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TORONTO - Veteran host and reporter Tom Clark is leaving CTV after almost four decades with the network.
Clark, CTV's former Washington bureau chief and host of the political show "Power Play with Tom Clark," is leaving to "pursue other opportunities," according to a news release.
His resignation follows the announced retirement of Lloyd Robertson and the appointment of Lisa LaFlamme as his successor to host the "CTV National News."
Clark's disappointment at not being named as Robertson's replacement was well known around CTV. Clark had been widely considered a top contender for the anchor job.
"He was pretty bitter," said one employee. "You can tell he wasn't a happy camper."
It was Clark himself who first signalled his departure on Twitter, sending out a message that read, "suffice to say there is no more PowerPlay with Tom Clark." Later, he changed his online profile name from CTVPowerPlay to tomclarktv, suggesting that a TV job might still be in his future.
One friend of Clark's, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said CTV had given him the opportunity to stay if he wanted and the two sides parted ways amicably.
"I know he realized there were other things he could do and was interested in exploring them," said the source. "He has a range of talents and was looking at how best to benefit from them."
Former Global TV anchor Kevin Newman lauded Clark on Twitter.
"Many memories of working alongside and in competition with Tom Clark. He's tough, smart, and personally kind. We need more of his class."
A source said CTV's "Question Period" co-host Jane Taber would guest host "Power Play" on its first episode of the season Tuesday. A rotating cast of hosts will be brought in until a permanent replacement is found.
Clark had reported from war zones, the scenes of natural disasters and political upheavals for CTV. He covered the fall of the Berlin Wall, the protests at Tiananmen Square, and every Canadian federal election since 1974.
