Since the Aug. 22 letter was sent, reports have also surfaced of concerns about how CTV News covered LaFlamme’s story. Oosterman said Bell has a policy of journalistic independence as a guarantee of unbiased news coverage, which leaves editorial decisions in the hands of the vice president in charge of CTV News and keeps it out of the control of other executives in the Bell group. He urged anonymous CTV News reporters to raise their concerns directly with him and participate in the third-party workplace review. The reporters said in their letter that along with low morale since Melling assumed the role of vice president of CTV News eight months ago, professional retaliation has also become a significant risk, so it was necessary to shield their identities. This report by The Canadian Press was first published on August 29, 2022.
