CBC Vancouver announced today that its long-running mid-day show, B.C. Almanac, is no more.
Well, sort of. The show is now called BC Today and it's hosted by award-winning journalist Michelle Eliot.
Much like the show that used to be in this slot, it's an hour-long call-in format. The major thing that's changing is that instead of looking at two issues they'll laser in on one and spend the entire hour on it.
In order for the show to truly be driven by the day's top story they'll be booking guests the day of, not in advance as they had done in the past. The host producers' hours have actually been changed to ensure that's the case.
Also, they've gone from referring to British Columbia as B.C. to calling it BC. A very small marketing detail, but one that indicates a more modern approach.
Michelle Eliot. Photo courtesy CBC
If you're a regular listener you'll know that Brian Minter has been on the show for ages, taking questions from people looking for gardening advice. We reached out to Shiral Tobin who is CBC BC's Director, Journalism and Programming, and she told us that Minter will continue to be a voice. She tells us "He is massively beloved by the audience but it’s not going to be a columnist heavy show".
The new format of focusing on one big story doesn't lend itself to columnists as much as the previous one did. And while Minter will remain Tobin says "a new, modern host and an updated tone and focus" which still connects rural and urban B.C. (or, that is BC) awaits us.
Host Eliot says she wants to “broaden the scope of our conversation and hear from more callers from all parts of the province, and incorporate feedback from social media. This is the show that is the voice of British Columbians - and we are going to hear more of those voices.”.
Tune in to 88.1FM every weekday at noon to hear BC Today. Become part of the conversation by calling 1-800-825-5950 or tweeting at @michelle_eliot or @BCToday.
