Veteran journalist and current host of “Metro Morning” on radio, David Common, has been named as the replacement for Heather Hiscox on “CBC Morning Live,” announced by the public broadcaster on Thursday. Hiscox bid farewell as the host after a 20-year tenure, concluding her Morning Live tour across Canada.
In a pre-announcement interview, Common shared his vision for the show, aiming to tackle the evolving TV landscape and combat the growing sense of disinterest and disillusionment towards news. He emphasized the importance of maintaining journalistic integrity while ensuring the content remains engaging and not overwhelming.
Originally from Winnipeg and later relocating to Toronto, Common initially aspired to be a nurse before an encounter with Peter Mansbridge redirected his career path. He embarked on his journalism journey at CBC’s London bureau in 1999, subsequently moving across various Canadian cities and eventually internationally to Paris and New York City.
With extensive reporting experience spanning over 90 countries, Common transitioned into hosting roles, including hosting “World Report” on CBC Radio in 2013, co-hosting “Marketplace,” and serving as a news correspondent. His most recent position was as the host of “Metro Morning” in 2023.
Expressing excitement and acknowledging the challenges ahead, Common anticipates the shift back to video journalism and the transformations within CBC and the media industry. He emphasized the need to cater to diverse audiences across different platforms beyond television.
Mark Ross, CBC News Network’s managing editor, highlighted the evolution of “Morning Live,” emphasizing the show’s commitment to live and breaking news coverage while incorporating Common’s strengths in audience engagement and a more relaxed presentation style.
Hiscox and her team received accolades, including Canadian Screen Awards for best national news anchor in 2018 and best morning show in 2023. Their exceptional work was also recognized by the Radio Television Digital News Association for their coverage of earthquake rescue efforts in Turkey.
Common will wrap up his duties on “Metro Morning” on January 16, 2026, before transitioning to full-time hosting on “Morning Live” starting February 2. Interim hosts will fill the “Morning Live” position until Common assumes his role, while the search for a new host for “Metro Morning” continues.