Veteran Canadian journalist Beverly Thomson has died at age 61, according to a statement from Bell Media. She passed away on Sunday after a prolonged struggle with cancer, surrounded by family. The news has prompted widespread sadness across Canada’s journalism community and from viewers who grew up watching her work.
A Career Built on Trust and Connection
Born and raised in Toronto, Thomson’s career in broadcast journalism spanned more than three decades. She began in radio and weekend news, later becoming anchor for Global’s evening news program and co-host of Canada AM. From 2003 to 2016 she was a familiar morning voice for many across the country.
Her professionalism was repeatedly praised by colleagues. Reporter Seán O’Shea, who worked alongside her, said:
“Bev was always professional and well-prepared for her interviews. She took her work as a journalist seriously; herself, not so much. She loved people and really connected with our audience.”
Thomson was also deeply involved in charitable work, especially around cancer awareness. First diagnosed in 2002, she spent years raising funds and speaking openly about her experiences, helping shine light on the realities many face.
Why Her Passing Resonates
In Canada and beyond, news anchors like Thomson often become part of daily life. They are trusted voices, framing how stories are told, how issues are understood. Her passing matters because she represented a kind of journalism built on consistency, empathy and public trust—qualities many Canadians say they value in a time of fast-paced media.
Moreover, media observers have cited Thomson’s openness about her health journey as important to wider conversations about survivorship, healthcare access, and the human side of public figures. It’s not uncommon for public figures to share parts of personal illness stories, but Thomson did so over many years, helping reduce stigma and encouraging dialogue.
Tributes have poured in: from viewers, co-workers, national leaders, and those in cancer advocacy groups. Bell Media described her as “a trusted voice to Canadians … her natural on-air style created an immediate connection with viewers.”
Among her honours were multiple journalism awards, a lifetime achievement award from the Radio Television Digital News Association of Canada in November 2024, and her appointment to the Order of Canada in 2019.
Though Beverly Thomson is no longer with us, her influence remains in the stories she told, the lives she touched, and the trust she built with audiences. In her courage, kindness, and dedication, many find inspiration—and hope that her legacy will continue in those who follow in her footsteps.
