History of CBC News in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 8, 2025

CBC News, established in 1941, is the news division of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). It is Canada's largest news broadcaster, providing local, regional, and national news coverage through CBC Television, CBC Radio, CBC News Network, and CBC.ca. CBC News often collaborates with Radio-Canada Info, its French-language counterpart.

November 2, 1936: First CBC Newscast

On November 2, 1936, the first CBC newscast, a bilingual radio report, was broadcast.

January 1, 1941: CBC News Service Inaugurated

On January 1, 1941, the CBC News Service was inaugurated during World War II. Dan McArthur, chief news editor, had Wells Ritchie prepare a national report at 8:00 pm for the announcer Charles Jennings.

1941: CBC News Founded

In 1941, CBC News was founded by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. As the largest news broadcaster in Canada, it offers local, regional, and national broadcasts and stations and often works with Radio-Canada Info.

August 16, 1943: CBC News Roundup Started

On August 16, 1943, CBC News Roundup (French counterpart: La revue de l'actualité) started at 7:45 pm.

September 8, 1952: First English-language TV Newscast

On September 8, 1952, the first English-language television newscast was given as part of CBC Newsmagazine on CBLT (Toronto).

October 31, 1966: CBC News Roundup Replaced

On October 31, 1966, CBC News Roundup was replaced by The World at Six.

1970: CBC National News Renamed

In 1970, CBC National News changed its name to The National.

July 31, 1989: CBC Newsworld Began Broadcasting

On July 31, 1989, CBC Newsworld (now CBC News Network) began broadcasting from regional studios.

1996: CBC News Online Launched

In 1996, CBC News Online, the CBC's CBC.ca news website, was launched.

1998: CBC News Online Site Launched

The CBC News Online site launched in 1998.

2002: Public Surveys on CBC Bias

In 2002, public surveys suggested that the CBC was viewed with potential left-wing bias.

November 2005: CBC News Weather Centre Established

In November 2005, the CBC News Weather Centre was established, using data provided by Environment Canada.

2009: CBC News Network Relaunched

In 2009, CBC Newsworld was revamped and relaunched as CBC News Network.

2009: Bias Study Commissioned

In 2009, CBC President Hubert Lacroix commissioned a study to determine if CBC news was biased.

2012: CBC News Online Popularity

In 2012, CBC News Online was named one of the most popular news websites in Canada.

April 2014: National Weather Centre Disbanded

In April 2014, the national weather centre was effectively disbanded due to CBC budget cuts.

November 2014: Content Sharing Partnership with The Weather Network

In November 2014, the CBC announced a one-year trial content sharing partnership with The Weather Network.

2015: CBC News Hall of Fame Established

In 2015, the CBC News Hall of Fame was established to honour individuals who have shaped Canadian journalism.

November 2016: Opinion Section Reintroduced

In November 2016, the CBC News Online website reintroduced its Opinion section.

2017: Survey on CBC Bias

A 2017 survey of Canadians suggested that CBC TV was the most biased national news media outlet.

2017: The National Relaunched

In 2017, CBC News relaunched its flagship newscast, The National, with four co-anchors based in Toronto, Ottawa and Vancouver.

January 22, 2020: CBC News Network Dropped Four-Anchor Format

On January 22, 2020, CBC News Network dropped the four-anchor format, introducing a co-anchor setup Monday through Thursday and a solo anchor on Friday and Sunday.

September 2020: The Weekly with Wendy Mesley Cancelled

In September 2020, The Weekly with Wendy Mesley was cancelled.

November 2022: CBC News Explore Launched

In November 2022, the CBC launched CBC News Explore, a free ad-supported streaming television service.

November 2023: 'Cyprus Confidential' Report

In November 2023, the CBC joined with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, Paper Trail Media and 69 media partners to produce the 'Cyprus Confidential' report on the financial network supporting Vladimir Putin's regime.