Bell executive Michael Melling is taking a leave from his role at Bell Media after news anchor Lisa LaFlamme was fired..The memo was sent to CTV National staff stating that Melling is taking leave..The Regional General Manager for Eastern Region at Bell Media, Richard Gray, will assume the role of Melling..According to the internal memo to staff, Melling’s decision to take a leave “reflects our shared desire to support the newsroom and do what’s best to help the team move past the current circumstances.”.The memo also stated that Melling is taking leave to spend time with his family..On August 15, LaFlamme announced her dismissal from CTV News. ."While it is crushing to be leaving CTV National News in a manner that is not my choice, please know that reporting to you has truly been the greatest honor of my life and I thank you for always being there," LaFlamme said in a video posted to Twitter..LaFlamme said she was informed on July 29 that Bell had made a "business decision" to end her contract, bringing to a "sudden close" her lengthy and esteemed career with the news network.."I was blindsided. And I'm still shocked and saddened by Bell Media's decision," LaFlamme said. "I was also asked to keep this confidential from my colleagues and the public until the specifics of my exit could be resolved. That has now happened."
