By Canadian Press

Peter Mansbridge says this will be his last year as anchor of The National

Sep 6, 2016 | 4:09 PM

TORONTO — After almost 30 years as anchor of CBC’s flagship news program, Peter Mansbridge will leave the The National next summer.

Mansbridge told viewers during Monday night’s broadcast that he will step down after anchoring the network’s Canada Day coverage next July 1, when the country will mark its 150th birthday.

“This next year will mark 30 years since I was named chief correspondent and anchor of the National … a position that’s an honour and a privilege to occupy,” Mansbridge said.

“It’s been an amazing time to help chronicle our history, but I’ve decided that this year will be my last one.”

Mansbridge’s career has spanned nearly five decades, including 28 years at the helm of The National as anchor and chief correspondent.

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The network notes he has covered every federal election since 1972 and anchored all 10 since 1984. He has also hosted eight Olympic ceremonies, won 12 Gemini Awards and was named an officer of the Order of Canada in 2008.

Mansbridge, 68, began his career in journalism at the age of 19 when he was offered a job at a local CBC radio station in Churchill, Man., after the station manager heard his voice over the intercom at the airport.

He went on to help develop CBC Radio’s news service for Northern Canada before moving to Winnipeg as a radio reporter in 1971 and then joining CBC Television in 1972.

Mansbridge, who was born in London, England and lives in Stratford, Ont., became chief correspondent and anchor 16 years later, taking over from Knowlton Nash.

“As someone who believes strongly in public broadcasting, leaving the CBC’s flagship will not be easy,” Mansbridge told viewers. “But what’s important is that ‘The National’ of the future will continue to reflect our world, our country and our people.”

“There will be more to say about the future in the days to come, but now it’s time to focus on the new season and here at the National we will be doing just that.”

Earlier this year, Mansbridge was named to the Canadian News Hall of Fame and was given a lifetime achievement award by the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA).

The Canadian Press