TORONTO, Ontario — Canada is mourning the loss of Lloyd Robertson, one of the country’s most recognizable and respected journalists, whose extraordinary broadcasting career made him a trusted presence in Canadian homes for generations.
Robertson died on August 4, 2026, at the age of 92, with his family confirming his death through CTV News. His passing marks the end of a remarkable career that spanned more than six decades and helped define Canadian television journalism.
Born in Stratford, Ontario, in 1934, Robertson developed an early interest in broadcasting and began his professional career in radio before moving into television. He joined the CBC in the 1950s and eventually became one of the network’s leading news anchors before moving to CTV in 1976.
A Trusted Voice in Canadian Homes
Robertson became particularly associated with CTV National News, where he served as chief anchor and senior editor from 1984 until his retirement from the anchor desk in 2011.
For millions of Canadians, his steady delivery and familiar presence became synonymous with the evening news. Night after night, he guided viewers through major developments in Canada and around the world, earning a reputation for professionalism, credibility, and composure.
His career placed him at the center of some of the defining stories of the modern era. Over the decades, Robertson covered major national and international events, including the opening of Expo 67, the Apollo 11 Moon landing, Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope, the September 11 attacks, major Canadian political developments, and the deaths of prominent world figures.
His trademark closing line, “And that’s the kind of day it’s been,” became one of the most recognizable sign-offs in Canadian television.
A Career Spanning Generations
Robertson’s influence extended beyond his role as a nightly news anchor. His longevity allowed him to witness enormous changes in journalism, television technology, and Canadian society.
From the early days of television broadcasting to the rise of the digital news era, he remained a familiar figure whose approach to journalism was grounded in preparation, professionalism, and a commitment to informing the public.
His final CTV National News broadcast took place on September 1, 2011, concluding a remarkable 41-year period as a national news anchor across CBC and CTV. He subsequently continued working with CTV in other capacities, including with W5.
Honours and Recognition
Robertson’s contribution to Canadian broadcasting earned widespread recognition throughout his career.
He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1998 and received a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame in 2007. He also received honorary degrees from several Canadian universities and numerous awards recognizing his work in television journalism.
His achievements reflected not only the length of his career but also the trust he established with generations of viewers.
Remembering Lloyd Robertson
For many Canadians, Lloyd Robertson was more than a television journalist. He was a familiar voice during moments of national celebration, uncertainty, tragedy, and change.
Viewers who watched him for decades came to associate his calm delivery with reliability and professionalism. His ability to communicate major events clearly helped make complex stories understandable to audiences across the country.
Colleagues and admirers are now remembering a broadcaster who helped establish the standards by which generations of Canadian journalists would be judged.
His passing leaves a significant void in Canadian journalism and brings an end to one of the country’s most distinguished broadcasting careers.
A Lasting Legacy
Lloyd Robertson’s legacy will live on through the journalists he influenced, the historic broadcasts he helped deliver, and the millions of Canadians who welcomed his voice into their homes.
For more than six decades, he devoted himself to the craft of journalism and became one of the most enduring figures in Canadian television history.
As Canada mourns his passing, Robertson will be remembered not simply as a news anchor, but as a defining voice of Canadian broadcasting whose professionalism, longevity, and commitment to journalism left an indelible mark on the nation.
Lloyd Robertson will be deeply missed and forever remembered as one of Canada’s most influential broadcasting legends.
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