CTV Local News: Programming, Branding, and Market Operations
CTV News serves as a cornerstone of local journalism across Canada, delivering timely information through a vast network of owned-and-operated (O&O) stations and affiliates. From early morning updates to late-night summaries, the network maintains a structured broadcasting schedule designed to keep regional audiences informed.
Programming Schedules and Formats
In most Canadian markets, local CTV News programs follow a consistent weekday schedule, typically airing at 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. for CTV 2 stations, or 11:30 p.m. for main CTV stations. Depending on the specific market, viewers may also find 5 p.m. newscasts and weekend coverage at 6 p.m. and 11:00/11:30 p.m.
To capture early-morning audiences, several stations in western Canada and select CTV 2 stations in eastern Canada produce CTV Morning Live, a dedicated local morning news program.
Recent adjustments to the schedule include the replacement of 5:30 p.m. local newscasts with an evening edition of CTV National News, effective November 13, 2023.
The Evolution of Branding
The visual and titular identity of CTV's local news has shifted significantly over the decades. In the late 1970s, some stations utilized titles such as "World Beat News" for late-afternoon slots and "Night Beat News" for late-night broadcasts.
Following the 1998 merger of the CTV network with Baton Broadcasting, the network unified its branding. Local O&Os adopted a standardized "(call sign) News" format, such as CFTO News in Toronto. By late 2005, these were renamed simply as "CTV News," and by February 2014, the network transitioned to region-specific titles, such as "CTV News Toronto."
Market Presence and Operational Structure
CTV produces local news across a wide array of major Canadian cities. While larger hubs have full production capabilities, O&Os in smaller markets often air newscasts produced in these larger centers, sometimes incorporating short local news inserts or producing their own noon broadcasts.
| Region/City | Station Call Sign / Brand |
|---|---|
| Toronto | CFTO |
| Vancouver | CIVT |
| Montreal | CFCF |
| Ottawa | CJOH / CHRO |
| Calgary | CFCN |
| Edmonton | CFRN |
| Winnipeg | CKY |
| Halifax | CJCH / CTV 2 Atlantic |
| Regina | CKCK |
| Saskatoon | CFQC |
| Kitchener | CKCO |
| London | CFPL |
| Windsor | CHWI |
| Barrie | CKVR |
| Greater Sudbury | CICI / CTV Northern Ontario |
| Victoria | CIVI |
The network also integrates CTV 2 stations. Originally part of the A News system acquired via CHUM Limited, these stations were rebranded to CTV News to avoid the perception of being a "second-class" service. While most CTV 2 stations must keep their news operations separate from main CTV stations in the same market, exceptions exist for CTV Two Atlantic and CTV Two Alberta (which produces Alberta Primetime).
Additionally, independent affiliates like NTV in Newfoundland and CITL-TV continue to provide local coverage, with NTV providing Newfoundland coverage for CTV News despite dropping entertainment programming in 2002.
In the Greater Toronto Area, Bell Media operates CP24, a regional news channel. As of June 2024, CP24 simulcasts CFTO's 12 noon, 6 p.m., and 11:30 p.m. newscasts.
Key Facts
- Standard Air Times: Weekday local news typically airs at 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. (CTV 2) or 11:30 p.m. (CTV).
- Recent Cuts: As of February 8, 2024, Bell Media eliminated all noon newscasts outside Toronto and weekend newscasts outside Montreal, Toronto, and Ottawa.
- MMJ Expansion: The multimedia journalist (MMJ) model is being expanded into Alberta, Manitoba, Quebec, Saskatchewan, and Atlantic Canada.
- Advertising: BBM Canada aggregates local broadcasts as "CTV Evening News" or "CTV Late News" for national advertiser ratings, though these titles aren't used on-air.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the noon and weekend newscasts in 2024?
On February 8, 2024, Bell Media implemented major cuts, removing all noon newscasts except for those in Toronto and cancelling weekend newscasts in all markets except Montreal, Toronto, and Ottawa.
What is the difference between CTV and CTV 2 news branding?
While CTV 2 stations were previously branded as A News, they now use CTV News branding (e.g., CTV News Barrie) to maintain consistency and quality perception across the network.
How does CP24 relate to CTV News?
CP24 is a regional news channel for Southern Ontario operated by Bell Media. It currently simulcasts several of CFTO's primary daily newscasts.
What is the multimedia journalist (MMJ) model?
The MMJ model is a journalistic approach being expanded by Bell Media into several provinces, including Quebec, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, to streamline local news production.
Does CTV still work with independent affiliates?
Yes, independent affiliates like NTV continue to provide regional coverage for CTV News and air its national newscasts.