Kamloops This Week
Mother Corp is returning to Kamloops.
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) has announced it is expanding its services in B.C.’s Interior — including a new radio and online bureau in the Tournament Capital.
The move into Kamloops is part of a bigger initiative in B.C. by Canada’s public broadcaster, which will see CBC expand its local coverage in Kelowna and revamp its programming on Vancouver Island.
Expanded programming was also announced for Toronto and Calgary.
“Because of Kamloops’ population base and the fact that it’s a growing community, it was felt that it should have a CBC presence,” said Lorna Haeber, program director for CBC Radio in B.C.
“What this will allow us to do is become much more rooted in the community.”
Kamloops’ CBC radio station, which will produce its own local morning show in addition to local news coverage, is expected to begin operations next spring.
“These first important steps form part of our overall plan to improve services to Canadians,” said Kirstine Stewart, executive vice-president of CBC English Services.
“Canadians tell us that local service is what they want. So, as a public broadcaster, it’s our job to meet that expectation, evolving the ways in which we deliver our services as well as creating new ones. We’ll be expanding the kinds of programs we offer. 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.”
Kamloops Mayor Peter Milobar welcomes the arrival of the national broadcaster.
“I’m delighted CBC is making this significant commitment,” Milobar said. “Kamloops is a vibrant, thriving community and having a local presence here is a vote of confidence in our bright future.”