Ann Rohmer to leave CP24

After 31 years in broadcasting, news anchor Ann Rohmer is leaving CP24 for a career in the aviation industry.

Rohmer has spent the last few decades hosting early-morning news shows – first Breakfast Television and then CP24Breakfast. She also hosts other programs, including CP24’s news desk, Hot Property, Animal House Calls and On the Quarter.

She told Toronto Star TV columnist Rob Salem that she is set to explore life away from the camera, one that starts at a more reasonable hour than her normal 3:30 a.m. wakeup.

“I am so looking forward to sleeping in till 5 or 6,” Rohmer told Salem.

Salem continues:

“Rohmer will not be entirely gone from TV — still “truly dedicated to the welfare of animals,” she plans to continue as special guest host of Animal House Calls for CP24 and Animal Planet.

“And then, literally, the sky’s the limit. Though she can’t yet be specific, Rohmer will follow family tradition for a new career in the aviation industry. “Air travel, airlines, flight, it’s in our blood,” says Rohmer, whose father, General Richard Rohmer, is a former fighter pilot and chief of the air reserve. She herself was a Nordair flight attendant in the ’70s.

“It’s a new career and a new life,” Rohmer enthuses. “I’ve done everything I wanted to do in television. I’m so happy and so proud, and I’m leaving at the best of times.

“This place means a lot to me, and I know I’m leaving it in good hands, on air with Steve Anthony and the incredible Bob McLaughlin behind the scenes.”

Rohmer’s bio on CP24 reads:

“In addition to her duties behind the CP24 news desk, Ann Rohmer hosts four of our shows: CP24 Breakfast, Hot Property, Animal House Calls and On the Quarter.

“Rohmer first burst onto the TV scene in 1979, as host of the internationally-syndicated program Show Biz. Moving over to Global Television, Rohmer hosted an award-winning magazine-style show called That’s Life.

“Her next move was to CBC Sports, where she was the network’s first female sports anchor. That was followed by two years at CTV as the features reporter on Canada AM.

“In 1986, Rohmer found her home at Citytv as a weekend sports anchor. Three years later, she began waking up at 4 a.m. to host “BT-Breakfast Television” — a routine she perfected over a spectacular 12-year run.

“Believing that “a change is as good as a rest,” Rohmer became the chief anchor for CP24 in October 2001, leading the daytime coverage for Toronto’s only 24-hour news channel. In February 2002, she jumped at the chance to host CP24’s new real estate show, Hot Property.

“In 2004, her passion for animals turned to professional pleasure when Rohmer was asked to host Animal House Calls.

“That same year, Rohmer also began hosting On the Quarter. Airing once every three months on CP24, On the Quarter explores ways to increase your income and maximize your portfolio.

“In January 2008, Rohmer began co-hosting CP24’s flagship broadcast “Live AT 5” and the launch of CP24 Breakfast in March 2009.

“Rohmer has received numerous industry and community accolades, including her selection as Toronto’s Favourite Television Personalities in 1999 and 1994, and as one of the city’s”10 Sexiest Women” (1994) by readers of the Toronto Sun. She was honoured in 1998 as Variety Children’s Charity’s “Outstanding Community Volunteer.”

“Rohmer’s passion for live news is a perfect fit with CP24, which she calls “the eyes and ears of Toronto.” CP24 focuses on breaking news, weather, traffic, plus transit updates from across the city, presented in the fresh and dynamic style of live television through CP24’s revolutionary enriched screen.”