Montreal·CBC TV

CBC Montreal unveils revamped format for TV news

Starting Monday, Oct. 5, CBC Montreal's television news will look a little different.

CBC Montreal host Debra Arbec breaks down the new format of the supperhour newscast

CBC Montreal's Debra Arbec has been nominated in the best local news anchor category (CBC)

I'm really excited about offering Montrealers a fresh new option in local TV news. Our focus will be "what is making news in Montreal now?" — not the same news you heard on CBC Radio at 8 a.m. That means more live and dynamic reports, from where the story is unfolding, with the very latest context and accountability.


  • Check out CBC TV's new format starting Oct. 5

Viewers will see a format change. I don't want to give too much away, but I will no longer be sitting behind the desk. I'll be walking around our set taking viewers through the stories. With a half-hour format we will also be able to take the entire show on location, provided the story warrants it.

The most eye-opening moment for me is how much local news we can actually pack into a half-hour. It is a lot, and we won't waste a minute. And from talking to many Montrealers who have very busy schedules and less time to watch television, they really like the idea of getting all the news they need about Montreal in just 30 minutes.

What won't be changing is our journalism. The CBC treatment that Montrealers trust including original and investigative journalism, breaking news stories, sports with Doug Gelevan and of course, weather with Frank Cavallaro. 

After a brief hiatus, CBC Montreal's supperhour and late night newscasts are back on CBC Television. Nancy Wood (left) and Debra Arbec are your evening and late night news hosts. (CBC)

CBC Montreal's new format

Starting Monday, Oct. 5, CBC Montreal's television news will look a little different.

OK, very different.

Morning: We'll start the day by televising the 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. block of CBC Daybreak, led by our fearless radio host Mike Finnerty. Local news headlines, the forecast and other relevant information will wrap around the screen as you start your day.

Afternoon and evening: We'll bring you one-minute headlines every hour from 2:59 p.m. to 9:59 p.m., letting you catch up on the latest Montreal headlines and weather outlook — all from the CBC Montreal staff who live in your community.

At 6 p.m., host Debra Arbec will bring you up to speed on the day's events with our new, revamped 30-minute suppertime newscast.

Late night: And finally, before you head to bed, catch CBC Montreal's late-night newscast with Nancy Wood at 11 p.m., immediately following The National with Peter Mansbridge.