Longtime CHCH anchor Dan McLean dies at 78

Dan McLean, a legendary broadcaster who spent more than 30 years as the face of CHCH News, has died. He was 78.

The veteran television news anchor passed away in an Owen Sound hospital Friday.

McLean co-anchored the CHCH Evening News with Connie Smith for years – earning honours and acclaim for his work.

A mentor for a long list of local journalists who walked through the doors at CHCH, McLean was remembered by colleagues as a champion of the community.

His voice was described as legendary, his style impeccable and his career, unforgettable.

For many who grew up in the area, he was at the centre of family gatherings as viewers tuned in for his midday conversations and nightly news updates.

While McLean connected with CHCH audiences for 37 years, his broadcasting career began much earlier.

His first job, a part-time radio position in Welland, came to him when he was just 15 years old. From there, he gained experience in other areas of Ontario, including Barrie and Kitchener, before being hired at CHCH.

During his tenure at the station, he led midday talks and anchored the news, gaining a reputation for his dedication to the community.

He was one of the leaders of the CHCH team that helped raise millions of dollars for the McMaster Children’s Hospital and many other charities.

His contributions were recognized with several prestigious honours, including an RTDNA Lifetime Achievement Award and the Queen’s Jubilee Medal. In 2001, he was named Hamilton’s Citizen of the Year.

Dan McLean’s final broadcast with CHCH was in December 2008. With heavy hearts, we remember Dan McLean: 1947–2026.

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