Source: Globe and Mail

So long for now, Don.

Friends, colleagues and fans of Don Newman are struggling to imagine how CBC Newsworld will recover without the tough political questions and trademark drawl on the word "broadcast" that have helped Don Newman earn a reputation as one of the most respected journalists in Canada.

Newman, who hosts the Newsworld program Politics and is a member of the Order of Canada, has decided to take a voluntary retirement package offered to CBC staff as a way of reducing the number of layoffs at the network, which is facing major budget pressures.

"Don set the standard for daily politics shows on Canadian all-news channels," Susan Delacourt, Ottawa correspondent for the Toronto Star and a friend of Newman's, wrote in an e-mail. "I don't know what I would have done without him, and frankly, I don't know how the parliamentary press gallery will remotely be the same without Don in it."

Newman told CBC News yesterday that he will continue to host Politics until the end of the season in June, but offered no further details. Many of those who know Newman say his departure will leave a huge void at the CBC, but also in coverage of Canadian politics.

"CBC's got massive shoes to fill," said Don Martin, columnist at the National Post and Calgary Herald and a regular guest on Politics. "This guy is like a walking, talking political history book for Canada."

Martin and others say there are few, if any, candidates who could rival Newman's illustrious career, which spanned 40 years and included coverage of the Watergate scandal, the Canada-U.S. free trade agreement and numerous political campaigns. He has reported from Parliament Hill since 1981 and it was his coverage of the failed Meech Lake accord that helped the bureau win a Gemini award. Newman was one of the driving forces behind the creation of CBC Newsworld.

"He's the last larger-than-life authoritative CBC political correspondent. There's no one who comes close," said Peter Donolo, former Liberal communications director for Jean Chrétien who has known Newman for nearly 20 years.

Newman is also seen as a caring, good-hearted true gentleman. In the early 1990s, Newman had to deal with the untimely deaths of his only son and wife, and his strength and dedication in the face of adversity made him an example for many around him.

CBC spokesman Jeff Keay said he couldn't comment on the network's plans after Newman's departure.

© Globe and Mail