Shaw Media to launch 24/7 B.C. news channel

British Columbia residents could have access to 24-hour local news on their television sets as early as this summer.

Shaw Media announced Wednesday that it has filed an application to the CRTC for a 24/7 regional, all-news channel for the province.

The channel is set to launch this summer, pending approval from the CRTC, which is the country’s broadcasting regulator. The new channel will include B.C.-focused information in both video and data format, live-event coverage and in-depth reporting around the clock.

Current favourites for news-watchers in the province, from The Morning News and News Hour – both top-rated programs in North America, will also be showcased on the channel. A prime-time talk show, hosted by former News Hour Final anchor Jill Krop, will be added to the news lineup.

“This new channel will give BC viewers even more of the information they’ve come to rely upon, anytime they want,” Shaw Media officials wrote in a statement.

Global News already provides local coverage in Toronto, Vancouver, Kelowna, Saskatoon, Regina, Edmonton, Calgary, Lethbridge, Winnipeg, Montreal and the Maritimes.