Results: Different Standards For Women In News

On August 15, former CTV news anchor Lisa LaFlamme posted a video online, sharing the news that she had been fired as chief anchor from CTV National. The decision to oust her, by Bell Media vice-president Michael Melling, with approval from other Bell execs, shocked many and was swiftly condemned by many Canadians and others around the world. LaFlamme said she had been "blindsided" by the firing. Are you familiar with this news story?

The veteran anchor had chosen to let her hair go silver during the pandemic. She addressed it on-air, explaining that COVID-19 lockdowns kept her from visiting her hair salont and that it was "liberating" to let her hair do its thing. This was met with praise from women across Canada. However, many feel this was the reason she was let go, simply because she allowed herself to go grey. Do you think this might be the reason?

While ageism may have played a role in this, just compare LaFlamme's age to that of other legendary national news anchors. Lloyd Robertson retired from CTV National News at age 77, and Peter Mansbridge retired from CBC National at 69. At 58, LaFlamme is decades away from her peers' retirement ages. So, it appears that the double standard for women in news is still at work. Women are judged by a different standard than men, and not just in news media, but all over. Women have to work twice as hard as men, and when they do assert themselves, they are often deemed bossy, aggressive or arrogant -- whereas a man is simply showcasing his executive leadership skills. Do you agree with this statement?

In a great turn of events, Rogers' CityNews has hired LaFlamme as a special correspondent to lead its coverage of the death and legacy of Queen Elizabeth. Although this is only a temporary assignment, it could lead to a full time hire. Do you think this is a good PR move for CityNews?