Peter Mansbridge, the veteran CBC News anchor, whose authoritative voice had been informing Canadians of the day's top stories, broadcasting into their living rooms each night for decades, is retiring as anchor of The National.

Mansbridge, 68 years old, has announced that he plans to step down from CBC's flagship show next summer, after anchoring special Canada Day coverage on July 1, when the country will mark its 150th birthday.

Mansbridge told viewers Monday night, "It's been an amazing time to report our history, but I've decided that this year will be my last one. As someone who believes strongly in public broadcasting, leaving the CBC's flagship will not be easy. But what's important is that The National of the future will continue to reflect our world, our country and our people."

Mansbridge's storied career has spanned nearly five decades, including 28 years at the helm of the desk as anchor and chief correspondent.

It's a role that has seen him broadcast from all corners of Canada and various hotspots around the world.

He has covered 14 federal elections, hosted eight Olympic ceremonies and conducted an estimated 15,000 interviews, sitting opposite countless Canadian and global leaders, along with numerous personalities from the worlds of politics, sports and entertainment.

Mansbridge was introduced to journalism in an unconventional way when, at the age of 19, he was offered a job at the local CBC radio station in Churchill, Man., after the station manager heard his now-instantly recognizable voice come over the intercom at the airport.

The public broadcaster would go on to help develop CBC Radio's news service for Northern Canada, before moving to Winnipeg as a radio reporter in 1971 and then joined CBC Television in 1972.

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By Prakriti Neogi