Chris Howden has been named the new co-host of CBC Radio’s long-running current affairs evening show As It Happens, alongside Carol Off.
Howden, who has been the show’s writer for the last 10 years, is already familiar to listeners as a fill-in host. In addition to As It Happens, he’s been a contributor to Sounds Like Canada, This Morning, and hosted documentary show Living Out Loud. He’ll take up the co-host’s chair Monday, Jan. 6.
“As the show’s writer, Chris has done so much to create the distinct voice and attitude of the program. Now he can literally bring that voice into the studio and deliver the scripts he’s crafted so well,” said Cathy Perry, Senior Director of Programming, Network Talk, in a release.
“I listened to As It Happens every night growing up,” said Howden. “It is unbelievable that I’ll be in the same chair that Alan Maitland, Barbara Budd, and Jeff Douglas sat in. Not literally…it’s a different chair. Regardless, I am proud and grateful to join that illustrious group, and thrilled to be working with my friend and hero, Carol Off.”
As It Happens has been airing for more than 50 years, debuting in 1968 with co-hosts Phillip Forsyth and Harry Brown. The show’s current format was created after producer Mark Starowicz took charge in 1973.
A twist on the “call in” show, As It Happens is a “call out” show in which the hosts dial a number and reach guests ranging from world leaders to eccentrics and extraordinary people.
A look through the show’s online archive reveals a history of compelling guests, including a 1969 interview with anti-war protestors The Chicago Seven, and a 1977 conversation on the day Elvis Presley died with legendary DJ Wolfman Jack, who had not yet heard the news.
As It Happens most recent co-host, Jeff Douglas, stepped away from the program in May to return to his home province to host CBC Nova Scotia afternoon drive show Mainstreet.
As It Happens airs weekdays at 6:30 p.m. (7 NT) nationwide on CBC Radio One and the CBC Listen app, as well as online at cbc.ca/listen.
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