OTTAWA – ‘Canadians are looking for truth in politics – no spin, no agenda. CPAC viewers get the unvarnished truth, the whole story. Our viewers watch, listen and decide for themselves what the real truth is,’ said Colette Watson, president and general manager of CPAC, in launching the channel’s 14th season today.
A vibrant on-air look and a pledge to renew Canadians’ interest in politics highlight the cable company-owned channel’s new season.
Political scandals, seemingly endless speculation on election timing, a minority government, and partisan bickering have eroded Canadians’ interest in the political process, says the CPAC release. "Political apathy is not healthy for democracy and we hope that our engaging programs and our new look will bring some hope back into politics," added Watson.
CPAC’s hipper, urban look also reflects the channel’s goal of engaging younger viewers. The channel has added more youth-oriented shows and new ways of ‘watching’ the channel. "As young Canadians choose to get their information in new and different ways, CPAC has responded," said Watson. The channel has redesigned its web site with improved navigation, downloadable clips, and recently introduced podcasting for popular shows.
The channel has also improved program accessibility. The House of Commons’ Question Period – a staple for political junkies – is now available four ways. Viewers have the option of live TV, a daily replay at 9 p.m. ET/PT, real-time streaming at cpac.ca or anytime through CPAC podcasts.
Returning prime time original programming includes PrimeTime Politics, Revue Politique, Goldhawk Live and Talk Politics.
New shows Outburst and Détonations, “are smarter, stronger takes on audience participation shows, designed to engage Canada’s youth,” says the press release.
CPAC’s Sound Off is a bilingual, national morning call-in show for viewers looking for lively, interactive discussions. Also new to the CPAC line-up is the British Prime Minister’s Question Time. Question Time takes viewers to the House of Commons in England as the Prime Minister answers questions from the floor.
"Our goal at CPAC is simple, but very important. We want to renew Canadians’ interest in politics and our rich political heritage," Watson said. "We hope that our new look and our exciting mix of shows will engage Canadians at home, at work and in schools."
Click here to take a peek at CPAC’s new look.
