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TV presenter dies as tributes pour in for 'true giant' who called Diana funeral

The beloved broadcaster and journalist enjoyed a career spanning four decades and covered huge events such as Princess Diana's death and the 9/11 attacks

[Lloyd Robertson]

Broadcaster Lloyd Robertson has died at the age of 92(Image: CTV)

Broadcaster Lloyd Robertson has died at the age of 92 - following a career spanning over four decades.

The renowned Canadian newsreader was chief anchor of CTV National News from 1984 until 2011. Prior to this, he was the anchor of CBC's The National for six years.

Lisa LaFlamme, who succeeded Robertson as chief anchor of CTV National News in 2011, paid an emotional tribute to her late colleague on Instagram. She wrote: "My heart is heavy with the passing of my friend and mentor, the great Lloyd Robertson.

[Lloyd Robertson]

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney described Robertson as "a reassuring voice in moments of uncertainty"(Image: YouTube)

"A true giant. Canada has lost a broadcast legend. I have lost a teacher, a trusted friend, and someone who helped shape both my career and my life. This picture is from one of the best days of my career. Lloyd, after 40 years in the "big chair" as he called it, so graciously passed the baton. It was overwhelming and yet calming - because he was there.

"This truly is the end of an era. My deepest condolences to his beloved family and to the countless people whose lives he touched. Rest well, Lloyd."

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has described him as "a reassuring voice in moments of uncertainty" and "a calm and steady presence through the moments that shaped our nation."

[0_Canada-Obit-Lloyd-Robertson-26217140739992.jpg]

The Canadian newsreader was the chief anchor of CTV National News from 1984 until 2011(Image: AP Photo/John Smock)

During his time at CTV, Robertson covered huge national events including 11 federal elections, three Canadian-hosted Olympic Games and two Quebec referendums, as well as major global events including the 9/11 attacks, the 1985 Air India bombing, and the death of Princess Diana.

The TV anchor was hailed by Henry Kowalski, former CTV news chief in 2001, as "the guy with the smallest ego I've ever seen in the television business, when he has a right to the largest one."

Peter Mansbridge, a longtime friend and colleague of Robertson's, added: "He was not just a fine journalist but a fine person. His audience believed him, and they trusted him. He set the bar for those who anchored newscasts across the country, and he will always be remembered for that."

Robertson started his broadcasting career in 1952 at a local radio station in his hometown of Stratford, Ontario. He moved to a radio station in Guelph before joining the CBC in 1954, where he transitioned into television.

In 1997, Robertson was inducted as an officer into the Order of Canada and went on to become the first journalist to be inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame. He received lifetime achievement awards from the Radio Television Digital News Association in 2015 and the Canadian Journalism Foundation in 2016.

Robertson married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Barrett, in 1956 and they went on to welcome four daughters.

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