CBC to introduce expanded local service to Saskatoon

SASKATOON, Jan. 5, 2012 /CNW/ - Continuing the promise of its five-year strategic plan Everyone, Every way, CBC announced today it will introduce a new radio morning show and expanded online services for the Saskatoon area within the next 12-18 months.

"Saskatoon is home to almost a quarter of a million Saskatchewanians, as the most populated city in the Province and the fastest growing city in Canada we're delighted to be expanding our radio and online programming in this vibrant community," says John Agnew, CBC Managing Director,CBC Saskatchewan. "We are looking forward to connecting and reflecting the richness and diversity of Saskatoon back to our audiences while continuing to be an active member of the community".

"I'm delighted CBC will be expanding in Saskatoon. Our city continues to grow and CBC's expansion here shows the vital role our city plays in the life of our Province," says Donald J. Atchison, Mayor of Saskatoon. "Saskatoon is the most culturally and economically diverse community in Saskatchewan and we look forward to an expanded CBC local presence here and the fair and balanced voice it will lend to our city."

"We're very excited about expanding our relationship with the Saskatoon community with these latest additions to our service," says Kirstine Stewart, Executive Vice-President of CBC English Services.  "Local service is what people tell us they want and as a public broadcaster and it's our job to meet that need. We're expanding the kinds of programs we offer as Canada's communities are changing and growing; we know there are millions of Canadians who now live in areas which we aren't serving locally, or aren't serving enough. Our objective is to address that over the next four years."

"We continue to make tremendous progress in the rolling out of Everyone, Every way, with this, our fifth announcement of new or expanded local service since May of 2011" says Hubert T. Lacroix, President and Chief Executive Officer of CBC/Radio-Canada. "This expansion is part of our promise to Canadians to deliver vital news and community information where and when they want it, and strengthen the relationship they have with their community."

Details about the new Saskatoon service will be announced in coming months.

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.

Kerry Fraser, CBC Saskatchewan, [phone], [email protected]
Chris Ball, CBC Media Relations, 416-205-7831, [email protected]