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

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

‘We do not have any plans to move The National,’ Ball told Playback Daily, adding that the newscast anchored by Peter Mansbridge does ‘very well’ in its current 10 p.m. slot. ‘[FCB] got it completely wrong.’

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.’