CBC Toronto announced today award-winning CBC journalist Farrah Merali as the host of CBC Radio’s, HERE AND NOW, with her first day in the host chair on Tuesday, October 14. Connecting audiences to Toronto and the world with entertaining and engaging conversations, HERE AND NOW is heard weekdays from 3 to 6 p.m. ET on CBC Radio (99.1 FM) and live on the CBC News App.
“Farrah's years in daily news and investigative reporting have set her up beautifully for this next challenge as host of Here and Now,” said Laura Green, Managing Editor, CBC Toronto. “She understands the importance of helping make sense of our ever-changing city and unpacking breaking news in the GTA to meet the audience's needs. I can't wait to hear where Farrah takes the show."
Merali's career at CBC began more than a decade ago as a reporter at CBC Toronto and CBC Vancouver where she covered some of the biggest stories in Canada and abroad. She’s also been a recurring guest host for programs including Metro Morning and Here and Now. Most recently, she’s worked with CBC Toronto’s Enterprise Unit focusing on original and investigative stories impacting Torontonians.
“Growing up, CBC Radio was a staple in my household,” said Merali. “My parents came to Canada as refugees, and it was a tool they used to help them learn about this country. It’s a true privilege to now be able to use that same tool to connect with audiences in the most vibrant city in Canada.”
Merali grew up in Victoria, B.C. and studied English Literature at McGill University. She followed that passion to Toronto Metropolitan University where she pursued a Masters in Journalism.
“I want to use my experience as a journalist to help people make sense of what’s happening in this city in a thoughtful, nuanced and engaging way,” said Merali. “I can’t wait to have honest and thoughtful conversations with people in this city.”
Merali is the recipient of multiple Radio Television Digital News Association Awards, including recognition for her coverage of the 2018 Toronto van attack. Her investigative reporting has also earned nominations for Best Local Reporter at the Canadian Screen Awards and Best Broadcast Under Five Minutes at the Canadian Association of Journalists Awards.
Ramraajh Sharvendiran, the current interim host of Here and Now, will return to the airwaves on Ontario Morning, starting on Monday, October 27. CBC Radio’s Ontario Morning is heard weekdays across Ontario from 6 to 8:30 a.m. ET.
Nav Nanwa, currently heard on Ontario Morning, will remain at CBC.
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About CBC/Radio-Canada:
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada’s national public broadcaster. Through our mandate to inform, enlighten and entertain, we play a central role in strengthening Canadian culture. As Canada’s trusted news source, we offer a uniquely Canadian perspective on news, current affairs and world affairs. Our distinctively homegrown entertainment programming draws audiences from across the country. Deeply rooted in communities, CBC/Radio-Canada offers diverse content in English, French and eight Indigenous languages: Dëne Sųłıné, Dene Kǝdǝ́, Dene Zhatıé, Eastern Cree, Dinjii Zhuʼ Ginjik, Inuktitut, Inuvialuktun and Tłı̨chǫ. We also deliver content in Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Punjabi and Tagalog, as well as both official languages, through Radio Canada International (RCI). We are leading the transformation to meet the needs of Canadians in a digital world.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Cathy Paine
Senior Communications Officer, CBC Toronto
437-449-8462
Alisha Crawford
Senior Manager Communications, CBC Ontario
343-550-4124
