CTV

Lisa LaFlamme Leads CTV's Coverage of NDP Convention March 23rd and 24th on CTV News Channel

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 20:17:05 GMT

As the NDP chooses a new leader to replace the late Jack Layton this weekend, CTV’s Chief News Anchor and Senior Editor Lisa LaFlamme heads to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre to bring Canadians live coverage of the events as they unfold.

CTV News Channel delivers live coverage of the NDP Convention on Friday, March 23 from 1 – 5 p.m. ET and again from 7 – 9 p.m. ET with a tribute to Jack Layton and on Saturday beginning at 9:30 a.m. ET until a new NDP leader is revealed

“CTV delivers the most resources of any news organization and we have the most committed coverage from broadcast and online to mobile and social media,” said Wendy Freeman, President, CTV News. “Our political team on the ground will bring Canadians the details as they happen along with useful analysis on the results.”

CTV News has the best political team of correspondents and pundits on hand for the special NDP Convention coverage including Alice Funke, from punditsguide.ca, Antonia Maioni, Political Science Professor at McGill University, and an all-party panel comprised of Marit Stiles (NDP), Tim Murphy (Liberal), and Mike Storeshaw (Conservative).

Delivering the most-trusted and comprehensive coverage of the NDP Election, CTV News reporters are on hand to cover all the angles and potential leaders including Ottawa Bureau Chief Robert Fife, Tasha Kheiriddin and Scott Reid from CTV News Channel’s daily political program NATIONAL AFFAIRS, CTV POWER PLAY host Don Martin, and CTV Reporters Genevieve Beauchemin, Richard Madan, Seamus O’Regan, and Mercedes Stephenson.

This will be the first national leadership convention to truly harness social media, and CTV News will integrate it fully. QUESTION PERIOD co-host and CTV News Digital Evangelist Kevin Newman will moderate the discussion online, bringing Canadians inside the events for debate, engagement and voting through the new CTV News social media community at CTVNews.ca/social. In addition to the discussion online, CTV’s convention team adds context on Twitter via @ctvnews, while CTVNews.ca provides live streaming of CTV News Channel’s coverage on Friday and Saturday. CTVNews.ca also delivers profiles on NDP candidates, details on what to expect at the NDP convention, how the process will unfold and extensive photo galleries from the convention.

CTV News Channel NDP Convention Coverage:

Friday, March 21
1 – 5 p.m. ET – LaFlamme anchors live coverage of the NDP Convention
5 – 6 p.m. ET – POWER PLAY WITH DON MARTIN
7 – 9 p.m. ET – LaFlamme hosts a Jack Layton Tribute and is joined by Don Martin
10 p.m. ET – CTV NATIONAL NEWS WITH LISA LAFLAMME

Saturday, March 22
9 a.m. – 6 p.m. (approx.) – LaFlamme anchors live coverage of the NDP Convention.

W5 Investigates the Shady Business of Vacation Clubs

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 20:11:40 GMT

This week’s all-new W5 investigates dubious vacation clubs. These clubs promise luxurious holidays combined with other perks like discounts for major purchases at a fraction of the cost.

Premiering Saturday, March 24 at 7 p.m. ET on CTV and CTV Mobile TV, “Paradise Lost” reveals victims of fraudulent travel schemes who share their stories of being bilked. In a dramatic undercover investigation, W5 confronts one fraudster convicted of misleading consumers in the operation of a travel club but who is already back in business seeking new “members.” W5 also confronts government agencies – trying to discover who should be cleaning up this fraudulent industry.

W5 also airs Sundays on CP24 at 1 p.m. ET, and at 7 p.m. on CTV Two, and then on demand on the CTV News Video Player at CTVNews.ca (visit CTV.ca for local listings).

For Matteo Gironi, Club Par Excellence was a dream come true – an affordable way to vacation in the sun. Initially drawn into the travel club with a prize of an all expenses paid trip for two to Las Vegas, Geroni and his wife, Monique, attended a compelling sales pitch offering amazing discounts on flights, hotels, car rentals – as well as huge savings on appliances, real estate and other major purchases. Deciding the discounts would offset the $9,000 membership fee, Geroni joined only to soon realize the prize and the discounts were a sham as Club Par Excellence closed its doors. Geroni contacted local police in Newmarket, who directed him to the RCMP, who told him his complaint was a matter for civil court. With the travel club seemingly out of business, Geroni stopped payment on his membership. A few months later, loan collectors were threatening him for defaulting on the payments –Club Par had arranged a loan for him – allowing the company to escape with his membership fees but leaving Geroni with the debts. The dream had become a nightmare for Geroni and the hundreds of people like him who had been taken by Club Par Excellence and similar vacation club schemes.

W5’s Victor Malarek seeks answers from Ontario’s Ministry of Consumer Services: the agency that did crack down on vacation clubs, beginning in 2007 – including Club Par Excellence. Despite the Ministry’s efforts, operators of fraudulent travel clubs are undeterred and “morph” into new schemes, seeking new victims under new names. W5 goes undercover to confront the perpetrator of one of fraudulent travel club scheme convicted under Ontario’s Consumer Protection Act, but who is discovered back in business at a new travel club.

W5 also reveals a method whereby fraudulent vacation clubs sign up prospective members for loans with legitimate financial institutions. Even when the scheme closes, the victimized members are left paying off on loans for memberships that were supposed to provide access to cheap vacations and services they will never receive. Once again, regulatory bodies seem helpless or unwilling to get involved. In a maddening circle of denial, Malarek seeks answers from Ontario’s Ministry of Finance, the province’s Consumer Protection Ministry and the federal Competition Bureau and discovers that this regulatory and enforcement “black hole” leaves Canadians at the mercy of travel club schemes.

CTV News Channel Launches New Personal Finance Series

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 19:07:46 GMT

CTV News Channel has announced the launch of THE PATTIE LOVETT-REID SHOW, a new half-hour, call-in series airing Thursdays at 8 p.m. beginning March 22 on CTV News Channel.

Pattie Lovett-Reid, Canada’s renowned financial guru, coaches viewers on how to save money, stretch their income, and get the biggest bang for their hard-earned bucks.

“THE PATTIE LOVETT-REID SHOW is not your average finance series. It’s about improving your personal balance sheet – everything from renovating your kitchen, to career advice, to getting out of debt,” said Jack Fleischmann, Vice-President, CTV News Channel and General Manager, BNN. “The show offers a forum for viewers to learn from Pattie and leverage her superb track record as a leader in the Canadian financial industry.”

Financial lessons are not always fun, but they’re a lot more enjoyable when Pattie is hosting! With her sensible and easy going approach, Pattie covers a wide range of topics, such as: interviewing skills, starting a business, the importance of networking and how to do it, why volunteering is important, how to get out of debt, how to save for a child’s education, how to talk to children about money, how to save for a wedding, and what to do before saying “I do.”

“This show is about the possibilities for a better financial future. It’s about what you can do today, to change your life for the better tomorrow,” said Pattie. “We’ll talk to the experts and we’ll profile people from all walks of life, from CEOs and entrepreneurs, to professors and regular folks. I sure don't have all the answers, but I hope to be able to point people in the right direction.”

Pattie’s vast financial industry knowledge, combined with her outgoing personality and unbridled energy, offers something for everyone. With its live, call-in format, viewers can get personal advice on their specific situation. THE PATTIE LOVETT-REID SHOW features special segments including ‘Lesson’s Learned’, which offers the best financial advice from guests with a track record for success; and ‘Financial Focus’, a weekly feature that offers tactical takeaways to suit every age and stage. And each week, Pattie takes to the streets with camera in tow, offering people a chance to ‘Ask Pattie’ their financial questions.

For the last decade Pattie has been a regular guest commentator on BNN and other Bell Media channels. The highly sought-after speaker and commentator on wealth management kicked off her new role as Senior Financial Commentator on CTV News Channel in early 2012. Pattie comes to CTV News Channel from TD Waterhouse Canada Inc., where she served as Senior Vice-President. The Certified Financial Planner and co-author of several national best-selling books was awarded with an honourary degree in Applied Studies from Humber College in June 2010. The Financial Planners Standards Council (FPSC) recognized Lovett-Reid with the 2009 Donald J. Johnston Award for her outstanding contribution to the profession of financial planning in Canada. Lovett-Reid received 2007 Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100™ Award in the Trailblazers and Trendsetters Category.

To pitch guests and experts to THE PATTIE LOVETT-REID SHOW email with details.

THE PATTIE LOVETT-REID SHOW is one of several recent investments in new programming and anchors on CTV News Channel, as well as format changes, as CTV News Channel continues to evolve. In October 2011, CTV News Channel launched three new programs, EXPRESS, DIRECT, and NATIONAL AFFAIRS.

CTV's W5 Investigates the Canadian Sex Trade

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 08:53:49 GMT

This weekend, W5 offers viewers a gritty, inside look at the world of prostitution in Canada and the young women – daughters, neighbours, students – held captive by predatory pimps.

Premiering this Saturday, Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. ET on CTV and CTV Mobile TV, W5 reveals that all of the recent prostitution cases dealt with by Ontario’s York Regional Police are domestic ¬– a stark revelation that contradicts the belief that young women lured into prostitution are brought here from foreign countries.

W5 also airs Sundays on CP24 at 1 p.m. ET, and this week W5 airs at 9 p.m. on CTV Two, and then on demand on the CTV News Video Player at CTVNews.ca (visit CTV.ca for local listings).

In a year-long investigation, W5 captured dramatic video of the York Regional Police Drugs and Vice Unit’s commitment to shutting down pimps engaged in the trafficking and enslavement of women. CTV’s Sandie Rinaldo guides viewers on the police crackdown of the thriving sex trade and the rescue of women who have been lured in to and trapped in prostitution.

As the W5 investigation reveals, victims of human trafficking are often controlled, beaten and live in a state of fear. York Region police work hard to develop a trusting relationship with women until they are prepared to turn to seek their escape.

It was just such a relationship with York Regional Police that saved Jasmine, a self-described “good church girl”, who supported herself by first waitressing, and then later stripping, while a student at Western University. For Jasmine, like so many vulnerable young women, the spiral into the sex trade happened quickly. Jasmine met her “boyfriend” who courted her with expensive gifts, vacations, and a high-priced lifestyle – eventually forcing her to pay for it as a prostitute.

The charm soon turned to violence, leaving Jasmine feeling trapped and unable to leave. After family members alerted York Regional Police to her situation, officers worked to gain her trust. They were eventually able to rescue her from the sex trade, and when Jasmine gave evidence, convict her former pimp.

W5 rides alongside the Drugs and Vice Unit, capturing the riveting arrests of several alleged pimps who are charged with assault, forcible confinement, living off the avails of prostitution, and human trafficking. The latter charge is the most serious that can be laid with sentences of up to 14 years in prison if convicted. In one dramatic pursuit, W5 captures the chase and arrest of an alleged pimp at his home in Toronto

With an ongoing commitment to covering tough, relevant stories with fair and responsible reporting, W5 is in its 46th season of investigative journalism. Hosted by Lloyd Robertson, the award-winning series is the most-watched documentary program in Canada. Anton Koschany is Executive Producer of W5. Brett Mitchell is Senior Producer. Wendy Freeman is President of CTV News.

CTV National News Unveils New, Updated Theme Music

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:49:16 GMT

CTV National News viewers have been greeted with a new, updated version of the theme music for Canada’s most-watched news broadcast.

The new musical score was produced exclusively in Canada with an all-Canadian orchestra comprised of some of the finest musicians in the country.

“The new composition will sound familiar to viewers, but has an all-new feel for an all-new era at CTV News,” said Wendy Freeman, President, CTV News. “Many broadcasters head out of country to produce their music, but as Canada’s #1 newscast, we wanted to do this at home. Every aspect of the music is Canadian - from the composer and local recording studio, to the recording engineers, technicians, and of course the musicians.”

Led by producer and composer Doug Pennock, co-arranged, orchestrated and conducted by Jamie Hopkings, recorded and mixed by senior recording engineer Gary Gray, the new theme music was performed at Revolution Recording in Toronto. Nearly 80 musicians were involved, playing instruments including strings, woodwinds, brass, harp, percussion, timpani, and even a cimbasso. Musicians were all personally selected by Pennock and Bev Spotton from the ranks of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the Canadian Opera Company Orchestra, the National Ballet Orchestra, True North Brass, Oshawa Philharmonic, Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, the Hamilton Philharmonic, and even the orchestra pits of Toronto's theatre district.

“We have kept a lot of the sound already associated with CTV NATIONAL NEWS, but we have given it a fresh sparkle with subtle differences and new sections,” said Pennock. “How many people get to write and work on something that viewers hear every single night? It’s definitely always a career highlight for me.”

CTV’s new music involves an unprecedented number of musicians. The string session was the largest, with 50 players in the studio at the same time. The smallest session was for the harpist, who played her tracks alone in the studio. Other notable musicians and instruments include the Bonjour Stradivarius Cello, one of the most valuable cellos in the world on loan from the Canada Council. Played by Rachel Mercer, it is valued at $8 million and boasts its own Wikipedia page. The score also features a cimbasso, an uncommon member of the trombone family that plays in the same bass range as a tuba, played by Scott Irvine of the Canadian Opera Company and the True North Brass. Also of note was the use of nine French horns, more than are found on stage at any one time during a symphony orchestra performance, for an especially powerful brass sound.

“We recorded the sections separately over two days and then combined them for maximum control,” said Hopkings. “But we also had to do this because we had more musicians than we could physically get into the studio!”

Click here to listen to the new music.

Marci Ien Named Co-Host of Canada AM

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 10:10:58 GMT

CTV has announced that Marci Ien is the new co-host of CTV’s national morning show, CANADA AM.

The former News Anchor for CANADA AM joins Beverly Thomson as co-host following the departure of Seamus O’Regan from CANADA AM to CTV NATIONAL NEWS WITH LISA LAFLAMME. Today was O’Regan’s last day. Ien assumes her co-host duties on January 9, 2012.

“CANADA AM is the best morning show in the country and I am beyond thrilled to join my friend and colleague Bev as co-host,” said Ien. “Working with Seamus was an absolute honour - he leaves big shoes to fill. I look forward to the new opportunities that lie ahead to connect with Canadians.”

“We are delighted to welcome Marci into the role of co-host – she was a clear choice for the job and I’m sure our viewers will be thrilled to have her back,” said Lis Travers, Vice-President, Executive Producer, CANADA AM. “Bev, Marci and Jeff are a great team with proven chemistry.”

Currently on maternity leave with her second child, Ien has been CANADA AM’s News Anchor for the past eight years. In that role, Ien has interviewed newsmakers ranging from Desmond Tutu and Deepak Chopra to Jamie Foxx. Ien has covered six federal elections, and was anchoring CANADA AM when news of the Japanese earthquake broke earlier this year. Ien also anchored President Obama’s inauguration special and the July 2005 London underground terror attacks.

Ien’s career in television spans more than three decades. Her career has taken her from Halifax, where she joined CTV National News as a reporter in 1997, to Vancouver, where she was the News Anchor for CTV’s OLYMPIC MORNING at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.

Ien’s charity work has seen her travel across the globe. In 2008, Ien travelled to Sierra Leone on behalf of Journalists for Human Rights where she met with reporters and led training workshops. She also works with World Vision for whom she traveled to Sri Lanka to report on the situation following the 2004 Tsunami.

From 2001 – 2003, Ien was a reporter based in CTV News’s Atlantic bureau. Prior to this, Ien reported for CHCH-TV in Hamilton. In 1995, Ien began reporting at Queen’s Park, covering daily political news for CHCH-TV's regional newscast, as well as its British Columbia-based evening show CANADA TONIGHT. Ien’s first television job was on the Canadian children’s television series CIRCLE SQUARE at the age of 10.

1 Million Viewers Make Regis' Goodbye on CTV Most-Watched Morning Talk Show Episode Ever in Canada

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 19:43:49 GMT

As Regis Philbin said goodbye to daytime television, a record 1.12 million tuned in to watch LIVE! WITH REGIS AND KELLY on CTV Friday, making it the most-watched morning talk show broadcast of all time in Canada.

With an increase of 16% from LIVE! WITH REGIS AND KELLY’s second highest-rated episode, garnered when the show taped in PEI in 2010, Friday’s episode more than doubled its average fall audience (405,000, +178%). Featuring a tribute from co-host Kelly Ripa and messages from celebrity friends, more than 1.8 million Canadians watched some or all of Regis’ final episode at 9 a.m. on Friday.

Impressively, LIVE! WITH REGIS AND KELLY was the #4 program of the day overall Friday with F18-29 and F25-54, ranking only behind CTV’s prime-time lineup.

The newly titled LIVE! WITH KELLY, which kicked off this weekly with guest co-host Jerry Seinfeld, continues weekdays at 9 a.m. ET on CTV. It’s an unofficial “Canadian” week on LIVE!, with guests including Canadians Kim Cattrall (SEX AND THE CITY), Howie Mandel (MOBBED) and Nathan Fillion (CASTLE).

Colin D'Mello Announced as Weekend Anchor at CTV Toronto

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 10:50:52 GMT

CTV Toronto has announced that Colin D’Mello has been appointed Weekend Co-Anchor on Toronto’s #1 news team.

D’Mello will continue to report during the day on Saturday and Sunday and then co-anchor CTV NEWS AT SIX with Andria Case. Case will continue to anchor the 11:30 p.m. newscasts on weekends. D’Mello’s new duties begin in January.

“Colin and Andria are a dynamic team that will engage our viewers and grow our weekend audience,” said Paul Rogers, Senior Vice-President, CTV News. “I’m looking forward to the start of this new team in the New Year.”

Since joining CTV TORONTO earlier this year in May 2011, D’Mello has covered everything from the summer parades to the recent Provincial Election. D’Mello jump-started his career as a 19-year-old when he moved to Moncton, NB as an announcer at News 91.9. He then helped launch 1310News – All News Radio in Ottawa, before moving to Toronto where he spent four years as an anchor and reporter at 680 News. While there, he was part of award-winning coverage of the 2008 propane explosion, the Tamil protesters occupying the Gardiner Expressway in May, 2009, and the G20 protests in 2010. Before moving to CTV TORONTO, D’Mello was 680 News’s city hall reporter.

D’Mello was born in Kuwait and lived there until 1998. He credits the events of the first Gulf War for shaping his interests in storytelling. D’Mello is a graduate of the broadcast journalism program at Seneca College.

Meteorologist Bill Coulter Joins CP24

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 10:48:53 GMT

CP24 has announced that Meteorologist Bill Coulter is joining CP24 in December.

Coulter is a welcome addition to CP24 BREAKFAST, the popular morning show hosted by Melissa Grelo and Steve Anthony, and will also stay with viewers throughout the morning. He joins news anchor Lindsey Deluce and a team of seasoned and familiar reporters including Nalini Sharma (soon to be on maternity leave), Mika Midolo, Cam Woolley and Bob Summers.

With audience growth of 24% compared to last year CP24 BREAKFAST is well-positioned in the market and enjoys one of the strongest all-news brands in the city.

“Joining CP24 BREAKFAST is a dream come true for me,” said Coulter. “There is no question that all eyes in the city turn to CP24 when a major weather event happens, and I look forward to delivering the news Torontonians need first thing in the morning every weekday.”

“Bill is an absolute professional, and we are delighted to welcome him to the CP24 BREAKFAST team,” said Joanne MacDonald, Vice-President, CTV News and General Manager, CP24.

Endorsed by the Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society, Coulter honed his skills while presenting news and weather for before joining Global in 2004. While weather is at the forefront of his broadcast career, Coulter’s experience includes lifestyle host of a local history and architecture program, and broadcasting live from the red carpet at the Toronto International Film Festival. An accomplished script writer, Coulter’s first professional children’s television script was brought to the small screen when he was just 25-years-old.

A Montreal native, Coulter has more than 10 years of local and national broadcast experience, and has served as Meteorologist for Global Toronto, The Weather Network and Toronto1 (now SunTV).

CP24 is Toronto’s source for breaking news.

Kevin Bell Appointed as General Manager of CTV Two Vancouver

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 10:25:36 GMT

Kevin Bell has been appointed to the role of General Manager, CTV Two Vancouver/Victoria and General Manager of Bell Media’s radio stations CFAX 1070 and 107.3 KOOL FM.

Bell adds these new duties to his existing role as General Sales Manager, Bell Media Radio, where he currently manages the sales force for radio stations CFAX 1070 and 107.3 KOOL FM, and General Sales Manager, CTV Two Vancouver/Victoria. Bell’s appointment is effective immediately.

“Kevin is a veteran in the radio and television industry,” said Gordon. “He is the perfect candidate to handle the dual responsibility of managing our TV and Radio operations in Victoria.”

“Kevin has an incredible depth of knowledge, combined with his passion for the business,” said Ali. “He is a tremendous asset to Bell Media Radio and CTV Two, and we’re fortunate to have him add the General Manager role to his portfolio.”

A seasoned veteran with more than 25 years in sales, Bell was named Sales Manager for CFAX 1070 and KOOL 107.3 FM in 2001 and has managed television sales in the Victoria market since 2009. A native of Toronto, Bell moved westward in 1975, spending time in Edmonton, Calgary, before eventually settling in Victoria in 2001. Bell is Vice-President of CFAX 1070 Santa’s Anonymous, Victoria’s longest running children’s charity.

CTV Wakes Up Marketing Efforts for CTV Morning Live

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 10:05:40 GMT

CTV has revealed details of a comprehensive marketing campaign to generate awareness for its newly launched local morning programs, CTV MORNING LIVE.

The creative copy and messaging centers on the tag line “It’s everything you need,” enforcing CTV MORNING LIVE’s mission to provide viewers with the key information they need to start their busy day: local news, weather and traffic in a friendly and fast-paced format.

CTV Winnipeg was the first of six local CTV stations to launch its morning show in early October, followed by CTV stations in Regina, Saskatoon, Calgary, and Edmonton. Vancouver wass the final market to launch CTV MORNING LIVE when its new morning program premiered Monday, Nov.14.

CTV’s robust marketing campaign combines a solid media mix that maximizes the use of internal promotional inventory on Bell Media television, radio and digital properties with additional paid advertising in radio, outdoor and in print, customized for all six markets, emphasizing the key brand drivers of news, weather and traffic that power CTV MORNING LIVE.

Rolled out in two stages, the first phase of the marketing campaign is based on individual market launch dates and includes locally produced TV promo spots, combined with half-page, full-colour ads in local newspapers, and locally produced radio spots that reinforce the key message “It’s Everything You Need.”

Phase Two of the integrated campaign zeroes in on brand image by showcasing the program’s key consumer benefits and the brand’s positioning of “It’s Everything You Need”. This includes newspaper ads with custom executions in each market; a broad out-of-home billboard campaign in the markets launching CTV MORNING LIVE; radio advertising on Bell Media and other stations, produced locally in each market with a new spot each week, and capped off with consistent messaging to end each spot in all markets; and brand image campaigns on television and online focusing on the key program pillars of “news, weather and traffic.” As the final market to launch CTV MORNING LIVE, Phase Two of Vancouver’s four-week brand image campaign launched November 7.

Following its mantra “It’s everything you need,” CTV MORNING LIVE serves up a fun, engaging, and trustworthy blend of news, weather and traffic in a fast and friendly format. With local programs in Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Regina, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Ottawa and Halifax, CTV MORNING LIVE offers the information that helps viewers get the day started right. The show’s strong social media presence enables CTV MORNING LIVE hosts to have a conversation with viewers, who can contribute to the show by sending in news tips, photos, and adding to the dialogue on Twitter.

Seamus O'Regan Heads to the CTV National News

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 10:00:33 GMT

CTV has announced that Seamus O’Regan is joining CTV NATIONAL NEWS WITH LISA LAFLAMME as a Correspondent. O’Regan bids a final good morning to CANADA AM viewers across the country on Thursday, Nov. 24, at which time the new co-host of CANADA AM will be revealed on air.

O’Regan will assume his new duties on Canada’s most-trusted and most-watched newscast, CTV NATIONAL NEWS WITH LISA LAFLAMME beginning Monday, Nov. 28. O’Regan is already putting his story-telling skills to use on the CTV National News series “Canadian Originals”, profiling everyday Canadians from all walks of life who are doing extraordinary things.

“Seamus’s innate sense of curiosity, combined with a natural instinct for finding a story in any circumstance, make him a tremendous addition to our reporting team,” said Wendy Freeman, President, CTV News.

“CTV is my home, and I am delighted to make this exciting move from CANADA AM to CTV NATIONAL NEWS,” said O’Regan. “The timing feels right to make this transition, which will allow me to continue doing what I love most – getting the stories that are important to Canadians and sharing them with viewers across the country.”

O’Regan has been co-host of CANADA AM for nine years, covering a unique blend of lifestyle stories and hard news, and interviewing top international newsmakers from the political world to celebrities. In addition to his role on CANADA AM, O’Regan has also reported for W5 and CTV NATIONAL NEWS, and hosted programs on Bravo! He recently travelled to Africa with K’naan to shed light on famine in Somalia, and reported from Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey for CTV's Royal Wedding coverage. He reported from the devastating floods in Manitoba and from Newfoundland after it was slammed by Hurricane Igor last year.

In 2010, O’Regan co-hosted OLYMPIC MORNING from Whistler B.C. O’Regan has also reported from Kandahar, Afghanistan, and NORAD headquarters inside Cheyenne Mountain, Colorado.

In 2007, O'Regan became the first journalist to be named to Canada's Top 40 Under 40. In 1999, he was named to Maclean’s magazine’s “100 Young Canadians to Watch". He has been twice nominated for a Gemini Award - in 2004 for the Viewers' Choice Award and in 2005 for Best Host or Interviewer in a News Information Program or Series.

Originally from St. John's, Newfoundland, and raised in Goose Bay, Labrador, O'Regan studied politics at St. Francis Xavier University and University College, Dublin, and marketing strategies at INSEAD, the international business school near Paris. He received his Master of Philosophy degree from the University of Cambridge, England.

CTV News is Canada’s most-watched news organization both locally and nationally and has a network of national, international and local news operations. CTV News operations include CTV NEWS CHANNEL, BNN – Business News Network, CP24, and information programming, including CTV NATIONAL NEWS WITH LISA LAFLAMME, CTV NATIONAL NEWS WITH SANDIE RINALDO, CANADA AM, W5, and QUESTION PERIOD. With a perspective that is distinctly Canadian, CTV News brings Canadians the international and domestic news stories of the day and is the number-one news organization in Canada.

CTV News Channel Welcomes Patricia Lovett-Reid as Senior Financial Commentator

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 09:57:54 GMT

CTV News Channel has announced that Patricia Lovett-Reid will join the network full time as Senior Financial Commentator in early 2012.

For more than a decade, Lovett-Reid has been a regular guest commentator on BNN and other Bell Media stations. The highly sought-after speaker and commentator on wealth management kicks off her new role on CTV News Channel in the New Year, commenting on financial issues, as well as everything from personal savings and investing, to business news and the economy.

“As a highly respected Canadian financial industry figure, Patricia’s authoritative voice is a smart addition to the stellar CTV News Channel team,” said Wendy Freeman, President, CTV News. “We continue to tweak our programming to deliver a more robust combination of 24-hour news that our viewers want, and bringing Patricia on board marks a good investment for CTV News.”

Lovett-Reid comes to CTV News Channel from TD Waterhouse Canada Inc., where she is Senior Vice-President. The Certified Financial Planner and co-author of several national best-selling books was awarded with an Honorary degree in Applied Studies from Humber College in June 2010. The Financial Planners Standards Council (FPSC) recognized Lovett-Reid with the 2009 Donald J. Johnston Award for her outstanding contribution to the profession of financial planning in Canada. Lovett-Reid received 2007 Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100™ Award in the Trailblazers and Trendsetters Category.

Today’s announcement follows a recent investment in new programs and anchors on CTV News Channel, as well as format changes, as CTV News Channel continues to evolve. In October, CTV News Channel launched three new programs, EXPRESS, DIRECT, and NATIONAL AFFAIRS.

Lisa LaFlamme to Anchor Remembrance Day Coverage on CTV News Channel

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 10:57:22 GMT

On Friday, Nov. 11 at 10:30 a.m. ET, CTV News Channel delivers extensive coverage of Remembrance Day. REMEMBRANCE DAY 2011, anchored by CTV’s Chief Anchor and Senior Editor, Lisa LaFlamme.

The 90-minute special features live coverage from Ottawa’s Remembrance Day Ceremony at the National War Memorial.

“Our Remembrance Day coverage will pay tribute to the people who have made many sacrifices to protect our country,” said Wendy Freeman, President, CTV News. “Anchored by CTV’s Lisa LaFlamme, our Remembrance Day special provides Canadians with extensive analysis, commentary and historical context of Remembrance Day in Canada.”

As part of the special honouring Canada’s veterans and those currently serving, LaFlamme is joined by a panel of special guests including Retired Major General Lewis Mackenzie, the Commander of the UN Peacekeeping force in Yugoslavia in 1992; and Sergeant Patrick Tower, a veteran of Canada’s mission to Afghanistan. Tower was the first recipient of the Star of Military Valour and was recognized for his actions under enemy fire during a mission in 2006. Reporting live from the National War Memorial in Ottawa, CTV’s Don Martin is joined by WWI historian Tim Cook.

CTVNews.ca presents live streaming of the CTV News Channel special REMEMBRANCE DAY 2011, as well as feature stories and galleries with personal stories and photos from viewers describing their military and peacekeeping heroes. Submissions can be sent to .

The Sun Rises on CTV Saskatoon's New Morning Show, CTV Morning Live

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 06:45:01 GMT

The break of dawn is sunnier than ever in Saskatoon with the launch of CTV Morning Live.

The new CTV Saskatoon morning show airs every weekday morning starting Monday, October 31 at 6 a.m. The morning show lineup includes co-anchors Chris Carr and Veronica Jubinville, along with Weather Specialist Mike Ciona and News Reporter Tara Yolan, broadcasting live from CTV Saskatoon’s studios with everything viewers need in the morning.

CTV Morning Live provides Saskatoon viewers with the option of receiving live local morning news in addition to the national perspective provided by CANADA AM, which will continue to be available live in Saskatoon on CTV News Channel and now on demand at canadaam.ctv.ca.

CTV Saskatoon helps viewers kick-start their day with a lively mix of breaking local news, weather and traffic. The fun, friendly and fast-paced format of CTV Morning Live aims to engage local viewers with a complete snapshot of useful information that helps viewers gear up for the day ahead.

“The combination of co-anchors Chris and Veronica, along with Mike and Tara, makes for a winning team on CTV Morning Live,” said Doug Lett, News Director, CTV Saskatoon. “Viewers will enjoy waking up with this team every day, and I know they are delighted to be a new and exciting part of the daily routine of people in Saskatoon.”

As co-anchors of CTV Morning Live, Carr and Jubinville bring a sizzling energy and chemistry to Saskatoon television screens every morning. Carr spent the last decade working in radio and television throughout Western Canada. The avid sports fan enjoys traveling, playing guitar and spending time with family.

Familiar to CTV Saskatoon viewers since joining the station in 2008, Jubinville moves to the role of co-anchor on the morning show from her current post as Video Journalist and Anchor, CTV Saskatoon. The avid traveler, yoga enthusiast and snowboarder first started her broadcast career as an intern at CTV Lethbridge.

Carr and Jubinville are joined by Weather Specialist Mike Ciona and Reporter Tara Yolan. Award-winning journalist Ciona has called Saskatchewan home since 2004, working his way around the province with stops in Regina, Yorkton and Saskatoon. From interviewing the Prime Minister to covering the Grey Cup, Ciona is delighted to waking up with viewers in Saskatoon and delivering the latest weather news every weekday.

Rounding out the broadcast team, Saskatoon native Yolan started her career in television journalism with CTV, where she has reported and anchored the news for six years. As roving reporter for CTV Morning Live, Yolan looks forward to taking viewers out into the community to look, learn and start each day with a laugh.

CTV Regina Launches New Morning Show, CTV Morning Live

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 06:42:15 GMT

CTV Regina says 'good morning' to Regina viewers with its new morning show, CTV Morning Live.

Airing Monday to Friday mornings, CTV Morning Live launches Monday, Oct. 31 at 6 a.m. Every weekday morning, co-hosts Shallima Maharaj and Jonathan Glasgow, along Carey Smith and Lindsay Dunn, help viewers start the day from CTV Regina’s studios with everything viewers need in the morning.

CTV Morning Live provides Regina viewers with the option of receiving live local morning news in addition to the national perspective provided by CANADA AM, which will continue to be available live in Regina on CTV News Channel and now on demand at canadaam.ctv.ca.

CTV Morning Live offers Regina viewers a lively mix of breaking local news and weather in a fun, friendly and fast-paced format.

“Our goal with CTV Morning Live is to help jump start the day for viewers in Regina, serving up a dynamic mix of news, weather and traffic that equips viewers with the information they need to get the day started on the right foot,” said Carl Worth, News Director, CTV Regina. “Shallima, Jonathan, Carey and Lindsay have an infectious enthusiasm that leaps off the screen and the kind of chemistry that gets the morning started just right.”

As co-hosts of CTV Morning Live, Maharaj and Glasgow are the energized duo at the helm of the new morning show. Born in Trinidad and raised in Toronto, Maharaj started her career on a news internship with Reuters in New York, moving on with stints at Reuters TV and Times Now India. Maharaj then joined Business News Network, before making the move to CTV Prince Albert’s news team.

A NAIT Radio and Television Arts graduate, Glasgow worked at CTV News in Edmonton as a news writer for CANADA AM, occasionally filling in as a Sports Anchor. Raised in Devon Alberta, Glasgow is proud to call Regina home.

As weather reporter for CTV Morning Live, Carey Smith hopes to bring a little sunshine to Regina mornings. Born in Manitoba, the professional actor and voice artist has worked on many international theatre and animation projects, and in many facets of broadcasting from web podcasts to radio.

Rounding out the CTV Morning Live team is Lindsay Dunn, Web, Traffic, and Sports Anchor with CTV Morning Live. A University of Regina graduate, Dunn later completed the Television and Broadcast News program at Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), and served an internship with CTV Yorkton while there. Dunn later joined CTV Regina as a Web Reporter and Video Journalist, often anchoring the late night news before becoming the Web, Traffic and Sports Anchor on CTV Morning Live.

CTV British Columbia Expands Local News Coverage With New Shows and Anchors

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 07:09:03 GMT

CTV British Columbia provides more local news coverage than ever before with the launch of new morning and lunchtime programs, adding up to an additional 22.5 hours of news each week.

Beginning Monday, Oct. 31, CTV British Columbia viewers will be treated to its new newscast CTV NEWS AT NOON airing weekdays at 12 noon, while the station’s 5 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. news teams will also change. Then, airing weekdays from 5:30 – 9 a.m., CTV MORNING LIVE premieres two weeks later on Monday, Nov. 14.

Aamer Haleem returns to morning television in Vancouver as the co-host of CTV MORNING LIVE alongside Norma Reid. The fresh new local morning show features breaking news, frequent detailed traffic reports, and up-to-the-minute weather forecasts. The energetic, lively format helps viewers start the day right with Marke Driesschen delivering the weather and Ann Luu providing traffic updates.

“Viewers can expect an exciting new wakeup call with CTV MORNING LIVE,” said Margo Harper, News Director, CTV British Columbia. “It takes a special chemistry to get the morning show formula right, and we have assembled a team that has the kind of energy that jumps off the screen, engaging viewers each morning with all the breaking news, weather and traffic they need to start the day.”

CTV NEWS AT NOON will be anchored by CTV British Columbia’s Keri Adams, who moves from her role at 11:30. Additionally, Rob Brown will join Adams to co-anchor the CTV NEWS AT FIVE, while Coleen Christie takes the reins of CTV NEWS AT 11:30.

“With new morning and noon newscasts, we have doubled our efforts to better serve British Columbia viewers today and in the future by offering more of the information they need when they need it,” said Tom Haberstroh, Vice-President and General Manager, CTV British Columbia. “We have taken care to assemble the best teams for our viewers, reinforcing that CTV British Columbia is a one-stop shop from sun-up to sundown for news coverage.”

While CTV MORNING LIVE provides viewers in Vancouver with live local morning news, CANADA AM continues deliver a national perspective available on CTV News Channel and on demand at canadaam.ctv.ca.

CTV News Channel Invests In New Programs and Anchors

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 18:56:03 GMT

CTV News Channel announced today an investment in new programs and anchors, as well as an adjustment to its format, as it continues to evolve for the future.

Three new programs debut today, while four new faces join its fleet of seasoned and highly respected anchors: Amanda Blitz, Rudyard Griffiths, Tasha Kheiriddin and Scott Reid. Additionally, the channel moves to a two-anchor format for much of the day, allowing for a more informal and conversational approach to delivering news as it happens.

“The 24-hour, all-news universe presents new opportunities to engage with viewers by embracing new technology and new programming - and we’re investing in those opportunities,” said Wendy Freeman, President, CTV News. “Our mission is to find new ways to do it better, faster and smarter, while always keeping what viewers want top of mind.”

Premiering today, CTV News Channel presents three new programs:

EXPRESS

Weekdays, 9 a.m. to 12 noon with Dan Matheson and Jacqueline Milczarek

Weekdays, 1- 4 p.m. with Amanda Blitz

EXPRESS offers viewers a lively mix of news and information presented in an informal, conversational format. Its one-minute news updates every 15 minutes ensures viewers get the latest news and commentary on stories making headlines in an easily digestible format. Matheson, Milczarek and Blitz are joined by newsmakers, analysts and experts, along with reporters based both in-studio and live on location. Reaching beyond the news, EXPRESS covers a variety of topics – from high tech toys to personal finance to pop culture – with emphasis on lifestyle and helpful information and ideas.

DIRECT

Weekdays, 12 noon to 1 p.m. with Sandie Rinaldo

Weekdays, 6 – 7 p.m. and 9 – 10 p.m. with Marcia MacMillan

DIRECT is CTV News Channels new lunch-time, dinner-hour and evening one-hour newscasts. CTV’s Sandie Rinaldo helms CTV News Channel’s midday review of national and international news while Marcia MacMillan anchors the evening editions. Rinaldo takes viewers to the heart of the most important stories each weekday, delivering interviews with newsmakers, experts, and CTV reporters stationed across Canada and around the world. DIRECT also features business and markets summaries, political news from Ottawa and Washington, entertainment, national weather, and sports news headlines.

NATIONAL AFFAIRS

4 - 5 p.m. with Tasha Kheiriddin and Rudyard Griffiths (Monday – Thursday)

4 - 5 p.m. with Tasha Kheiriddin and Scott Reid (Friday)

CTV News Channel’s new political news hour welcomes new anchors Tasha Kheiriddin, Rudyard Griffiths, and Scott Reid as they cover national and international news and issues with a heavy emphasis on politics and politicians. NATIONAL AFFAIRS is an edgy and provocative addition to CTV News Channel, connecting viewers to conversations that are sometimes confrontational and always educational.

1.45 Million Viewers Watch Televised Ontario Election Debate

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 18:42:13 GMT

A combined audience of 1.45 million viewers watched the Ontario provincial election debate on all networks (CTV, CTV News Channel, CP24, CBC, CBC News Network, Global, CHCH, Sun News Network and TVO).

In Ontario alone, it was the most-watched program of the night with 1.39 million viewers. Once again, viewers made CTV the news outlet of choice for ongoing coverage of the Oct. 6 Ontario General Election, with 611,000 total viewers, more than double the audience of both CBC (248,000) and Global (225,000).

The 90-minute debate had more than twice as many viewers as the 2007 debate on CTV (263,000). More than 1.7 million unique viewers watched some or all of the debate, an increase of 142% compared to 2007 (724,000).

“Canadians have once again demonstrated CTV News is the preferred destination when it comes to important news events,” said Wendy Freeman, President, CTV News. “And as Canada’s leading news organization, we are committed to covering news as it happens.”

CTV provides live coverage of the 2011 Ontario Provincial Election on Thursday, October 6 with the election special ELECTION 2011, live at 9 p.m. ET. Anchored by Ken Shaw, ELECTION 2011 will be simulcast live on CTV News Channel, while CP24 carries separate, complementary coverage of the results in GTA ridings beginning at 8 p.m., anchored by Ann Rohmer and Stephen LeDrew.

CTV Two Vancouver and Victoria Now Available in HD on Bell Satellite TV

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 08:40:23 GMT

CTV Two Vancouver/Victoria is now available in high definition on Bell Satellite TV (Channel 1154) using the call letters CTV2v.

The new HD channel is in addition to the standard definition Channel 256, which remains available.

“CTV Two Vancouver/Victoria is now able to bring its amazing programming lineup in High Definition to Bell TV viewers,” said Kevin Bell, Acting General Manager, CTV Two Vancouver/Victoria. “Today’s announcement allows us to serve our community and all of British Columbia much better.”

CTV Two Vancouver/Victoria delivers more than must-see entertainment programming; it also delivers top-notch local news loaded with energy, enthusiasm and intense pride for the region. From its street-front Victoria broadcast headquarters and Nanaimo news centre, the station’s news team, led by Hudson Mack, CTV Two Vancouver/Victoria broadcasts local news weeknights from 5 – 6:30 p.m. and Vancouver Island Report at 6:30.

The station rounds out each weekday with CTV NEWS at 11 p.m. following up on the day’s top stories. Weekend coverage happens with CTV NEWS AT SIX on Saturday and Sunday. The station’s excellence goes far beyond local news: it’s one of the leading supporters of community groups and charitable organizations on Vancouver Island through its sponsorships of local activities and events.