CBC launches new Waterloo Region station March 11

CBC listeners in the Waterloo region will wake up with Craig Norris, who has been officially named as the weekday morning host of CBC's newest station, which is set to begin broadcasting on March 11.

The new station will offer both radio (on 89.1 FM) and online programming and will operate out of 117 King St. W. in downtown Kitchener.

The audience will hear their own local radio morning show matched by an interactive digital presence that will offers local news, weather, community information, commentary, local guest columnists, traffic and more.

"Canadians have long told us they want local service. We have been looking forward to connecting with the community and sharing their stories," said Susan Marjetti, managing director, CBC Toronto and Ontario region.

"We made a commitment in our 2015 strategic plan to include the Waterloo Region and we're proud of what our small but committed team will be able to provide by way of coverage on the ground."

Norris is known for his work as host of the popular Radio One comedy show Laugh Out Loud, Radio 3’s The R3-30 and The Craig Norris Hour. Radio audiences will also remember him as a guest host on CBC Radio 2 Drive and As It Happens.

Norris born in the Waterloo Region

Craig was born and raised in the Waterloo Region and has lived in the area since 1975. 

"While I will miss the music community I have connected with at the CBC, I’m thrilled to be part of a local station where I can grow a new CBC family," he said. "Being part of this vibrant community and to be able to tell our local stories is important to me."

The morning radio show will be accompanied by an online service that features the story or guest of the day, led by curator-producer Andrea Bellemare, host of the station’s new digital service.

This interactive component of the CBC service will allow the community to ask questions and have their say on the topic of the day through social media and online community discussions. The result will be an in-depth community-focused experience for residents of the Waterloo Region.

The digital service will be accessible through smart phones, desktop/laptop computers and tablet devices. The local digital experience will give the audience both breaking news and coverage of local issues, along with local news, weather, events and other "need to know" information seven days a week.

"It’s exciting to be announcing the upcoming launch of our unique Kitchener-Waterloo service, establishing a new era in the way Canadians can connect with their community and each other," said  Kirstine Stewart, CBC’s executive vice-president for English services.

The remainder of the team will include executive producer Pras Rajagopalan, associate producer Amanda Grant, associate producer/technician, Jackie Sharkey and reporter Colin Butler.

Local reporters Mike McCulloch, formerly of 570 News and Matthew Kang of CTV Kitchener will be joining the CBC Kitchener-Waterloo station.