CTV News Channel announced today an investment in new programs and anchors, as well as an adjustment to its format, as it continues to evolve for the future.
Three new programs debut today, while four new faces join its fleet of seasoned and highly respected anchors: Amanda Blitz, Rudyard Griffiths, Tasha Kheiriddin and Scott Reid. Additionally, the channel moves to a two-anchor format for much of the day, allowing for a more informal and conversational approach to delivering news as it happens.
"The 24-hour, all-news universe presents new opportunities to engage with viewers by embracing new technology and new programming - and we're investing in those opportunities," said Wendy Freeman, President, CTV News. "Our mission is to find new ways to do it better, faster and smarter, while always keeping what viewers want top of mind."
Premiering today, CTV News Channel presents three new programs:
EXPRESS Weekdays, 9 a.m. to 12 noon with Dan Matheson and Jacqueline Milczarek Weekdays, 1- 4 p.m. with Amanda Blitz EXPRESS offers viewers a lively mix of news and information presented in an informal, conversational format. Its one-minute news updates every 15 minutes ensures viewers get the latest news and commentary on stories making headlines in an easily digestible format. Matheson, Milczarek and Blitz are joined by newsmakers, analysts and experts, along with reporters based both in-studio and live on location. Reaching beyond the news, EXPRESS covers a variety of topics - from high tech toys to personal finance to pop culture - with emphasis on lifestyle and helpful information and ideas.
DIRECT Weekdays, 12 noon to 1 p.m. with Sandie Rinaldo Weekdays, 6 - 7 p.m. and 9 - 10 p.m. with Marcia MacMillan DIRECT is CTV News Channels new lunch-time, dinner-hour and evening one-hour newscasts. CTV's Sandie Rinaldo helms CTV News Channel's midday review of national and international news while Marcia MacMillan anchors the evening editions. Rinaldo takes viewers to the heart of the most important stories each weekday, delivering interviews with newsmakers, experts, and CTV reporters stationed across Canada and around the world.
DIRECT also features business and markets summaries, political news from Ottawa and Washington, entertainment, national weather, and sports news headlines.
NATIONAL AFFAIRS 4 - 5 p.m. with Tasha Kheiriddin and Rudyard Griffiths (Monday - Thursday) 4 - 5 p.m. with Tasha Kheiriddin and Scott Reid (Friday) CTV News Channel's new political news hour welcomes new anchors Tasha Kheiriddin, Rudyard Griffiths, and Scott Reid as they cover national and international news and issues with a heavy emphasis on politics and politicians. NATIONAL AFFAIRS is an edgy and provocative addition to CTV News Channel, connecting viewers to conversations that are sometimes confrontational and always educational.
