Saddened To Announce The Passing Of Dan McLean, Hamilton,Ontario, Canada: CHCH-DT Television Journalist Dan McLean Dies At 78

Dan McLean Has Died, Cause Of Death:

Dan McLean, the iconic longtime face and voice of CHCH News, has died at the age of 78, leaving behind a legacy that shaped broadcasting in Hamilton and surrounding communities for nearly four decades.

For generations of viewers across Hamilton, Halton, and Niagara, McLean was more than a news anchor—he was a trusted presence in their homes. Known for his commanding baritone voice, polished professionalism, and unwavering dedication to local journalism, he became one of the most recognizable and respected figures in Canadian television.

McLean began his broadcasting journey at just 15 years old with a part-time radio job in Welland. His career later took him across Ontario and Saskatchewan before he found his lasting home at CHCH. There, he spent 37 remarkable years leading midday talk programs and anchoring the news until his retirement in December 2008.

Beyond the camera, McLean was admired for his mentorship and commitment to the next generation of broadcasters. He helped guide many young journalists entering the profession and was widely praised for his generosity and steady leadership in the newsroom.

Deeply devoted to Hamilton, McLean also used his platform to give back. He was instrumental in fundraising efforts that raised millions of dollars for McMaster Children’s Hospital and numerous charitable causes throughout the region.

His many honors included the Queen’s Jubilee Medal, the RTDNA Lifetime Achievement Award, and being named Hamilton’s Citizen of the Year in 2001—an honor he once said meant the most to him.

During his final broadcast, McLean reflected his gratitude, saying he always believed in giving back to a community that had given so much to him and his family.

Dan McLean will be remembered as a consummate broadcaster, a generous mentor, and a beloved champion of Hamilton. He leaves behind an enduring legacy of professionalism, service, and trust.