CBC chief correspondent Peter Mansbridge says he'll step down next year as anchor of The National

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      Next year, one of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's most famous faces will stop appearing most week nights in the living rooms of the nation.

      Chief correspondent Peter Mansbridge has announced that he'll step after Canada Day as anchor of The National.

      The 68-year-old broadcaster plans to remain on the job until July 1, when the country celebrates its 150th anniversary.

      He's been the full-time anchor of The National for 28 years since taking over from Knowlton Nash.

      The program has gone through several changes, including presenting far more panel discussions in recent years and putting correspondents' faces more prominently in stories.

      Mansbridge received a great deal of praise for his calm and responsible on-air demeanour when a gunman stormed Parliament Hill in 2014.

      However, he also alienated some viewers with his softball interviews with controversial figures, such as Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and convicted media baron Conrad Black.

      According to the CBC website, Mansbridge estimates he's done about 15,000 interviews in his 48-year career. He got his start in Churchill, Manitoba.

      In 2010, Mansbridge attracted criticism from some on the left when he decided to join the world's elite at the annual Bilderberg Conference. In 2014, Mansbridge came under fire again for accepting speaking fees from the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers.

      Earlier this year, Mansbridge's famous baritone was featured in the animated Disney feature Zootopia.

      On October 20, Mansbridge will deliver the keynote address at the Jack Webster Awards, which will be presented at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver.

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