TORONTO – Canada’s 24-hour all business and financial news channel Business News Network – BNN celebrated its 15th anniversary on Tuesday.
The network marked the occasion with a special celebratory broadcast of The Business News, which saw network pioneer and anchor Michael Hainsworth host an on-air salute to BNN that included a look back at the top headlines and stories that captivated the business community over the last 15 years, as well as interviews with some of the network’s original reporters and anchors, including Janis Mackey Frayer, Bruce Sellery, and Kim Parlee.
Launched on September 1, 1999, BNN was originally known as Report on Business Television (ROBTv), and was associated with The Globe and Mail’s financial section. Previously housed at 720 King St. West in Toronto, BNN moved to Bell Media’s flagship downtown Toronto headquarters at 299 Queen St. West on December 6, 2010.
Today, BNN reaches more than 1 million viewers weekly and ranks as the most-watched news station for A24-54 viewers during weekday business hours, according to recent Numeris (BBM Canada) data. It boasts long-running in-house programs Market Call and Business Day as well as special programming like Your Money Month, which guides viewers annually through the tax and RSP season.
“For 15 years, BNN has given Canadians a place to speak with the business community, learn of impending financial storms and opportunities, and build for their retirements,” said BNN general manager Grant Ellis, in the news release. “BNN is a mainstay in thousands of homes and offices across the country, with one of the most-informed and engaged audiences in Canada. Our growing online and radio presence is expanding that reach even further.”
“For the past 15 years, BNN has kept Canadians informed of the latest in business news from Canada and around the world,” added Minister of Finance, Joe Oliver. “Congratulations on this impressive milestone. I wish your team all the best as you continue to strive for excellence in broadcasting and reporting.”
