Former Ottawa broadcaster James Hendricks dies

James Hendricks in a 2009 segment of Talk Ottawa on Rogers TV.

Ottawa TV newsman James Hendricks, formerly of The New RO (A-Channel) and Rogers TV, has passed away.

Hendricks started broadcasting in Ottawa as an anchor and reporter at The New RO (later A-Channel) in 1998, according to his LinkedIn profile. He became the station’s lead news anchor in 2003 but was let go during station downsizing in 2006.

He moved to Rogers TV where he hosted Talk Ottawa, that station’s flagship newsmagazine program, from 2006 to 2009. He stayed on at Rogers as a political analyst and special events anchor until 2014. According to his LinkedIn, he then moved to other opportunities in Toronto.

Ottawa viewers probably remember him. James Hendricks passed this week. He was a huge catalyst in my broadcast career. For a while, a very good friend and confidant too. One of the smartest people I've ever met. RIP, brother. pic.twitter.com/352XXNmLMG

— Area Resident (@DougHempstead) January 25, 2019

Saddened to hear of the passing of James Hendricks. He started on @rogersottawa22 during the 2006 Ottawa municipal election and hosted the televised debates that year. I was 25, 40 years younger than my main rivals and quite nervous. He had a calming influence on me. Tough loss.

— Scott Moffatt (@ScottMoffatt21) January 25, 2019

I just found out that James Hendricks has passed away. He was one of the smartest and funniest guys I've had the pleasure of working with. I started my television career with him. We would sit and talk before/after a show, sometimes for hours. He was always a brilliant chat.
— Kyle Smith (@KylesWeather) January 26, 2019