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David Cochrane

David Cochrane is a Canadian television journalist and the host of CBC News Network’s daily political program *Power & Politics*.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

David Cochrane is a Canadian television journalist and the host of CBC News Network’s daily political program *Power & Politics*. He previously reported for CBC in Newfoundland and Labrador and joined CBC’s parliamentary bureau in Ottawa in 2016.

Career

Cochrane began his journalism career in Newfoundland and Labrador, where he reported on provincial politics and hosted *On Point with David Cochrane* and *On Point Radio*. He joined CBC’s parliamentary bureau in Ottawa in 2016 and became the permanent host of *Power & Politics* in 2023.

Awards and recognition

CBC and Wikipedia sources state that Cochrane received a Canadian Screen Award for television reporting in 2014 for local news reportage. CBC also says he has received RTDNA awards for best radio feature and digital analysis.

Broadcasting role

As host of *Power & Politics*, Cochrane leads CBC News Network’s weekday political program covering federal politics, elections, and national issues. He had previously filled in as host before taking the role permanently.

Education and early work

Cochrane graduated from Memorial University of Newfoundland, where he was news editor of the student newspaper *The Muse*. CBC describes him as a proud alumnus of the university and notes that his journalism career began there.

Key facts

  • David Cochrane is the host of CBC News Network’s *Power & Politics* since February 2023.
  • He spent nearly two decades covering politics in Newfoundland and Labrador before moving to Ottawa in 2016.
  • He won a Canadian Screen Award for Best Local News Reportage in 2014.
  • CBC says he has reported from 11 countries across four continents since joining the parliamentary bureau.
  • He played a lead role in CBC’s federal election coverage in 2019 and 2021.
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Canadian context

He is a Canadian journalist who reports on federal politics from Ottawa and is a familiar figure in Canadian public affairs coverage on CBC.

Frequently asked questions

Who is David Cochrane?
David Cochrane is a Canadian television journalist best known as the host of CBC News Network’s *Power & Politics*.
What show does David Cochrane host?
He hosts CBC News Network’s daily political program *Power & Politics*.
When did David Cochrane become host of *Power & Politics*?
CBC says he became host in February 2023.
What did David Cochrane do before Ottawa?
He spent nearly two decades covering politics in Newfoundland and Labrador and hosted CBC’s *On Point with David Cochrane*.
Has David Cochrane won awards?
Yes. Sources say he won a Canadian Screen Award in 2014 and has also received RTDNA awards.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Cochrane_(journalist)
    Supports: Biography, CBC role, Canadian Screen Award, prior reporting in Newfoundland and Labrador, move to parliamentary bureau
  2. CBC Media Centre — https://www.cbc.ca/mediacentre/bio/david-cochrane
    Supports: Host role, February 2023 appointment, reporting background, election coverage, awards, Memorial University background
  3. Memorial University of Newfoundland — https://www.mun.ca/hss/engagement/alumni/2017/david-cochrane/
    Supports: Education, student newspaper role, earlier CBC work, hosted *On Point* and *On Point Radio*
  4. Winnipeg Free Press — https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/2023/02/16/david-cochrane-named-new-host-of-cbc-news-networks-daily-power-politics-show
    Supports: Announcement of permanent host role and background in Newfoundland and Labrador