After nearly 25 years behind and in front of the camera at CTV Ottawa, Tyler Fleming has quietly built a reputation as one of the city’s most versatile and grounded storytellers. From editing and operating cameras to reporting from the field as a multi-skilled journalist, he’s done it all and done it well. But behind the lens is someone who doesn’t just chase headlines. He notices the quiet metaphors, the raw moments, and the visuals that speak before anyone says a word.
Fleming’s work reflects the things that drive him most: honesty, community, and connection. When he’s not filming stories around the city, you’ll likely find him off the grid, on the water, in the forest, or with his family and animals in South Ottawa. In this conversation, he opens up about his beginnings, his proudest moments, and why he still believes that observation, not ego, is the key to good journalism.
You’ve spent your career telling Ottawa’s stories, but let’s start with yours. Where did you grow up, and what first sparked your interest in media and storytelling?
I grew up in Ottawa’s west end, back when it was still Nepean. I had a great group of friends, and we spent our entire childhood outside, exploring and getting into all kinds of adventures… some good, others not so much. Either way, every moment felt like a little story, a snapshot in time. I loved recounting those adventures, turning them into colourful tales for anyone who’d listen.
That’s the storyteller side of me. As for the media part, like many families, we were big on news. We read the morning papers and always watched the evening local broadcast, especially CJOH with Max Keeping. He was the most familiar face in Ottawa back then, and one day he showed up at our school. Seeing the person I watched every night, suddenly standing in front of me, made TV feel real in a whole new way. That moment stuck with me, and still does.
When did you know that working in television and news was the path you wanted to take?
All through high school, TV wasn’t really on my radar. I was more into tuning cars. In college, I tried computer science, but let’s just say it really wasn’t for me. I was at a crossroads, working part-time and about ready to drop out.
Then one night over a pint, my long-time friend Jon asked, “What do you want to do?”
It sounds cliché, but I said, “I like television.” From there, I enrolled in TV Broadcasting at Algonquin College, and I excelled. After graduation, I was hired at CTV Ottawa and worked a variety of behind-the-camera roles, like graphic design, videographer, and commercial production editor, before moving in front of the lens as a multi-skilled journalist. It’s been nearly 25 years, so I’d say it was the right choice.
You’ve worn a lot of hats at CTV Ottawa: camera operator, editor, senior ENG camera, and now journalist. How has that hands-on experience shaped your approach to storytelling?
Editing was my forte. I’ve always had a knack for pairing pictures and words to create a story that connects. I had the privilege of working with some of Canada’s best reporters, and they taught me the backbone of solid TV news. As a cameraman, I learned how important visual metaphors are — I remember filming a flood cleanup once — a person hauling soaked furniture out of his basement. It wasn’t just stuff he was tossing, it was years of memories. The visuals told that story before he even said a word. Those are the real moments that make a story authentic. Observation is everything. Notice what’s happening, ask about what you see, and never ask a question you already know the answer to. That’s how you get honesty, and that’s what matters most in this job.
Over the years, what’s one local story that’s stuck with you the most, and why?
There have been so many, but one of my favourites was about Padel, a fast and popular Swedish racket sport that Ottawa Senators legend Daniel Alfredsson brought to town. He was there to explain the game. After a quick tutorial, we teamed up to take on the club pro and his brother. I’ll just say it… I was terrible! We lost badly, and Alfie wasn’t exactly thrilled with his new teammate. But hey, I can still say I was Daniel Alfredsson’s teammate. I’ll take that lol.
In 2014, you were part of the team recognized with an Edward R. Murrow Award for creative use of video. Looking back, what about that project still resonates with you?
Ah yes — Goosebuster! A story about a man hired by the city to scare geese off local beaches. It was such a fun piece. I was the cameraman and editor, and at the time drones were still brand new. That buzzing sound in the air, the flapping wings, the honking — paired with tight shots of confused geese — it was a recipe for a memorable story. It reminded me that simple, punchy writing, a bit of humour, and strong visuals are what keep viewers engaged. I still think about that story today. And what makes that award special is that it’s international. It remains one of my proudest moments. Hopefully, I’ll get another as an MSJ.
You live a very outdoorsy, active life when the cameras are off, horseback riding, skiing, fishing, and being a dad. What does that time outdoors do for you after long days in the newsroom?
It’s silence, serenity, and peace. News is fast-paced and deadline-driven, and I love that energy, but I also love shutting it off. I make a point of taking off my watch after work. Out in nature, whether I’m alone or with my family, time doesn’t matter. The only thing that does is what’s right in front of you. I’m not sure parenthood is quieter, lol. It’s busy. My son Dylan plays competitive soccer, so that’s a full schedule, and my daughter Hailey still rides horses and recently started her first part-time job. My wife, Jodi, never lets the busyness of life get in the way of family time. She’s the reason we have those moments on the boat, skiing, or just laughing together. She makes the chaos feel meaningful. Family fuels everything for me. It’s what keeps me working hard and striving to be better.
What’s a lesson, learned in the field, on set, or in life, that’s guided you through your career?
Never peak. Keep reaching, keep pushing. Don’t get complacent. Be curious. Seek the truth. If you don’t know something, ask — don’t fake it. And never underestimate yourself or others.
