End of an era: Melanie Ng leaving Breakfast Television after 11 years

Esteemed Canadian journalist and reporter Melanie Ng announced on Wednesday’s broadcast she will be leaving Breakfast Television after 11 years.

Ng made the announcement alongside Sid Seixeiro and Dina Pugliese, during which she explained the reason behind her departure, citing family and being there for her son.

“Please bear with me because this is completely unscripted, and I want to speak from the heart and be transparent as I always have with you on this show,” an emotional Ng started by saying.

“For the past [about] 11 years, I have called this show home. Breakfast Television has been a part of my everything. When I started here, I wasn’t married, and I didn’t have a son. It was a different life. I am sharing with you today, the viewer, that I will be leaving the show. Friday will be my final day.”

Ng said it was a difficult decision, noting the many factors she needed to weigh after her husband secured a job that required much travel.

“My driver here, right now, is family,” Ng said. “How do we manage this?… I can only ask for so much help. I don’t even want to ask for help. No. It’s got to be me. I want to be there. I want to be there for my son, who is six years old and thinks I am his best friend right now.”

She acknowledged the small window of time she gets to see her son grow and reiterated how challenging it is to leave BT after so many years but said her own family is of utmost importance.

“I want to walk him to school. I want to make breakfast with him. I want to hear stories about what he’s going to do in the day. I want to tell him to be kind every day,” she said.

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“As difficult as it is to walk away from this family, I have decided that’s my priority moving forward, and I am so happy to say it again, to put my family as my priority.”

Ng joined CityNews in 2010 and covered some of the most significant events to hit Toronto and the GTA. From moderating political debates to anchoring Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) red carpet coverage, Ng was widely regarded for her versatility.

Before CityNews, Ng worked for Hamilton’s CHCH News and local Ontario radio stations in various roles as a reporter, videographer, and weekend news anchor. Before pursuing a career in broadcast journalism, she worked in public relations.

A Rogers Sports and Media spokesperson thanked Ng for her tireless work ethic and professionalism.

“We’re going to miss you. Thank you for being such a bright light for audiences over the past 11 years. You’ve brought all of Canada so much joy.”

Rogers Sports & Media is the parent company of Breakfast Television and CityNews.