Veteran journalist, author and award-winning broadcaster Gillian ‘Gill’ Deacon has been named as the new host of Here and Now, CBC Toronto’s flagship afternoon radio show.

Deacon, who will begin hosting the show in September, is no stranger to CBC viewers and listeners.

She was the host of CBC TV's Code Green, a weekly arts correspondent for CBC News Morning, host of CBC’s flagship daytime TV show, The Gill Deacon Show and most recently was guest host for both Here and Now and Q on CBC Radio One.

"This is the city I grew up in, and have lived in for years, and am raising my children in," Deacon said Friday on Metro Morning. "I love this city and I'm excited to share its stories and experiences."

Deacon's journalistic leadership has landed her opportunities with CBC in Montreal, the Discovery Science Channel in the U.S., Discovery Channel in Canada, Chatelaine magazine and other media outlets.

CBC Toronto senior managing director Susan Marjetti said Deacon’s breadth and depth makes her a perfect fit as Here and Now’s new host.

"Gill Deacon’s intelligence, curiosity and knowledge of current issues, alongside her love of music, arts, and culture is what we were looking for in our new host," said Marjetti.

Deacon is excited about her new role.

"The CBC has played a big part in my career and as host of Here and Now I am looking forward to telling the stories that matter most to Torontonians," she said.

Here and Now is one of CBC Toronto’s leading radio programs with listeners tuning in from across the GTA and Southern Ontario.