Business · Companies · 4 hrs ago
CBC Opens Door to Canadian Vertical Dramas
Canada’s public broadcaster CBC has hired Ariel Yang to lead digital originals and consider pitches from local producers.
Yang’s work includes developing short-form series for CBC Gem, the broadcaster’s streaming service.
CBC says it may consider vertical microdramas if suitable projects are pitched.
Microdramas are short, phone-friendly stories, often released in episodes of 60 to 90 seconds.
Canadian producers are already making these short series in Toronto, Vancouver and other production hubs.
CBC is looking at the format as it competes for viewers with platforms such as YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels.
The broadcaster’s next step is to assess pitches for homegrown microdramas.
CBC has hired Ariel Yang as head of digital originals, with duties that include taking pitches for local microdramas.
The broadcaster says it may consider vertical dramas if suitable projects are proposed.
Yang will develop short-form digital series under Trish Williams, executive director of scripted content.
CBC’s short-form content for CBC Gem will be under 15 minutes and aimed at adults.
The move comes as CBC competes with digital platforms including YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels for viewers.
- Who
- The Canadian Broadcasting Corp. (CBC), with Ariel Yang leading digital originals.
- What
- CBC is taking pitches for homegrown microdramas and may consider vertical dramas.
- When
- The article was published on November 3, 2026; the timing of the hiring is not stated.
- Where
- Canada, with content intended for CBC Gem.
- Why
- CBC is seeking viewers as it competes with digital platforms for attention.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Canadian Broadcasting Corp. launched itself in television.
CBC hired Ariel Yang as head of digital originals and assigned her duties that include taking pitches for local microdramas.
- New head of digital originals
- Ariel Yang
- Executive overseeing scripted content
- Trish Williams
- CBC Gem short-form content
- Under 15 minutes, aimed at adult audiences
- CBC television launch
- 1952
- Article publication date
- 2026-11-03
1 source
What people are saying
there is room to consider vertical/micro dramas, as well, should the right ones come along.