Veteran journalist and current host of “Metro Morning” on the radio, David Common, has been announced as the new host of “CBC Morning Live,” replacing Heather Hiscox, as confirmed by the public broadcaster on Thursday. This announcement coincides with Hiscox’s final broadcast after 20 years in the role, concluding her Morning Live tour across Canada.
Common shared his vision for the show in an interview prior to the announcement, expressing a focus on the evolving television landscape and the growing sense of disinterest and disillusionment towards news. He emphasized maintaining journalistic integrity while also aiming to lighten the tone and inject some fun into the program.
Originally from Winnipeg and later relocating to Toronto, Common’s career trajectory shifted from nursing aspirations to encountering Peter Mansbridge as a teenager, leading him to a diverse journalism career at CBC. With experience spanning different cities and countries, Common took on various hosting roles, culminating in his recent position at “Metro Morning.”
Expressing anticipation and excitement for the challenges of his new role and a return to video journalism, Common acknowledged the significant changes within CBC and the broader media industry. He highlighted the necessity of adapting to reach audiences across different platforms beyond television.
Mark Ross, managing editor of CBC News Network, discussed the evolution of “Morning Live,” noting a focus on maintaining live news coverage while incorporating Common’s strengths in engaging audiences in a more personal and casual manner. The show’s format will be tailored to align with Common’s authentic and intimate style.
Hiscox, as the former host of CBC News Network’s flagship morning program, garnered accolades and awards for her team’s outstanding work, including Canadian Screen Awards and recognition from the Radio Television Digital News Association. Common is set to take over as the host of “Morning Live” in early February after his final day hosting “Metro Morning” in mid-January. In the interim, various anchors will step in for the Morning Live hosting duties, while the search for the new host of “Metro Morning” continues.
