CBC launches 2012-13 season anchored in strong, proven, canadian programming

Canada's Public Broadcaster continues to move forward, serving Canadians in new ways amid new funding realities

TORONTO, May 10, 2012 /CNW/ - Building on one of its most successful seasons ever, CBC today unveiled its 2012-13 broadcast season.  Anchored by a roster of strong, proven, made-in-Canada programs across all platforms, the public broadcaster is celebrating its successes while continuing to move forward on its strategic plan to serve Canadians in dynamic new ways.

"As we enter a challenging new reality, we are moving forward with great pride in the outstanding successes we have built, combined with the excitement of new offerings which reflect our mission of bringing Canadians the finest programs, journalism and live event coverage that their public broadcaster can provide," said Kirstine Stewart, Executive Vice President of CBC English Services.

"We are holding fast to our vision for a new and dynamic CBC and we will stay the course and continue to deliver," Stewart added, "regardless of our recent financial challenges."

New this season:
Fans of GEORGE STROUMBOULOPOULOS TONIGHT are getting an extra chance to spend quality time with their "boyfriend," as Canada's late night talk show adds an early airing at 7 p.m. (7:30 NT) weeknights starting in September, in addition to his regular 11:05 p.m. (11:35 NT) slot.

Among the new entries, OVER THE RAINBOW recaptures the competitive and theatrical magic from our previous venture with the Mirvish Productions.  This time, dozens of young hopefuls will vie for the coveted role of Dorothy in the Canadian premiere of Andrew Lloyd Webber's new production of The Wizard of Oz.

TITANIC: BLOOD AND STEEL is an epic mini-series from the producers of CAMELOT and THE TUDORS, taking us inside the stories behind the nautical disaster that still haunts us 100 years later.

And CRACKED is a slick new crime hour-long drama with a psychological twist, inspired by the real life experiences of front-line police officers and mental-health workers.

CBC-TV's prime time lineup is a stellar schedule of proven Canadian successes.  ARCTIC AIR, the hit show which debuted to the largest audience for a drama in 15 years, will fly high again; MR D., the smash hit from comedian Gerry Dee will be back in class for a second season; REPUBLIC OF DOYLE keeps the action hot on the rock, and DRAGONS' DEN will continue to roar its way through the ratings, welcoming Wealthy Barber author David Chilton into the den; and family favourite HEARTLAND remains a Sunday night staple.

MARKETPLACE and the fifth estate consistently drew some of their largest audiences ever last season and, with THE NATURE OF THINGS and DOC ZONE, they will continue to raise the bar for CBC's public affairs programming in 2012-13.

This is a milestone season for several treasured CBC programs:  the 60^th anniversary of CBC'S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA; the 40^th anniversary of MARKETPLACE; the 30^th anniversary of the JUST FOR LAUGHS comedy festival; and we celebrate 20 years of laughter on 22 MINUTES and a decade of THE RICK MERCER REPORT.

In keeping with CBC's 2015 plan to better connect communities in new and innovative ways, CBC is proud to announce the imminent launch of a new local news service for the city of Hamilton.  CBC's first entirely digital station, www.cbc.ca/hamilton and its team of reporters and writers will provide Hamilton and area residents with the finest in local news coverage, connecting them with their neighbourhood, their city and their country in a new and innovative way.  It's a bold, cutting-edge approach to local news in a city that is transforming itself in the same ways.  More new local digital services are being planned to connect other communities across Canada.

Quality, engaging, entertaining television. Radio voices that connect Canadians to their neighbourhoods and to each other from coast to coast to coast. Digital services that enhance and inspire. News and current affairs of unparalleled depth, and the greatest coverage of our national sport and countless other special events. That's what a modern public broadcaster offers - that's the CBC in 2012-13.

About CBC/Radio-Canada
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada's national public broadcaster and one of its largest cultural institutions. The Corporation is a leader in reaching Canadians on new platforms and delivers a comprehensive range of radio, television, Internet, and satellite-based services. Deeply rooted in the regions, CBC/Radio-Canada is the only domestic broadcaster to offer diverse regional and cultural perspectives in English, French and eight Aboriginal languages, plus seven languages for international audiences. In 2011, CBC/Radio-Canada celebrated 75 years of serving Canadians and being at the centre of the democratic, social and cultural life of Canada.

Renee Weekes, Veritas Communications
[email protected]  [phone] (office)/[phone] (cell)