Renowned former CBC journalist, radio host, and news anchor Dennis Trudeau has passed away at the age of 77. His former colleague, Julian Sher, paid tribute to Trudeau, describing him as a symbol of excellence at CBC and in Montreal. Trudeau’s career at CBC began in 1979 after several years in journalism. He notably hosted CBC Montreal’s Daybreak for eight years and later became a national radio host on As It Happens and Cross-Country Checkup in the 1980s.
Sher, who collaborated with Trudeau during their time at Daybreak and Newswatch, emphasized Trudeau’s passion for CBC and his unwavering curiosity as a journalist. Trudeau’s dedication led him to host a morning radio show at Corus Entertainment in 2007-2008 and establish Dennis Trudeau Communications Inc. in 2007, offering various services such as master of ceremonies for events.
Apart from his broadcast career, Trudeau contributed as a columnist for Magazine Montréal centre-ville from 2006 to 2020 and provided world affairs commentary on the radio show Dutrizac l’après-midi from 2009 to 2011. Trudeau’s educational background includes studies in political science and philosophy at the University of Ottawa, followed by a journalism diploma from Western University.
Trudeau’s commitment to press freedom was evident in his role as vice-president of Reporters Without Borders’ Canadian section from 2006 to 2010, actively advocating for journalistic liberty. Sher recalled Trudeau’s deep understanding of Quebec’s history and bilingual proficiency, underscoring his unique insights into the city of Montreal during challenging times. Trudeau’s influence extended beyond his journalism, leaving a lasting impact on those who worked with him.
