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.
Spent the last little while going through the mountain of well-wishing tweets you've all been sending. Thank you. Really.
— Andrew Chang (@AndrewChangCBC) May 22, 2014
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:
I remember @AndrewChangCBC in his first summer at CBC; some kind of thankless intern role; he barely said two words
— Steve Rukavina, CBC (@Steverukavina) May 22, 2014
Now @AndrewChangCBC is one of the best broadcasters in Canada; I guess we made a man out of him; we'll miss you greatly, Chang
— Steve Rukavina, CBC (@Steverukavina) May 22, 2014
Congratulations to @AndrewChangCBC on his new CBC gig! Toronto's gain is Montreal's loss.
— Nancy Wood (@cbc_nancywood) May 21, 2014
This is devastating, I'm absolutely gutted to learn were losing @AndrewChangCBC – You the man Andrew… irreplaceable http://t.co/1Nv2hM3y3B
— Douglas Gelevan (@DGelevan) May 21, 2014
@AndrewChangCBC Best wishes man, both as pappa-to-be and your new mystery role at the CBC. Will miss you lots.
— Raffy Boudjikanian (@CBCRaffy) May 22, 2014
.@AndrewChangCBC soon-to-be dad :) then leaving the @CBCMontreal anchor chair :( Lucky for us, staying w CBC. CONGRATS but u will be missed!
— Thomas Daigle (@thomasdaigle) May 21, 2014
Obvious from 1st time we saw him on TV. Consummate pro. Enjoy, Canada: News anchor @AndrewChangCBC leaving Montreal. http://t.co/fmpuZLI4gD
— Jay Turnbull (@TurnbullJay) May 22, 2014
Heartfelt congrats to @CBCMontreal co-anchor @AndrewChangCBC as he leaves Montreal for new adventures. An excellent newsman and colleague.
— Thomas Ledwell (@tledwell) May 21, 2014
Hey @AndrewChangCBC I was away and missed your big announcement. Congrats!!! Very happy for you. We'll miss you!!
— Shari Okeke (@ShariOkeke) May 22, 2014
@AndrewChangCBC We are so delighted for you…but we will miss you mightily! Wishing you all good things.
— Kristy Snell CBC (@Snellk) May 22, 2014
https://twitter.com/Brige_Noel/status/469234922037972993
@AndrewChangCBC here's another from Florida- congrats to my all time favourite intern – cheers !
— Carol Berringer (@CarolBerringer1) May 22, 2014
@AndrewChangCBC I'm seeing a new show in the CBC lineup — "Andrew Changalopoulos Tonight" @dan_halton @JessRubinger @cath_cullen
— Craig Dale (@craigdale) May 22, 2014
https://twitter.com/shaunmalley/status/469335262892273664
Sad to see @AndrewChangCBC leave Montreal. He's one of the best anchors I've worked with and an incredible journalist. Best of luck!
— Mick Côté (@MickCote) May 21, 2014
It's been such a pleasure to work with @AndrewChangCBC. A real class act. Best wishes for your next chapter. http://t.co/MnhYSFonKM
— Corinne Smith (@corinnemtl) May 22, 2014
Just learned that @AndrewChangCBC is leaving #Montreal to pursue another endeavour with CBC. Our city is losing a great anchor. Good luck!
— ? Shaun McMahon ? (@ThatGr8VoiceGuy) May 22, 2014
@AndrewChangCBC Congratulations and all the very best Andrew! You and your handsome face will be missed!
— Sarah Bartok (@SarahBartok) May 21, 2014
UPDATE (May 31): Video of his last newscast, which includes a retrospective of his career, is posted here.
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
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
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!
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,
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,
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
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.
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