CBC plans 90-minute TV newscasts for 5 p.m.
Last Updated: Wednesday, July 29, 2009 | 5:28 PM ET
CBC News
CBC News will begin running 90-minute, early-evening TV newscasts in every region of Canada, beginning at the end of August.
The public broadcaster plans the change, taking effect Monday, Aug. 31, as part of its news renewal — which includes refocusing on local news.
"It's really quite thrilling to be able to expand our local news coverage to better serve Canadians in an economic environment where the inclination could be to retreat," Jennifer McGuire, general manager and editor-in-chief of CBC News, said Wednesday in a release.
The supper-hour broadcasts will vary by region, but include the top national and international stories, followed by local and regional coverage.
They will start at 5 p.m. local time and news, especially local news, will be updated each half hour throughout the broadcast.
Sources said CBC is juggling resources internally to create the extended newscasts at a time when the English-language service must make up an $85-million budget shortfall.
CBC Television has rejigged its schedule around the supper hour newscasts.
The popular British soap opera Coronation Street will begin airing at 6:30 p.m. in each market, a half hour earlier than now.
CBC spokesman Chris Ball said the change of time means the show will suffer fewer pre-emptions for other events.
Wheel of Fortune has been scheduled for 7 p.m. and Jeopardy for 7:30 p.m. Ghost Whisperer will be broadcast at 4 p.m., replacing The Simpsons and Wheel of Fortune.
