Global television news anchor Leslie Roberts suspended

TORONTO – Global Television says it has suspended one of its main Toronto news anchors after a media report that he was part-owner of a public relations firm.

A statement from Global said Leslie Roberts is suspended indefinitely pending a full investigation by the television network.

The Toronto Star reported that Roberts co-owned a firm called Buzz PR and that some of the firm’s clients have appeared on his show.

The statement from Global says the network takes “matters of journalistic integrity very seriously” but could not comment further on the allegations in the Star story.

Roberts told the newspaper his work for his PR firm involved some media training but none of his clients paid him to get TV coverage.

Roberts has worked for Global since 2000 and currently anchors the Toronto local evening newscast.

“When I sit on the anchor desk I am in journalist mode and nothing comes between me and a story,” Roberts told the Star.

Roberts told the Star that he holds an equity position in Buzz PR, but he was going to resign from the company effectively immediately.

He couldn’t be reached for further comment.