Marci Ien: a News Icon on a New Path

Most Canadians know Marci Ien from her time on CTV’s Canada AM, where she spent more than a decade as news anchor and ultimately co-host. Few know that Marci made her television debut at the age of 10 — although it would take another 12 years before she made it back on TV, this time as a reporter. She’s currently a guest co-host on The Social, and is continuing her long history of charitable work as a member of the Council of Champions for Children First Canada, dedicated to improving the wellbeing of kids in our country. We’ve mapped out her most important milestones.

1979 – Makes her Canadian television debut at age 10 with the children’s program, Circle Square.

1991 – Graduates with a Radio and Television Arts degree from Ryerson University and begins her career as a news writer and general assignment reporter at CHCH-TV in Hamilton, Ontario.

1995 – Gets into the national spotlight with her reports from Queen’s Park appearing on Canada Tonight. Plus, her news serial, Journey to Freedom — a look at the Underground Railroad, earns her a Radio Television Digital News Association Award.

1997 – Makes the move to CTV News for a full-time national gig, covering major stories like the crash of Swissair Flight 111 off Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia.

2003 – Becomes the news anchor on Canada AM, CTV’s national morning show.

2004 – Marci and her husband, Lloyd Exeter, welcome their daughter Blaize into the world.

2008 – Receives the Black Business and Professional Association Harry Jerome Award in the media category.

2010 – Acts as news anchor for CTV’s Olympic Morning at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver.

2011 – After eight years as the news anchor on Canada AM, she moves into the co-host chair. Another big milestone: her son, Dash, is born.

2014 – Granted the Planet Africa Award for excellence in media.

2015 – Earns a Canadian Screen Award nomination in the Best Host category for her work on CTV’s Canada AM.

2016 – Early in the year, her journalistic achievements are honoured with an African Canadian Achievement Award. In June, Canada AM announces its final episode.

Marci Ien kicks off our Spring season with an Evening event on February 28 in Toronto – limited tickets available!