Television news anchor Hudson Mack has left CTV Vancouver Island after a decade.
His departure was unexpected. Mack said in a statement today that he chose to leave the station and its radio partners, C-FAX 1070 and 107.3 Kool FM.
“Tomorrow is my 54th birthday,” he said. “This has always been a significant milestone for me because when I was 14 years old my dad died at the age of 54. It has helped me realize the time is right for a change.
“I have a number of projects I want to pursue and opportunities to explore.”
He said he is filled with excitement and anticipation.
Mack’s career has spanned 35 years. “I have always been excited to get up in the morning and go to work. Sadly there are many people who cannot say that.”
He thanked Vancouver Island viewers, colleagues, and community groups.
Mack was previously at Victoria’s CHEK television station for 19 years, where he was senior anchor and assistant news director.
In 2004, Mack moved to A Channel, which became CTV Vancouver Island, anchoring his first newscast with that station on Oct. 11. He was news director and senior news anchor at CTV and in 2012 was appointed news director of C-FAX 1070.
CTV Island anchor and reporter Andrew Johnson will serve as anchor until a permanent replacement is named, the station said in a news release.
Heather Kim, the station’s assistant news director, will take over as news director on an interim basis.
CTV’s release said Mack stepped down from the job.
Mack “demonstrated a tireless commitment to delivering the news to our community,” said Kevin Bell, station general manager and general sales manager. “We thank him for his years of dedicated service and wish him continued success in his future endeavours,”
Mack took a high-profile role in many fundraising events in past years. This included participating in the 2009 Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock, where he raised about $146,000.
Last year, Mack was honoured with the President’s Award from the Radio-Television Digital News Association of Canada.
When Mack switched to CTV, it was a surprise to some because the station had been downsizing. At the time, he said he was not worried about job security, saying he wanted to try something new and lead the station.
In 1980, Mack started in radio in 1980 at CJFC TV and Radio in Kamloops, followed by CKPG TV and Radio in Prince George.
He is married to Patty Mack, who has a weekly radio program on C-FAX, and they have three children, Rachel, Hamilton, and Sheldon.
