Long-time CTV personality Renu Bakshi has left a big hole in CTV's local reporting capabilities.

CivicScene has just learned that this past Friday was Renu Bakshi’s final day with CTV Vancouver.

Renu had recently taken on anchoring duties on the weekends, in addition to her usual reporting duties.

A tough nosed approach to reporting defined Bakshi’s approach to reporting, particularly when it came to investigative journalism on stories relating to politics and the rights of farm workers, as examples.

It was also refreshing to see a South Asian anchor leading a local newscast, as it is hard to remember the last time that had happened for a local Vancouver newscast.

The reasons behind Bakshi’s departure were initially unclear, as the Indo Canadian Voice is reporting that she “quit,” leaving many questions as to why CTV would let her get away and what prompted her sudden departure.  I have discovered, however, that her Mom is very ill, and that was definitely one of the main reasons behind her departure.  As Renu told me over the weekend, “It is important for me and my family to spend as much time with our Mother as possible.  I will miss the people at CTV and the experience of being able to break stories of interest to the public, but family always must come first.”

Renu had in recent years assisted her father Sudarshan Bakshi, an Order of BC recepient, with the Janta Sewak Society, which has has been involved in charitable work both in Canada and India.  The society’s last few fundraising dinners were amazing affairs, with most of the BC Cabinet in attendance (including the Premier) and personalities like Kelley Hrudy and Canadian music icons Glass Tiger.  What always impressed me about the efforts of the organization was their focus on families, and the way in which contributions always focused on making a direct impact on the lives of those in need.

I for one will miss Renu on my screen, and wish her Godspeed with regards to Mom.  I also hope that some other station jumps at the opportunity to snap her up, as I am aware that the ratings for her weekend anchoring duties dwarfed others in that late-night slot.

All the best to you, Ms. Bakshi.