CBC News recently hosted a live countdown special to welcome the new year in Canada. The event, spanning 7.5 hours and broadcasted across multiple platforms, attracted millions of viewers nationwide. The program’s success lies in its ability to connect viewers with diverse communities and showcase shared experiences.
This live special underscores CBC News’ commitment to engaging with Canadians at a local level, a key element of its strategic plan. In line with this strategy, CBC is investing in expanding its local journalism presence by hiring 33 journalists and establishing 11 new bureaus, bringing its total locations to 77 across the country.
This significant investment in local journalism comes at a crucial time when traditional media models are declining, and digital platforms dominate the information landscape. CBC aims to support a diverse and reliable news ecosystem by collaborating with community news organizations and emphasizing the importance of local journalism in Canadian democracy.
New CBC News bureaus will be established in various locations from west to east, including Richmond, B.C., Moose Jaw, Sask., Peel Region, Ont., and Châteauguay/Montérégie, Que., among others. Additionally, 11 journalists will be added to existing bureaus to enhance coverage in regions like Abbotsford, B.C., Grande Prairie, Alta., and North Battleford, Sask.
To showcase the expanded local journalism, CBC has launched 44 new regional web pages and introduced weekly newsletters from select bureaus. The network also continues to grow its local podcast slate, offering audiences a platform to stay connected with community news. New podcasts will be launched in Kelowna, B.C., and Quebec City in February, further enriching CBC News’ local content offerings.