CTV Newsnet is aiming at crime and legal junkies with The Verdict, a fast-paced news series that promises to make a strong start Wednesday night with live, on-the-scene coverage of the opening of the Conrad Black trial. The series is hosted by Paula Todd — newly snatched away from TVOntario — and airs Monday through Thursday at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

The 24-hour all-news channel is looking to capitalize on audiences’ appetites for crime and legal dramas. It is the channel’s first original series premiere since the launch of Mike Duffy Live in 2005.

‘The success of television’s CSI, Law & Order and Criminal Minds proves that Canadians have a tremendous thirst for all of the drama and excitement that surrounds criminal justice and legal news,’ said CTV News president Robert Hurst, in a release. ‘We are extremely excited about being the first Canadian broadcaster to develop a nightly news program totally dedicated to criminal and legal affairs.’

CTV is promoting the hour-long show on-air throughout its primetime sked. Todd, who is both a lawyer and a journalist, will eventually take the format beyond Black to serve up analysis and perspectives on other high-profile (and headline-dominating) stories, such as the Pickton case.

CTV is also re-airing its MOW Shades of Black, starring Albert Schultz as the embattled press baron and Lara Flynn Boyle as his equally famous wife, Barbara Amiel Black. The two-hour movie first aired in December and drew in a healthy 888,000 viewers. The main CTV net has scheduled the encore for 8 p.m. ET on March 23, 10 days after the Black trial’s start.

From Media in Canada