Former CBC host Travis Dhanraj says he’s no longer working for the network after being on leave for months, and is accusing the public broadcaster of forcing him out.
On Monday, Dhanraj, who formerly hosted CBC’s national news show CANADA TONIGHT, released a post on X announcing he is officially no longer with the network.
In the post, Dhanraj said he felt the network had forced him to resign after he questioned some of its internal and editorial practices.
“By now, many of you know I’m no longer at CBC. What you may not know is what it cost me — and why I had no real choice but to walk away,” he wrote.
“This isn’t just about me. It’s about trust in the CBC — a public institution that’s supposed to serve you. It’s about voices being sidelined, hard truths avoided, and the public being left in the dark about what’s really happening inside their national broadcaster.”
The reporter had been on leave since February, when the time slot for the daily national show was replaced by “Hanomansing Tonight,” led by journalist Ian Hanomansing.
Ahead of posting on social media, Dhanraj allegedly sent internal notes to CBC and Radio-Canada staff saying he was forced out of the company after questioning “systemic issues and editorial imbalance at CBC,” according to The Star.
CBC confirmed to Now Toronto that Dhanraj “sent internal notes making serious accusations” on Monday morning, but said the allegations aren’t true.
“While we are limited in what we can say in response due to privacy and confidentiality considerations, CBC categorically rejects the accusations made about CBC News, our staff and management, including that he was ‘forced to resign.’ We are saddened to see this public attack on the integrity of CBC News,” a spokesperson said in an email statement.
In his social post, which was written via Google Form, Dhanraj also promised to speak out about the alleged internal issues with CBC “when the time is right,” giving the option for readers to drop their contact information.
“This experience nearly broke me. But I’m still here. I’m not backing down. I still have my voice. And I intend to use it,” he wrote.
“If you believe Canadians deserve answers — and transparency from the institutions they fund — leave your email below. When the time is right, I’ll pull the curtain back, I’ll share everything…I’ll tell you what is really happening inside the walls of your CBC.”
Dhanraj started his journalism career as a general assignment reporter for CBC Edmonton and CBC Toronto before moving to CP24, CTV News and Global News. He returned to CBC in 2021 as Senior Parliamentary Reporter.
As a broadcast journalist, the reporter was a co-host of MARKETPLACE, CBC’s show about consumer affairs and wrongdoings in the marketplace, before succeeding Ginella Massa as host of CANADA TONIGHT in 2024.
Online, some Canadians have been applauding Dhanraj for speaking up.
“Thank you for your courage and for taking a stand. I wish you all the best in whatever lies ahead for you,” one X user said.
“This is what we need in Canada. We want journalists with a moral compass who will question the system. We have enough ‘yes’ people. We need true journalists,” a different user said.
“Appreciate your update. I did wonder where you went. I’m hoping for better days ahead for you. Love ya!” another user wrote.
At the same time, others say that his message was vague, and still needs more details.
“You really don’t say anything in this note. One presumes you were fired or quit. We don’t know,” one X user said.
“We need way more deets,” another user said.
“Travis, without some detail, your post appears like sour grapes.I’m not the type of person that takes things at face value, but I will support whomever is in the right once facts are revealed,” a different user suggested.
