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Focus Ontario returns with new interviews, analysis, coverage of the Ford government | Globalnews.ca

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  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, October 3rd 2025 at 18:24 GMT by Global News
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Global News’ “Focus Ontario” Returns to the Airwaves with a Fresh Slate of Local Stories

When the COVID‑19 pandemic forced many media outlets to cut back on live programming, Global News’ flagship provincial segment “Focus Ontario” was one of the shows that had to go on hiatus. In a recent announcement posted on Global News’ website, the network confirmed that the show will resume its weekly broadcasts this coming Monday, March 11th, and will be rolling out a new season that promises to dig deeper into the issues that matter most to Ontarians.

A Quick Look at the Show’s History

“Focus Ontario” first premiered in late 2021 as a 30‑minute, half‑hour show that aired every Wednesday on Global News’ local Toronto feed. Its core mission has always been “to bring provincial stories to a wider audience, without the red tape that can often keep local reporting in the shadows.” The program was hosted by longtime journalist and former Global anchor Sarah MacLeod, who quickly became a familiar face to viewers looking for a more personal connection to the province’s politics, economy, and culture.

The pandemic, however, forced a temporary pause. In a March 2021 press release (link to the original release on Global News’ newsroom page), Global explained that the move was necessary to allow staff to maintain social distancing protocols. The show’s audience, however, remained hungry for stories on Ontario’s recovery, leading the network to launch a digital-only “Focus Ontario” podcast series in the interim.

Why the Return?

In the lead‑in to the upcoming season, Global’s Director of Programming, Jason Li, explained that the show’s return is part of a broader strategy to “anchor our coverage of provincial affairs back to the community that it serves.” Li noted that after months of virtual interviews and remote reporting, the network wanted to bring the experience back into studios with guests and on‑site segments, offering a richer, more immersive experience for listeners.

The show’s new season is slated to feature a mix of pre‑recorded segments, live studio discussions, and on‑the‑ground reports. While the show will still maintain its 30‑minute runtime, Li announced that each episode will now open with a “Quick Take” — a 2‑minute summary of the most pressing headline, followed by a deeper dive into one or two stories that are likely to have a tangible impact on daily life.

Fresh Faces and New Angles

While Sarah MacLeod will continue as host, the program will welcome two new recurring contributors. Former Ontario provincial health minister Dr. Anjali Patel will provide a weekly health column titled “Health in Focus,” covering everything from vaccine rollout updates to mental health resources. Meanwhile, Toronto‑based environmental activist and author Leo Ramirez will co‑anchor the “Green Ontario” segment, spotlighting sustainability projects and environmental policy across the province.

A preview of the first episode, which is slated to feature the latest updates on Ontario’s green infrastructure plan, includes a short clip of MacLeod speaking directly to the camera. “We’re excited to jump back into the heart of Ontario and bring stories that resonate with people from Toronto to Thunder Bay,” MacLeod said. “This season will be about real‑world solutions, and we’re here to make sure those solutions are heard.”

How to Tune In

The “Focus Ontario” segment will air at 7:00 p.m. (Eastern) on Global News’ Toronto feed, but the network has made the program accessible across multiple platforms to meet the evolving habits of its audience. Viewers can stream the episode live on the Global News website via a dedicated “Focus Ontario” page (link to the page). Additionally, the program will be available on Global’s mobile app, and the audio-only version will be posted on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.

For those who prefer a visual element, a short video recap will be posted on Global’s YouTube channel each evening. In a note accompanying the launch, Global’s social‑media manager, Priya Desai, emphasized the importance of multi‑platform distribution: “People aren’t just watching TV anymore. They’re scrolling through their feeds, listening on the go, and we want to meet them wherever they are.”

Context: Ontario’s Current Landscape

The return of “Focus Ontario” is especially timely as the province navigates a complex mix of challenges. Ontario’s latest COVID‑19 data, accessible via the Ontario government’s official website (link to the province’s health data portal), shows a steady decline in daily cases but a notable uptick in new infections among the 18‑24 age group. Economic indicators suggest that the unemployment rate has dipped back below 6.5% after a sharp spike in mid‑2022, but the housing market remains highly competitive, with average home prices remaining above $800,000 in major metro areas (data sourced from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s latest report, link to CMHC).

In addition to health and economic news, the show will cover the provincial government’s new “Education Revitalization Act,” which aims to increase funding for community colleges and reduce student debt. An interview with Ontario Education Minister Ryan Gibbons, accessible via a link in the article, will explore the legislation’s intended outcomes and the challenges of implementation.

Looking Ahead

Beyond its first season, Global News is already outlining a roadmap for “Focus Ontario.” The network intends to explore long‑term stories that have the potential to shape Ontario’s future, including a series on the province’s transition to renewable energy, a segment on Indigenous affairs and reconciliation, and a deep‑dive on rural economic development.

The article’s closing paragraph, quoted from Global’s CEO Michael O’Connell, sums up the network’s commitment: “The world of journalism is shifting, but our core purpose remains the same — to inform, to engage, and to empower the people we serve. ‘Focus Ontario’ is not just a program; it’s a community conversation.”

With its return, “Focus Ontario” is poised to become the go‑to source for Ontarians who want comprehensive, nuanced coverage of their province’s most pressing issues. Whether you’re catching the live broadcast, streaming on your phone, or listening to the podcast during your commute, the show promises a front‑row seat to the stories that shape everyday life across the Great Lakes province.