TORONTO — As CTV’s W5 program prepares to return for its 55th season this fall, the Bell Media-owned network today announced Avery Haines (above) has been named as host and managing editor of the investigative documentary series.
“To lead this program — an institution in Canada — requires trust in accomplished and seasoned journalists, and I’m confident it is in no better hands than with Avery Haines at the helm,” said Wendy Freeman, president of CTV News, in the news release. “We’re thrilled she will continue to bring her investigative skills as managing editor while taking on the role of host this season.”
Haines has worked at W5 since 2017 and her reporting earned her the 2020 Canadian Screen Award for best host or interviewer, news or information, for the documentary story “The Narco Riviera”, which featured a chilling interview with a Mexican cartel leader while his heavily armed accomplices looked on.
“I am honoured to be continuing the tradition of fearless journalism exemplified by W5’s decades-long reporting,” said Haines, in the release. “Being part of this stellar team has been tremendously rewarding and I look forward to expanding my role with this iconic program.”
CTV also announced CTV News Ottawa parliamentary correspondent Molly Thomas will join the W5 team as investigative correspondent this fall.
“We are also delighted to welcome Molly Thomas to the accomplished team at W5, and proud to continue our longstanding tradition of shepherding the best talent to uncover the best stories,” said Anton Koschany, executive producer of W5. “With impressive journalistic background that combines short and long-form storytelling, Thomas brings international experience that will be beneficial in exposing significant stories from around the world.”
W5’s team of contributors includes CTV News weekend anchor Sandie Rinaldo, CTV News national affairs correspondent Omar Sachedina, and CTV’s chief news anchor and senior editor Lisa LaFlamme.
The new season of W5 airs Saturdays at 7 p.m. ET/PT, beginning September 26, on CTV. It also airs Saturdays at 10 p.m. ET on CTV2. W5 is also available on demand on CTVNews.ca/W5 and on the CTV and CTV News apps.
