Go to main content

CBC NEWS NETWORK TURNS 25 YEARS OLD

Launched July 31, 1989, CBC News Network is the World’s Third Oldest News Channel

@cbcnews
#CBCNN

CBC News Network, the world’s third oldest and Canada’s first news channel, celebrates its 25th anniversary on July 31st. First established in 1989 as CBC Newsworld and re-branded as CBC News Network in 2009, it has grown into Canada’s most popular news channel. From live breaking news and analysis to current affairs that engage Canadians across all platforms, CBC News Network is the network Canadians turn to and trust.

“For the past 25 years, CBC News Network has been the destination Canadians turn to when news breaks and major events unfold,” said Jennifer McGuire, general manager and editor-in-chief, CBC News and Centres. “It’s an integral part of CBC’s future, and will continue to play an important role in delivering the most trusted news to Canadians from our team of award-winning journalists.”



First hitting the air waves in 1989 from Halifax, Nova Scotia, the network was available in more than 4.5 million Canadian homes—it now reaches over 11 million Canadian households. Since its founding, CBC News Network’s average minute audience has quadrupled, and it’s the most watched news channel in Canada, outperforming its Canadian and American competition.


“From the ongoing crisis in Ukraine to the Alberta floods to Princess Diana’s funeral to the fall of the Soviet Union, CBC News Network consistently delivers the news that matters to Canadians,” said Fiona Conway, executive director, programming, CBC News and Centres. “We strive to be first on the scene, delivering live news from around the world. No other Canadian network delivers the range of coverage that we do.”

CBC Newsworld had humble beginnings—a small operation that combined live broadcast facilities and on-air presentation in one facility. Over the years, the network has grown and been at the forefront of technological innovation. CBC News Network often exceeds its 90% Canadian content requirement, and directs significant resources to the creation of original Canadian news programming, exceeding the expenditure levels of any other Canadian news channel.

Canadians are asked to share their fondest memories from major news events over the past 25 years using the hashtag #CBCNN or emailing them to yournews@cbc.ca. Starting July 31st and throughout August, Canadians can tune in to CBC News Network to see some of the most memorable moments from our coverage over the years.

- 30 -

About CBC News
For more than 75 years, CBC has been the source Canadians turn to, to keep them informed about their communities, their country and their world. Through regional and national programming on multiple platforms, including CBC Television, CBC News Network, CBC Radio, CBCNews.ca, mobile and on-demand, CBC News and its internationally recognized team of award-winning journalists deliver the breaking stories, the issues, the analyses and the personalities that matter to Canadians.

For more information including series synopses, press releases, hi-res images, video clips and bios, please visit the CBC Media Centre at cbc.ca/mediacentre. Follow CBC’s publicity team on Twitter @CBC_Publicity.

For further information, or to request interviews, contact:
Corey Black, News and Current Affairs publicist, CBC
416.205.8710 (office)/647.221.4133 (mobile)

Related content

CBC News Network

Discover

March 25th at 15:00

New to CBC Gem in April

Highlights of programs new to CBC Gem this April include CBC’s great Canadian book debate, Canada Reads, returning for its 25th edition from April 13 through April 16; new two-part CBC original POV documentary Speechless (April 14); and new CBC original series Must Love Dogs (April 20, pictured). 
February 20th at 12:20

New to CBC Gem in March 2026

March on CBC Gem includes coverage of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games from March 6–15; new original CBC docuseries Cirque Life (March 19, also on CBC TV); The 55th Annual JUNO Awards (live on March 29) hosted by Mae Martin; and the Spotlight on Canadian Film Collection, including CBC Films' titles such as D.W. Waterson's Backspot (pictured). 
February 17th at 5:45

CBC Greenlights Six Original Kids Series

CBC today announced the greenlight of six new and returning original kids series from Canadian creators and producers, reinforcing the national public broadcaster’s commitment to serve children and families with homegrown storytelling that inspires, entertains and informs. 
February 9th at 10:32

Just for Laughs, NorthWest Comedy & CBC Announce Production of CBC Gem Original Series THE NEW WAVE OF STANDUP Season 7

Make ‘em laugh… The New Wave of Standup Season 7 brings together another incredible array of 14 comedians from across the country. The live show taping returns to the iconic Gastown establishment, Guilt & Co. on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. 
January 26th at 12:50

Dragons’ Den Full Circle finale event to close milestone Season 20, airing February 26 and March 5 on CBC and CBC Gem

CBC’s hit series Dragons’ Den will mark its milestone 20th season with a two-episode, Full Circle finale event on Thursday, February 26 at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT) and Thursday, March 5 at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT) on CBC and the free CBC Gem streaming service.