OTTAWA, Nov. 28, 2016 /CNW/ - With mixed emotions, Global News is announcing that Tom Clark, Chief Political Correspondent and Host of The West Block will end his career in journalism on January 1, 2017.
An iconic Canadian journalist, Clark has had an extensive and storied career, witnessing and writing history in Canada and around the world. During his 45-year tenure, he has interviewed every prime minister since Lester B. Pearson and covered every federal election campaign since 1974. He has reported from 33 countries, including eight active war zones. In his last five years with Global News, he has covered significant ground. Clark visited Ukraine during the civil war, had one of the first one-on-ones with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the park outside Buckingham Palace and most recently had a front row seat for the most contentious election in U.S. memory, sharing his signature contextual analysis with Canadians.
Together, Clark and Global News built The West Block into Canada's most-watched political affairs program. Clark is well-known for pushing beyond the headlines and pressing politicians for answers. In his unique "Plane Talk" segment, he found a way to bring his love of flying to work, profiling influential newsmakers while in the air in his Cessna 172 Skyhawk.
Prior to Global News, Clark held several roles at CTV and was present for innumerable significant world events. He was one of only a handful of journalists who made it into Belgrade to witness the bombing of Yugoslavia, he was in Berlin the night the wall came down, in Tiananmen Square when the government attacked students and in Kabul the day the last Canadian soldier left Afghan soil.
"Journalism has been my life's work; it has rewarded me in ways I could never have imagined. Choosing to leave journalism has been wrenching. But, it is time," said Tom Clark, Chief Political Correspondent and Host, The West Block. "After 45 years it's still fresh, the prospect of the next story still exciting. But I don't want to stand in the way of a younger generation having that same remarkable life and opportunity. I have been honoured to have spent my last and best years in the craft with Global News which has always allowed me to pursue what has intrigued me. I will always maintain the curiosity about people and life that has been the fuel of my career and I will remain actively engaged in the life of this country."
Clark, who hails from Toronto, is a fourth generation journalist and recipient of countless awards and accolades. Earlier this year he was recognized by the RTDNA with a Lifetime Achievement Award. He was also named one of the most influential journalists in Ottawa, known for his results-oriented reporting.
"Tom is a true master of his craft and an irreplaceable asset to Global News; he will be sorely missed," said Troy Reeb, Senior Vice President, Global News and Corus Radio. "Tom will always be a valued part of the Global News family and we wish him and his wife Jane all the best as they embark on the next chapter of their remarkable lives."
Clark's last The West Block program will air on January 1, 2017. A new host for The West Block will be named in the coming weeks.
The West Block airs on Sundays at 11 a.m. in Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba and Saskatchewan, 12 p.m. in the Atlantic provinces, 10 a.m. in Alberta and B.C., in repeats at 10:30 p.m. in Winnipeg, Regina and Saskatoon and 11:30 p.m. everywhere else.
Social Media:
Twitter: @TheWestBlock
Facebook: The West Block
The West Block is part of the Corus Entertainment Network.
About Corus Entertainment Inc.
Corus Entertainment Inc. (TSX: CJR.B), a leading media and content company that creates and delivers high quality brands and content across platforms for audiences around the world. The company's portfolio of multimedia offerings encompasses 45 specialty television services, 39 radio stations, 15 conventional television stations, a global content business, digital assets, live events, children's book publishing, animation software, technology and media services. Corus' roster of premium brands includes Global Television, W Network, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network Canada, HGTV Canada, Food Network Canada, HISTORY®, Showcase, National Geographic Channel, Q107, CKNW, Fresh Radio, Disney Channel Canada, YTV and Nickelodeon Canada. Visit Corus at www.corusent.com.
SOURCE Corus Entertainment Inc.
