VANCOUVER – OMNI TV British Columbia’s first new production is The Standard, a daily prime-time current affairs television program interlaced with spirituality.
It launches Monday, September 26th at 9 p.m. PT.
Viewers of the hour-long show will learn stories from around the world, meet newsmakers up close, and discover the spiritual sides of men and women from all walks of life, and delivered from a Vancouver perspective, says the Rogers-owned broadcaster.
“The Standard grew out of a shared thirst for knowledge and the allied need for enhanced understanding of our rich cultural and spiritual diversity,” said Terry Mahoney, general manager, OMNI TV, British Columbia. “We’re excited to present the Vancouver viewpoint of The Standard to increasingly diverse local audiences and moreover, are pleased to know that our production is the only one in the province to cover local, national, and international issues through the lens of faith.” 
Spirituality, faith and religion are the cornerstones upon which The Standard will stand. B.C.-born political affairs specialist Andrew Dawson (rear, with co-hosts Terry O’Neill, left, and Laura-Lynn Tyler) is at the helm as main host for the program and will lead viewers through its three main components: news: focus; and people.
News anchor Terry O’Neill will deliver the latest international religious news. Focus is topic-driven, from headline issues to grassroots stories. People will be where Laura-Lynn Tyler interviews newsmakers from a spiritual point of view.
The Standard will mark its premiere week on-air with an exciting lineup, including: Renowned author Salman Rushdie and musician David Usher on Monday; Dead Sea Scrolls experts Drs. Emanuel Tov and Peter Flinton Tuesday; Larry Campbell, Mayor of Vancouver and Federal Senator on Wednesday; Kim Bolan, author of Loss of Faith (re:Air India) on Thursday; and the Weekly roundtable with local faith communities on Friday.
In addition to regular guests from all walks of life in the body of the program, The Standard will feature Commentary, a one minute editorial segment where established ethnocultural journalists, writers and community leaders express their personal points of view on religious, moral, or cultural issues. A strong roster of seven commentators will participate, including popular local radio broadcaster Rafe Mair (a top draw with no less than three editorials a week); Rex Weyler, co-founder of Greenpeace and acclaimed author; and Salimah Ebraim, Co-founder of the Spirit Bear Youth Coalition.
Other regular contributors to The Standard include OMNI.10’s Simone Grewal and Toronto-based OMNI.2 correspondents Indira Naidoo-Harris and Angie Seth.
The Standard will air weeknights, and deliver news, commentaries and interviews in fast-paced format aimed at a young, contemporary audience – and yet the program holds cross-generational appeal, reflecting the multi-faith mandate of OMNI.10 with a special emphasis on the people and events that shape our history; past, present and future. The Standard will be distinct, groundbreaking and informative, but above all, entertaining.
OMNI TV BC is the newly branded, newly renovated license resulting from Rogers’ purchase of NOW TV and the subsequent approval by the CRTC. The decision also included the approval of a rebroadcast transmitter for Victoria.
