Peter Mansbridge promises low-key sign-off as he leaves ‘The National’ anchor chair
TORONTO — Peter Mansbridge doesn’t want to make a fuss about leaving the anchor’s chair at CBC’s “The National.”
Nearly a year after telling viewers he planned to retire from the public broadcaster’s flagship program, the 68-year-old newsman who defined an era at CBC News plans to sign-off for the final time with little fanfare.
“Don’t expect much,” he said in a recent interview. “I’ve never wanted it to be about me, this program.”
As Canada’s 150th celebration nears on Saturday, so does Mansbridge’s chosen date to say goodbye. The procession began Wednesday night when he delivered his final broadcast of “The National” at the CBC’s Toronto studio.