WINNIPEG – Global TV anchor Kevin Newman will be leaving the network in August after 10 years as the face of the company’s national newscast.
Citing the need for “for rest and creative renewal”, Newman, 50, said in a note to staff late Friday that “several considerations” led to his decision to leave Global National when his contract expires at the end of August.
“I wanted my successor to inherit Global National when it was in a position of strength”, Newman wrote. “Our broadcast has just completed one of its most successful seasons by reaching new ratings heights and remaining Canada’s most watched newscast many nights. I also wanted to give the network adequate time to find a suitable replacement. It has been ten years since I signed on as Global National’s first hire to help design and then build a new national newscast with a talented and committed team. That felt like a nice round number representing a great run without overstaying my welcome.”
CanWest Broadcasting president Peter Viner said that Newman is not leaving for a role at another broadcaster, and will complete a series of documentaries for Global before embarking on an “extended period of travel and relaxation”.
“It is an understatement to say he will be deeply missed”, Viner wrote in a staff announcement. “More than just an anchor, his leadership as Executive Editor of Global National has helped define what our news organization stands for.”
Viner said that the search for a new national anchor is underway, and that Newman has agreed to assist in the transition to his successor.
