Andrew Chang leaving Montreal for new job at CBC

Andrew Chang

Andrew Chang

When CBC Montreal detailed the 10 jobs being affected as a result of the latest round of budget cuts, nine of those changes were well explained, but one remained mysterious, described only as a “reassignment”.

Now we know who it involves, though still not what the new assignment is. Andrew Chang announced on Wednesday’s newscast that he will be leaving Montreal for a new job at CBC. He said he couldn’t say where he’s going or what he’ll be doing when he gets there.

Chang has been at CBC Montreal for 10 years. (He started around the same time I worked there briefly. I remember because CBC user accounts for me and him were started at the same time, with the expectation that we’d both be around for a while. That wasn’t so in my case, though casual workers and interns for years would use my name to login to CBC’s systems, causing me to have some strange mythology there even in the years before this blog.)

After doing many different jobs at CBC, including being a reporter, he took over the anchor desk in 2009 with Jennifer Hall (now at CBC News Network) after Michel Godbout left. Though he was a young choice, Chang was instantly comfortable in the new position, able to mix gravitas of serious news and lightheartedness of news that wasn’t so serious. And though he was a hard worker, he never seemed to take himself too seriously.

Debra Arbec will continue to host the evening news on CBC Montreal solo. CBC tells me they’re not looking for a co-anchor for her.

Chang is expecting his first child in about a week (give or take the usual uncertainty with pregnancies). He’ll go on paternity leave, fill in as host of The Current for a week, and then go on to his new assignment.

Colleagues speak out

Chang’s colleagues, former colleagues and friends at CBC, plus some people who’ve never worked with him, took to Twitter to thank him for his work and wish him well:

UPDATE (May 31): Video of his last newscast, which includes a retrospective of his career, is posted here.

9 thoughts on “Andrew Chang leaving Montreal for new job at CBC

  1. Fred Arshoff

    Best of luck Andrew only been listening to you since debra moved over but since then I know I missed an excellent news anchor for many years, All the best.
    Wishing you as well a healthy baby

    Reply
  2. CBC Toronto Fly on Wall

    Possible gigs for Andrew Chang

    – Replace Liden MacIntyre at the Fifth Estate

    – The only male Anchor in the regular mix for CBC News Net Hosts weekdays.

    – Become the sole anchor at CBC local evening news on Toronto

    Reply
  3. francis

    all the best to Andrew, a truly great talent with unlimited potential,
    and he earned his success through his solid work,
    and a real nice guy too!

    Reply
  4. Gisele

    Sad to hear youre leaving, Quite enjoyed listening to the news as well as all the other events you covered so professionally especially the Sochi Olympics, I wish you all the best in your new endeavors and take care of that little bundle of joy coming soon. Will miss you,

    Reply
  5. Gisele

    Sad to hear Andrew Chang is leaving , Quite enjoyed listening to the news as well as all the other events you covered so professionally especially the Sochi Olympics, I wish you all the best in your new endeavors and take care of that little bundle of joy coming soon. Will miss you,

    Reply
  6. Stephen Brown

    Dear Andrew,
    Even though I live in the Outaouais, near Ottawa, I always preferred watching you broadcast from Montreal. I hope the CBC gives you a top job in Toronto. You really are the best!

    Stephen Brown

    Reply
  7. Warren Grant

    Andrew Chang – I am a longtime fan (in Nova Scotia) of your stellar journalism. Thanks for blessing my summer with your work at The Current this week. Congratulations and Grace to you, New Dad . . . looking forward to your new role at CBC . . . really.

    Reply
  8. Pingback: Andrew Chang to host CBC News Vancouver | Fagstein

  9. Pingback: CBC cuts affect 10 jobs at CBC Montreal; five people let go | Fagstein

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