Bell Media issued a press release today announcing that Michael Landsberg is leaving TSN after 37 years.
TORONTO (July 30, 2021) – TSN announced today that Michael Landsberg is departing TSN 1050 Toronto, after five years as a daily host with the station. Landsberg most recently appeared as co-host of the station’s morning program FIRST UP WITH LANDSBERG & COLAIACOVO.
“Michael is an integral part of TSN’s history, an incredible host, and a singular voice in sports media – always able to provoke passionate debates amongst fans because he never shied away from sharing his opinions,” said Jeff MacDonald, Program Director, TSN 1050. “Michael is a legendary broadcaster, a relentless advocate for mental health support, and a devoted family man. We are honoured that he has spent the last five years with TSN 1050. We wish him the very best as he starts this new chapter.”
“I can’t even begin to say what TSN has meant to me and my family. In 1984, as a 27-year-old with no TV experience, I was given the break of a lifetime. Over the years I have always felt respected, and valued. I have worked with, and for, amazing people. Saying goodbye is tough, but I leave with only fine memories from my 37 years.”
Beginning his broadcasting career as an anchor for SPORTSCENTRE in 1984 (originally SportsDesk), Landsberg went on to helm TSN’s OFF THE RECORD beginning in September 1997. One of Canada’s longest running talk shows, the acclaimed 30-minute daily sports debate program highlighted Landsberg’s strong opinions, humour, and charismatic interview style. Landsberg was also the Whistler Host for Olympic Daytime on CTV during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, and he anchored TSN’s Olympic Daytime for the London 2012 Olympic Games. He was twice nominated for Gemini Awards for Best Host or Interviewer in a Sports Program or Sportscast.
A renowned mental health advocate, Landsberg has spoken publicly about his personal battle with depression, including as an ambassador for the Bell Let’s Talk initiative. In 2009, he founded SickNotWeak to build awareness that mental illness is a sickness, not a weakness, and to help both those suffering from mental illness and those caring for them. Landsberg’s documentary Darkness and Hope: Depression, Sports and Me earned a Canadian Screen Award nomination in 2013, and he was honoured with the Canadian Screen Award Humanitarian Award in 2015 for his longstanding dedication to promoting mental health awareness.
I've spoken with Michael Landsberg a couple of times on Toronto Mike'd, and he leaves quite the legacy at TSN. After all, he's been there since day one in 1984.
Here's his initial deep dive on Toronto Mike'd:
Here's his return with old friend Steve Paikin:
I need to speak again with Michael to determine what exactly transpired here. My suspicion is that Bell Media initiated this change, possibly as a cost-cutting endeavour, but as I type that has yet to be confirmed. Regardless, I wish FOTM Michael Landsberg well in his next chapter and trust he'll continue to be an extraordinary mental health advocate.
Update:
I spoke with Michael for an hour to learn why he left and what's next for him. You can hear this 895th episode of Toronto Mike'd here.
