Veteran journalist and current host of “Metro Morning” radio show, David Common, is set to take over as the new host of “CBC Morning Live,” according to an announcement made by the public broadcaster on Thursday. This news coincides with Heather Hiscox’s final broadcast as the host, marking the conclusion of her cross-country tour with “Morning Live” after holding the position for two decades.
In a recent interview prior to the announcement, Common discussed his vision for the show, emphasizing the need to address the evolving television landscape and combat the growing sense of disinterest and disillusionment towards news. He expressed his intention to maintain journalistic integrity while also incorporating an element of light-heartedness to keep viewers engaged and informed without feeling overwhelmed.
Originally from Winnipeg, Common initially aspired to become a nurse before a fortuitous encounter with Peter Mansbridge during his teenage years altered his career path. He commenced his journalism journey at CBC’s London bureau in 1999, displaying a penchant for diverse reporting assignments that led him to various cities across Canada and eventually to international postings in Europe and the United States.
Following his extensive reporting experiences spanning over 90 countries, Common transitioned into hosting roles, such as hosting CBC Radio’s “World Report” in 2013, serving as co-host and news correspondent for “Marketplace” in 2015, and most recently hosting “Metro Morning” starting in 2023.
Reflecting on his upcoming role transition, Common acknowledged the inherent challenges and excitement associated with returning to video journalism. He highlighted the significant transformations occurring within CBC and the broader media landscape, underscoring the importance of adapting to new audience preferences and consumption habits beyond traditional television platforms.
Mark Ross, managing editor of CBC News Network, outlined plans for the evolution of “Morning Live” under Common’s stewardship. While maintaining a commitment to live and breaking news coverage, the show’s format will adapt to leverage Common’s strengths in audience engagement and personalized storytelling, aiming for a more casual and authentic presentation style.
Hiscox, the current host of CBC News Network’s flagship morning program, and her team garnered multiple accolades, including Canadian Screen Awards for best national news anchor in 2018 and best morning show in 2023. Their journalistic excellence was further recognized by the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) with awards for outstanding coverage of earthquake rescue efforts in Turkey and a National Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Hiscox.
Common’s tenure on “Metro Morning” will conclude on January 16, 2026, before he transitions to his full-time hosting duties on “Morning Live” starting on February 2. In the interim, substitute anchors will fill in on “Morning Live,” while the search for Common’s successor on “Metro Morning” is currently ongoing.
