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Career Highlights

Broadcaster Heidi Petracek has been familiar to radio and television audiences for more than twenty years. Petracek is a trusted journalist, recognized throughout Atlantic Canada for her genuine approach.

Heidi has reported on numerous breaking news events, including the Nova Scotia mass shooting, post-tropical storm Fiona, federal and provincial elections, the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, and the Moncton shootings. Petracek covered the majority of the 2022 Mass Casualty Commission hearings for CTV, providing detailed reportage and exclusive leads.

She is a keen listener, thoughtful interviewer, meticulous journalist and naturally curious storyteller with high ethical standards and a passion for personal stories.

For more than two decades, Petracek has worked in many roles:

  • Currently a video journalist and backup anchor for CTV Atlantic.

  • Former co-host and producer of morning show 

CTV Morning Live.

  • Former host of CBC Television’s entertaining and informative daily regional lifestyle program, Living Halifax.

  • She's interviewed hundreds of people, from well-known personalities (including Academy Award winner Olympia Dukakis, former international space station commander Chris Hadfield, and renowned primatologist Jane Goodall), along with everyday people living through extraordinary circumstances. 

    • Petracek has hosted a live radio program in every province in Atlantic Canada

    • She has network-level experience as a producer, chase producer, researcher, and radio host

    In 2017, Heidi traveled to Belgium and France for a special series of stories airing on CTV Atlantic to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle at Vimy Ridge. Road to Vimy was produced in partnership with Visit Belgium for CTV Morning Live and CTV News at Five. Heidi was also videographer.

    In 2015, Heidi traveled with World Vision Canada to the Philippines for a series of reports on efforts to help families rebuild their lives after Typhoon Haiyan. Heidi prepared six feature stories based on her week-long trip, broadcast on CTV News at Five and CTV Morning Live.

      In 2003, Heidi worked as a volunteer journalist with Medicins sans Frontieres, conducting interviews and researching MSF's work with HIV/AIDS patients in Guatemala City. Her stories aired across the country on CBC Radio

    Education

    19941998

    Bachelor of Arts, Journalism and Communications Great Distinction

    University of Regina

    Four-year degree program focusing on broadcast and print journalism methodology and theory, story-telling techniques and mechanics, and media law and ethics. 

    Work History

    Feb 2018Present

    Video Journalist

    CTV/BellMedia - Halifax

    Responsibilities: Newsgathering (developing and maintaining sources, fact-checking, information gathering, interviewing, scriptwriting, presenting), videography (recording all interviews and footage), video editing (LumaFusion), writing online content, and social media engagement. Proficient in both scripted and unscripted live presentation. Ability to perform under tight deadlines. Extremely adaptable in evolving and high-pressure situations. Able to adjust to changing conditions and technology.

    Other duties: Back-up anchor, CTV Atlantic News at Six, CTV Atlantic News at 11:30 

    Oct 2010Feb 2018

    Co-Host and Producer, CTV Morning Live (Atlantic)

    CTV/BellMedia - Halifax

    Responsibilities: Book guests, write scripts and question lines, conduct interviews (live and taped), produce regular guest segments, generate creative story and live segment ideas, conduct background research, connect on-air and online with viewers. As producer, also responsible for overall editorial content, revenue generation, alignment with program core values and direction, and live remote organization and execution.

    Other duties: Back-up anchor, CTV News at Noon

    Aug 2010Oct 2010

    Morning News Writer

    Newcap Radio - Halifax

    (Part-time) Responsibilities: Chase news leads for early morning newscasts, write scripts, prep hosts, voice-tracking

    June 1998May 2009

    Host/Journalist

    CBC/Radio-Canada - across Canada
    • Television news reporter (Regina,  Saskatoon, Halifax)
    • Feature researcher, The National Magazine  (Toronto)
    • Radio news and current affairs reporter (Corner Brook, NL)
    • Television and radio news and current affairs reporter (St. John's)
    • Backfill host, On the Go andThe Fisheries Broadcast  (St. John's)
    • Radio host/producer, Mainstreet  (Halifax)
    • Associate producer -  radio program, Freestyle (Halifax)
    • Host of television program, Living Halifax  (Halifax)
    • Host of radio music show, Canada Live  (Halifax)
    • Backfill radio host at various CBC stations in the Maritimes

    Volunteer Work

    Heidi emcees many charity events during the year, appearing in front of as many as 1,000 people.  She donates her time for organizations such as the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, the TEMA Conter Memorial Trust, Ovarian Cancer Canada, and Adsum House for Women and Children.