The CBC is dismissing as ‘100% false’ claims that it is planning to move The National.

Responding to claims made earlier by the organization Friends of Canadian Broadcasting, Ceeb spokesperson Chris Ball said that the network has no plans to reschedule its flagship newscast to 11 p.m. on weeknights.

But FCB is standing by its story, citing what it says are reliable, though unnamed, sources. FCB believes the 10 p.m. slot may be filled with entertainment programming, possibly from outside Canada.

‘Notwithstanding the denials, we believe there is really something here,’ said spokesperson Ian Morrison.

The group, which monitors goings-on at the broadcaster and elsewhere in the sector, has expressed concern in an open letter to both CBC president and CEO Hubert Lacroix and the board of directors, warning that such a move would ‘reduce the reach and influence of Canada’s most important news program.’