Joel Haslam Bio, CTV News, Age, Family, Wife, Salary, Height
Joel Haslam is a Canadian broadcaster best known for nearly four decades at CTV News Ottawa, where he signed off in July 2023 after 39 years. Longtime host and producer of Regional Contact, he built a reputation for finding extraordinary stories in ordinary lives. He is a multi-award winner — including a Dave Rogers Award and an Edward R. Murrow Award — and now works independently through Joel Haslam Creative. This biography covers his career, education, family life, and retirement.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Joel Haslam |
| Profession | Broadcast journalist, storyteller, videographer, editor (former CTV News Ottawa) |
| Birth Place | Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (National Capital Region) |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Known For | 39 years at CTV News Ottawa; host and producer of Regional Contact |
| Education | Combined degree in Journalism and Political Science, Carleton University |
| Height | Not publicly confirmed |
| Weight | Not publicly confirmed |
| Marital Status | In a long-time partnership with fellow broadcaster Leanne Cusack; previously married (ex-wife Pam; details private) |
| Partner | Leanne Cusack — CTV News Ottawa anchor; they signed off together in 2023 |
| Children | Three (Sydney, and twins Tait and Madison) per secondary sources; further details private |
| Home Base | Chelsea, Quebec (National Capital Region); previously taught at Algonquin College |
| Retired From TV | July 7, 2023 (CTV News Ottawa) |
| Current Work | Joel Haslam Creative — storyteller, videographer, editor |
| Salary | Not publicly disclosed |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed; published estimates vary |
Early Life and Education
Joel Haslam was born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario — Canada’s National Capital Region, the market he would spend his entire television career serving. He studied journalism and political science together at Carleton University, one of Canada’s leading journalism schools, giving him both the reporting craft and the civic grounding that would define his later storytelling.
Career Journey
CTV News Ottawa (1984–2023)
Haslam spent 39 years at CTV News Ottawa, contributing to television, radio, and digital platforms. He became the longtime host and producer of Regional Contact, a program devoted to the stories of everyday people caught up in extraordinary and inspiring adventures. “I think my approach has always been to look for stories where others aren’t looking,” he told Ottawa At Home Magazine. “The tales that others might overlook often carry profound resonance.”
Teaching and Mentoring
Alongside his on-air work, Haslam taught in the broadcast program at Algonquin College in Ottawa, mentoring the next generation of Eastern Ontario journalists. He has described storytelling as inseparable from how he thinks: “I will always be a storyteller… It’s just the way I tick.”
Sign-Off and Joel Haslam Creative
On July 7, 2023, Haslam signed off from CTV News Ottawa alongside his partner and colleague Leanne Cusack — a farewell the station covered as one of Ottawa’s top stories that week. He has since launched Joel Haslam Creative, continuing as a storyteller, videographer, and editor for projects beyond daily news.
Career Stats (2026 Snapshot)
- CTV News Ottawa: 39 years (retired July 7, 2023)
- Regional Contact: Longtime host and producer
- Teaching: Broadcast program, Algonquin College
- Awards: Dave Rogers Award; Edward R. Murrow Award; multiple broadcast news-director honors in Canada
- Now: Joel Haslam Creative (storyteller, videographer, editor)
- Education: Journalism + Political Science, Carleton University
Personal Life
- Partner: Leanne Cusack — CTV News Ottawa anchor; they retired from CTV together in July 2023 and have been described as embarking on a new chapter focused on nature, creativity, and community.
- Prior marriage: Previously married to Pam; details are private.
- Children: Three — Sydney, and twins Tait and Madison (per secondary sources).
- Home: Chelsea, Quebec, in the National Capital Region.
- Interests: Music, the outdoors, storytelling beyond the newsroom.
Dating History and Affairs
Haslam’s most public relationship is his long-time partnership with fellow CTV Ottawa broadcaster Leanne Cusack. His earlier marriage ended in divorce; no affairs or additional relationships are publicly documented.
Controversies
No major controversies involving Joel Haslam are widely reported. His public record centers on feature journalism, community storytelling, and teaching.
Awards and Achievements
- Dave Rogers Award — for the best national television series (Association of Broadcast News Directors in Canada)
- Edward R. Murrow Award — international honor for excellence in electronic journalism
- 39-year tenure at CTV News Ottawa across TV, radio, and digital
- Regional Contact — long-running host/producer of Ottawa’s human-interest franchise
- Algonquin College — years teaching in the broadcast program
Physical Statistics
- Height: Not publicly confirmed
- Weight: Not publicly confirmed
- Hair / Eyes: Not formally documented
Earnings
Joel Haslam’s salary and net worth are not officially disclosed. Any figures published online are estimates without verified financial records. His known income sources span his decades at CTV News Ottawa, teaching at Algonquin College, and current freelance work through Joel Haslam Creative.
Interesting Facts
- He and Leanne Cusack signed off from CTV Ottawa on the same day — July 7, 2023 — ending two legendary local-TV careers together.
- His signature show, Regional Contact, was built on the idea that overlooked people carry the best stories.
- He still calls himself a storyteller first: “I will always be a storyteller… It’s just the way I tick.”
- He taught broadcast students at Algonquin College while still on air at CTV.
Did You Know Already?
- Joel Haslam spent 39 straight years at one station — CTV News Ottawa.
- He won both a Dave Rogers Award and an Edward R. Murrow Award.
- His partner, Leanne Cusack, is also a retired CTV Ottawa anchor.
- After retiring he launched Joel Haslam Creative to keep telling stories beyond the newsroom.
Social Media Links
- Personal site: joelhaslamcreative.com
- CTV sign-off coverage: CTV News Ottawa
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Joel Haslam?
A Canadian broadcaster who spent 39 years at CTV News Ottawa, best known as host and producer of Regional Contact.
When did Joel Haslam retire?
He signed off from CTV News Ottawa on July 7, 2023, alongside fellow anchor Leanne Cusack.
What awards has Joel Haslam won?
A Dave Rogers Award for best national television series and an Edward R. Murrow Award, among other broadcast honors.
Who is Joel Haslam’s wife or partner?
He is in a long-time partnership with Leanne Cusack, his former CTV News Ottawa co-anchor; they retired together in 2023.
What does Joel Haslam do now?
He runs Joel Haslam Creative as a storyteller, videographer, and editor.
Conclusion
Joel Haslam’s 39-year run at CTV News Ottawa made him one of the National Capital Region’s most trusted storytellers. From Regional Contact to the classroom at Algonquin College to his current creative work, he has spent a career proving that the best stories are often the ones nobody else is looking for. If you found this biography helpful, please share it with Ottawa news fans and journalism students!
