Daily Planet tapped Ziya Tong as its new cohost alongside Jay Ingram. Tong has been a guest host since November and replaces Natasha Stillwell, who left in 2007. Discovery Canada says Tong found favor with viewers, as Planet increased viewership by 34% in the 25-54 demo this past December compared to 2007. Tong’s past hosting duties include CBC’s ZeD, CTV’s travel series Island Escapes, and science shows The Leading Edge for Knowledge Network.

Meanwhile, Daily Planet named Jeff MacDonald executive producer. MacDonald was recently in charge of all feature stories for CBC’s coverage of the Olympic Games. Planet is currently in its 14th season and celebrates its 3,000th episode in May.