Bell Media Mourns the Death of Beloved Former Ottawa News Anchor Leigh Chapple

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TORONTO (December 10, 2013) – Bell Media extends its deepest sympathy to the family, friends, and colleagues of former CTV Ottawa anchor Leigh Chapple. Chapple passed away suddenly in Ottawa at her home this morning at the age of 58.

 “Leigh’s sudden passing has sent shockwaves throughout the community, CTV Ottawa, and across Bell Media. We are deeply saddened by the loss of this local legend,” said Richard Gray, Regional Vice-President/General Manager, Radio/TV, Northern and Eastern Ontario/Maritimes, Bell Media. “For 36 years, Leigh was part of the CTV Ottawa family. She was proud to serve viewers in her hometown for decades before her retirement on May 4, 2012. She started out as a personal assistant to Max Keeping before moving on-air, first as a reporter, later as an anchor – forming a deep bond with loyal viewers across the region. Leigh also taught journalism at Algonquin College, and has had a hand in shaping the lives and careers of many journalists that live and work in the Ottawa area. She will be truly missed.”

Chapple began her career with CHOV-TV Pembroke. She then joined CJOH-TV, and soon stepped into the role of reporter. Chapple also hosted REGIONAL CONTACT, the weekend editions of CTV News, and was anchor of the late-night newscast CTV NEWS AT 11:30 before retiring. Leigh was a 2001 nominee for the Premier’s Award, was named one of the capital’s Top 50 people by Ottawa Magazine in 2003, and was also honoured as the Consumers’ Choice Award Woman of the Year.

About Bell Media

With passion and an unrelenting commitment to excellence, Bell Media creates content and builds brands that entertain, inform, engage, and inspire audiences through the platforms of their choice. Bell Media is Canada’s premier multimedia company with leading assets in television, radio, out-of-home advertising, and digital media. Bell Media owns 30 local television stations led by CTV, Canada’s #1 television network; 34 specialty channels, including TSN and RDS, Canada’s most-watched specialty channels in English and French; four pay TV services, including The Movie Network and Super Écran; and is managing shareholder of premium pay-per-view service Viewers Choice Canada. Bell Media is also Canada’s largest radio broadcaster, with 107 licensed radio stations in 55 markets across Canada. Bell Media owns Astral Out-of-Home, one of Canada’s most dynamic and innovative out-of-home advertising companies. Bell Media also operates more than 200 websites, delivers TV Everywhere with its innovative GO video streaming services, including TMN GO and Bravo GO, and owns Dome Productions Inc., a multi-platform production company. Bell Media is part of BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE), Canada’s largest communications company.

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For more information:
Patricia Garcia, Bell Media, 416.384.2645 or patricia.garcia@bellmedia.ca