Ben Mulroney To Make Way for New, Diverse Voices By Stepping Aside from Anchor Role on ETALK

–  Original anchor to provide an opportunity for increased diverse perspectives on Canada's #1 entertainment show – 

–  Mulroney to continue co-hosting YOUR MORNING and develop new projects at Bell Media Studios -

TORONTO, June 22, 2020 /CNW/ - Ben Mulroney announced on today's broadcast of CTV'S YOUR MORNING that he has decided to pass the mic and make way for new, diverse voices by stepping down from his role as anchor on CTV's ETALK.

In his return as co-host of YOUR MORNING following a scheduled vacation last week, Mulroney addressed the issues surrounding his family in an emotional address at the top of the show.

"Last Saturday, I watched on CTV as my colleagues led a national conversation about how we can take action against systemic racism. That conversation showed me, more than ever, we need more Black voices, more Indigenous voices, and more People of Colour in the media… And that is why I have decided to immediately step away from my role as an anchor at ETALK to create a space for a new perspective and a new voice," he said.

"It is my hope that the new anchor is Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Colour who can use this important platform to inspire, lead, and make change."

In addition to his on-going role as co-host of YOUR MORNING, Mulroney will continue to contribute to ETALK on special assignments, including the red carpet events like the Oscars that have helped make ETALK the leader in Canadian entertainment news. He will also develop and produce projects for Bell Media Studios.

"We're proud of Ben for his decision," said Nanci MacLean, Vice-President, Bell Media Studios and President, Pinewood Toronto Studios. "Ben has played an integral role in the success of ETALK, acting as a tireless champion of Canadian artists and productions. We thank him for his contribution to building ETALK into Canada's #1 entertainment show, and look forward to developing new projects with him at Bell Media Studios."

"As part of Bell Media's Content Diversity Task Force, Bell Media Studios is committed to diversity in front of and behind the camera," continued MacLean. "We will now begin the process of confirming a new anchor at ETALK in the next few weeks."

Mulroney has been with ETALK since its inception in 2002, and has gone on to interview thousands of stars and report from hundreds of red carpets. He got his start as the Québec City Correspondent for talktv's The Chatroom in 2000, before becoming co-host on the interactive show in July 2001. He then moved to a new role of entertainment reporter for CTV's CANADA AM in October 2001. Mulroney was also the host of CANADIAN IDOL for six seasons, which at the time was the most-watched English language Canadian television show on record. Along with Anne-Marie Mediwake, Mulroney originated the co-hosting role on YOUR MORNING in 2016.

CTV's ETALK is hosted by Anchor Danielle Graham, and during her maternity leave by Anchor Lainey Lui. ETALK also features Senior Correspondent Traci Melchor; reporters Chloe Wilde, Tyrone Edwards, and Sonia Beeksma; and L.A. Correspondent Liz Trinnear. From the Oscars® and the Emmy® Awards, to the JUNO Awards and the Canadian Screen Awards, ETALK is front-and-centre, delivering up-to-the-minute news and exclusive insider access to the most talked about entertainment events worldwide. 

Hosted by Ben Mulroney and Anne-Marie Mediwake with co-anchors Lindsey Deluce (News) and Kelsey McEwen (Meteorologist), as well as contributing co-host Melissa Grelo, CTV's YOUR MORNING delivers news, weather, and original perspectives on the headlines of the day, as well as lifestyle topics of interests to Canadians from coast-to-coast-to-coast. 

About Bell Media Studios
Bell Media Studios is Canada's leading end-to-end content creator, developing and producing 80 hours of live and taped programming in-house, each week. Award-winning titles include ETALK, THE MARILYN DENIS SHOW, THE SOCIAL, YOUR MORNING, plus many original specials and podcasts. The Bell Media Studios-run Exploration Production Inc. (EPI) is a multi-award-winning producer of ambitious, original, entertaining factual documentaries and series, for both Discovery Canada and other international broadcasters, including MIGHTY SHIPS, MIGHTY TRAINS, and the upcoming MARINE DISASTERS. In association with Motion Content Group, Bell Media Studios produces original lifestyle series DOG TALES RESCUE and WHERE TO I DO?. As the majority owner of Pinewood Toronto Studios, Bell Media Studios also oversees operations of the 33.5 acre (13.5 hectares) facility in Toronto's Port Lands. The complex includes 11 purpose-built stages, offices, teaching facilities, and support services for a growing roster of domestic and international film and television clients.

SOURCE CTV

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