Canadian TV ready to render "Verdict"

By Etan Vlessing

TORONTO (Hollywood Reporter) - Canadian broadcaster CTV will next Wednesday launch a legal talk show, just as deposed Canadian media baron Conrad Black goes on trial on criminal fraud, racketeering and corruption charges in Chicago.

Lawyer-turned-broadcaster Paula Todd will anchor "The Verdict" on CTV Newsnet, CTV's headline news channel. She will be in Chicago to cover the start of the Black trial.

Along with former business associates, Black is charged with diverting $83 million from the former Hollinger International newspaper group for his personal use. The trial is expected to last about three months, providing a lengthy launch pad for the homegrown talk show.

CTV executives were tight-lipped Wednesday about the programing format for "The Verdict," though it will be modeled on U.S. legal-eagle shows hosted by the likes of Greta Van Susteren and Nancy Grace.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter