Names Adrienne Arsenault chief correspondent
CBC NEWS ANNOUNCED today a new strategic approach aimed at delivering an enhanced news offering, which includes launching a 24/7 FAST (free, ad-supported streaming TV) channel and a shakeup amongst the co-hosts of The National.
The new FAST channel is to launch in the fall and will be available for streaming, digital and connected TV platforms. It will offer “the best of CBC local, national and current affairs journalism,” a press release explains. The channel will be offered in addition to CBC News Network’s current offering on cable, satellite and CBC Gem.
“The world of news media, TV and video journalism is changing rapidly. Yet the demand for trusted, quality journalism is unchanged,” said Susan Marjetti, general manager of news, current affairs and local at the CBC, in the release.
“To reach audiences in new ways, we are making a strategic push into the world of streaming news with the launch of a FAST channel, while continuing to broaden and deepen the storytelling on our flagship program, The National.”
The National will be a core pillar of the new streaming channel. Adrienne Arsenault, who has been named chief correspondent for CBC News, will anchor the program Monday to Thursday as of this fall.
“Adrienne’s many years in the field and her rich journalism experience make her uniquely positioned to take viewers of The National to the biggest stories shaping our world,” said Brodie Fenlon, editor in chief, CBC News, in the release.
“Adrienne’s signature ‘take-me-there’ approach to storytelling and news writing resonates strongly with digital, on-demand audiences looking for quality current affairs and long-form content. Expect to see more of her on-the-ground reporting and anchoring from the field as Adrienne steps fully into the role of chief correspondent in the fall.”
Arsenault currently shares the anchor role on The National with Andrew Chang and Ian Hanomansing. Chang will step away from the program in August to begin developing a new daily show that will “play a central role on the new streaming channel,” while Hanomansing will continue to host The National on Fridays and Sundays, the release explains.
Chang’s new show will be available on CBC Gem, CBCNews.ca, the CBC News app and YouTube in addition to the new FAST channel.
“Andrew’s new show, targeted at a new streaming audience, will capitalize on his strong news judgement and innate ability to engage people of all ages,” said Fenlon.
Hanomansing, in addition to his role hosting The National twice per week, will host Cross Country Checkup on CBC Radio and CBC News Network. “He will also host a new weekly interview series on The National in the fall, building on his growing and deepening connection with Canadians across the country and on all platforms,” the press release says.
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