HALIFAX – Bell Media’s CTV announced yesterday, veteran journalist Todd Battis (above) is the new chief anchor of CTV News Atlantic.
Starting Jan. 31, Battis will helm CTV News at 6, CTV Atlantic’s flagship program and “the most-watched newscast in the Maritimes,” according to a press release.
Battis, who was born and raised in New Brunswick, has over 30 years of broadcasting experience as a reporter, anchor and producer. He has worked for CBC and CTV in the Maritimes and in Alberta. Battis was a bureau chief with CTV National News in Vancouver before moving back to the Maritimes to work as CTV National News’s Atlantic correspondent.
Over the years, Battis has reported on some of Atlantic Canada’s biggest news stories including the Swissair 111 crash, the Moncton RCMP shootings, Hurricane Juan and the mass shootings in Nova Scotia.
“Todd has worked alongside the CTV Atlantic team for the past 12 years, and shares our passion for local news,” said Trent McGrath, general manager of CTV Atlantic, in the press release. “He is a skilled storyteller who has inspired and shaped young reporters along the way.”
“Todd Battis is the quintessential Maritimes journalist, with experience in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island,” said Dan Appleby, news director at CTV Atlantic. “He has exceptional news judgment and is a natural leader who knows what’s important to Maritimers.”
Over the course of his career, Battis has also reported on major events from around the world, including the election of Pope Francis at the Vatican, the memorial for Fidel Castro in Cuba, the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding and the Vancouver Olympics.
“Battis has a long history with the IWK Telethon as well as Christmas Daddies, and will continue the tradition of supporting charities across the region,” the press release says.
The role of chief anchor was previously filled by Steve Murphy, who stepped aside in November and is now working on special projects for CTV Atlantic.
“I’m thrilled and humbled to follow my friend and long-time colleague Steve Murphy in the anchor chair,” said Battis.
“He set a very high standard and earned the trust of Maritimers. I look forward to following his lead, and I’m eager to join the CTV News Atlantic team in its daily commitment to report on the most important stories in our community.”
For more, please click here.
Photo supplied by Bell Media.
