Global News Toronto TV anchor quits after report he co-owned PR firm

TORONTO – Global News says Toronto TV anchor Leslie Roberts has resigned from the network a week after media reports that he co-owned a public relations company.

A statement from Global says the resignation is effective immediately.

Global suspended Roberts last week after the Toronto Star reported that he co-owned a firm called Buzz PR and that some of the firm’s clients have appeared on his Global show.

Global News said it was never informed of his connection to the PR firm.

Roberts told the Star that he admitted it didn’t look good, but said when he sat in the anchor chair he was in journalist mode and nothing stood between him and the story.

Roberts has worked for Global since 2000 and anchored the Toronto local evening newscast.

Roberts issued a statement saying he was privileged to work for Global.

“I regret the circumstances, specifically a failure to disclose information, which led to this outcome,” the statement said.

Global conducted an internal investigation into the issue and said it’s satisfied with the outcome.

“Global News remains committed to balanced and ethical journalism produced in the public’s interest. We will not be offering further comment at this time,” said a Global statement.