Toronto journalist Tina Yazdani axed from CityNews and the blowback was immediate

A political reporter working in Toronto was abruptly fired by CityNews, a Rogers-owned media outlet.

Journalist Tina Yazdani announced in a statement posted to X on Monday afternoon that she is no longer employed by the company.

I am no longer employed by CityNews. I am proud of my journalism at CityNews and I stand by my reporting. I will have more to say on this later but for now please stay tuned and thank you for those who have supported me.

— Tina Yazdani (@TinaYazdani) April 13, 2026

Yazdani had covered Ontario provincial politics for CityNews since 2018, earning a reputation among viewers as a "tough but fair" reporter. She reported full-time from Queen's Park, covering a wide range of issues including education, housing and healthcare.

In 2023, her reporting on a new healthcare bill stoking privatization concerns earned her an RNAO Media Award for Best News Report.

blogTO has reached out to Yazdani for comment, but has not received a response at the time of publication.

The cause of the firing — or the exact timing of it — has not been be confirmed. However, speculation has been swirling after Policorner reported that two of Yazdani's stories about the Ford government, including one headlined "Education minister faces backlash for letter to school boards," were removed from CityNews' website without any explanation. 

Yazdani's last appearance on CityNews appears to have been on March 26, reporting on the Ford government's decision to move $4 billion in taxpayer money from a tariff relief program into a private investment fund.

Following news of Yazdani's dismissal, many Toronto residents took to social media to express frustration and concern.

This is insane. One of Ontario's best reporters @TinaYazdani was fired from @CityNewsTO and they won't say why. They also removed a couple of her stories that showed her challenging the Ford government's garbage. https://t.co/uoURRUqWkC

— David Doel (@daviddoel) April 13, 2026

Others encouraged Yazdani to continue her work, framing the situation as a broader issue tied to press freedom and political accountability.

CityNews caved into Ford and we all know it. Stay strong and keep writing. Freedom of the Press is tantamount to a democracy.

— Howllr 🇨🇦🍁 (@howllr) April 13, 2026

Others are worried about the state of mainstream media.

Yet another reporter being silenced by the political mafia in this country. I've just about had it with main stream media. Hope you land on your feet Tina! We are all cheering for you.

— Rational Lens (@Rational_Lens) April 13, 2026

Meanwhile, on Reddit, users also voiced concern.

"If we are having more media firing reporters for telling the truth, [then] we are being controlled," one user wrote.

"She was the only reporter actually asking the real questions of the Ford team. City News should be ashamed of themselves," added another.

"Had balls not many reporters have nowadays, and kept those in power accountable," echoed another user.

A former interviewee also praised Yazdani's professionalism.

"Tina interviewed me for a story about 2 years ago. She was extremely professional, kind, and courteous to my requests for privacy with no pushback," they wrote.

Yazdani graduated from Carleton University in 2011 with a Bachelor of Journalism. Before joining CityNews, she worked with CTV News, CP24, and Spectrum News in the U.S.