Global News continues to grow across the country beginning this October with the launch of several original programs, while building on already successful and established shows.  From a re-energized Global Toronto news lineup to the expansion of the award-winning 16×9 The Bigger Picture, and the launch of the new national political program The West Block, Global News is providing innovative programming designed to keep Canadians informed and engaged.

“The lineup of programs we are launching and expanding reflects our dedication to developing the original and thoughtful news content Canadians want and deserve,” says Troy Reeb, Vice President, Global News. “As news and information play an increasingly important role in their lives, we are ensuring that our viewers are informed of worldwide events while staying connected to their local community.”

On Tuesday, October 11, Global Toronto gives viewers returning to work after the Thanksgiving long-weekend a fresh and expanded news lineup with the launch of The Morning Show from 6-9am ET and the shift of the award-winning News Hour newscast with Anne Mroczkowski and Leslie Roberts to a half hour earlier at 5:30pm ET.

Global Toronto will kick-start weekday mornings with the much-loved Liza Fromer, anchoring a welcome departure from the traditional morning news format with a team of broadcast professionals, including Dave Gerry, Kris Reyes, and Daru Dhillon.  Later that same day, News Hourwill report on the day’s top headlines a half-hour earlier at 5:30pm ET. This move allows viewers to catch the most important local news and weather first, followed by Global National’s in-depth coverage of the biggest stories happening across Canada and around the world at 6:30pm ET. Helmed by 2011 Gemini Award-winning Best Anchor Dawna Friesen, Global National continuously garners over one million viewers a night, and the new 6:30pm ET timeslot ensures it remains Canada’s first source for national and international news.

In addition to the Toronto market, Global National will move to 6:30pm in Montreal as well, a move that aligns Global National’s Toronto and Montreal timeslot with the Maritime region. Global National will continue to air at 5:30pm in all other markets west of Toronto.

The announcement of The Morning Show’s launch date is the latest step in plans for additional morning news programming on Global stations across Canada. Additional information regarding new programs in other markets will be revealed soon.

Global News’ 16×9 – The Bigger Picture enters its fourth season with a new look and new format. Beginning Saturday, October 15th, the award-winning weekly newsmagazine will expand to one hour, giving viewers even more of the provocative stories they’ve come to count on. This change in format will allow 16×9 to dig deeper, and go further to find the answers viewers are looking for. 16×9 airs Saturdays at 7:00 pm in all markets.

Global News is pleased to announce that The West Block will debut Sunday, October 16th. Hosted by veteran journalist Tom Clark, The West Block will hold Ottawa to account like no other show. Airing weekly from Parliament Hill, The West Block will bring the real concerns of Canadians to the politicians and bureaucrats to demand answers. With over 40 years’ experience, Clark is one of Canada’s most recognizable and respected journalists. Prior to joining the Global News team, Clark served as a foreign correspondent, bureau chief, and national news anchor.

The West Block will air Sundays at 10am in BC and Alberta; 12pm in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec; and at 1pm in the Maritimes.

In continuing its expansion of political programming, Global News will also be launching provincial half-hour political programs in several markets. Similar in format to Global Toronto’s Focus Ontario and Global Montreal’s Focus Montreal, these new political programs are slated to launch at Global Regina, Global Saskatoon and Global Winnipeg in the coming months, with specific details being announced shortly.