Lorne Saxberg

Lorne Saxberg (August 6, 1958 – May 6, 2006) was a Canadian television journalist and one of many on-air anchors on CBC Newsworld. Saxberg was born in Thunder Bay, Ontario and joined the CBC's radio arm.^[1] As host of Ontario Morning in the late 1980s, he was known for his keen mind, calm demeanour, and melodious voice. "He had a full, rich voice not often heard in modern radio," said Canadian freelance broadcaster James Careless, who worked with Saxberg at Ontario Morning. "He was truly a class act both on and off the air."^{[citation needed]}

Saxberg left Ontario Morning to become one of the original CBC Newsworld TV anchors from the latter's start in 1989.^[2] Saxberg served with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation for 27 years and was popular with news audiences. He was also an active volunteer with the Canadian Media Guild.^[1]

Saxberg received an Edward R. Murrow Award for his work on the 2005 coverage of the 60th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.^[1][2][3] Saxberg took a leave of absence from CBC Newsworld to work at Japan's NHK public broadcaster as a trainer and announcer from 2004.^[1][2] He died in a snorkelling accident in Phuket, Thailand, where he was on vacation.^[3] He was 47 years old.^[1][2]

Ken Becker, a Newsworld producer who worked with Saxberg, said: "He was the consummate pro and an exceptional journalist...When he was in the anchor chair, you knew you could throw Lorne any story – from the outbreak of war to the birth of a panda at the zoo – and he'd deliver it to the viewer with exactly the right tone."^[1]

"He brought to every story a vast knowledge on nearly every subject, a reporter's curiosity and an appreciation of fine writing," Becker said.^[1] Once, following a report on the Russian precursor of Naked News, Saxberg began to remove his tie as he ended the newscast.^[2]

Personal life[]

Saxberg often returned home to visit his family, who bought a general store in the small town of Silver Islet in 1987. When home, Saxberg often worked in the store and as the summer resort town's harbourmaster.^[2][3]

In Toronto, however, Saxberg – who was openly gay – was known for being playfully flamboyant with his wardrobe, often wearing a snakeskin jacket and leather pants when socializing with friends at bars in the Church and Wellesley area.^[2]

References[]