TTT Limited is ushering in a new era of morning television with the launch of Trinidad and Tobago Today.
At the centre of the new programme is a familiar face, Virmala Balkaran, who is returning to the State Broadcaster eight years after first joining.
With more than a decade of experience in media, she says this moment feels less like a new chapter and more like coming home.
“I’ve been doing media for the past 12 years. So I spent four years here, and now this is returning home, and it’s just an environment that I believe that I will continue to thrive just as before.”
Now, as host of Trinidad and Tobago Today, Virmala will help lead the network’s newest morning show, airing January 12th, Monday to Friday from 6am to 8am.
She describes the programme as more than headlines, as it will aim to bring empathy, respect, and humanity to the day’s biggest issues.
“I truly believe that I get to bring a little bit of me, not just as a broadcaster, but as a human being. Empathy along with respect and that’s how we treat the issues of today. And that’s exactly what we’re hoping to bring you.”
That perspective, she says, has been shaped by years of outreach work with NGOs and advocacy groups, from diabetes awareness and autism support to animal activism. Those experiences, she believes, strengthen her approach to journalism.
She’s confident that truth and determination will be centre stage.
“That’s what we’re doing, especially on the show. We’re fighting the fake news. We’re trying to start your morning every single day with you knowing the facts so that when you go out into the world, you are prepared. We say you’re starting your morning with us. You’re starting your morning where the truth starts.”
Alongside hard news, Trinidad and Tobago Today will also spotlight culture, the arts, community voices and Carnival, offering a balanced reflection of national life.
As viewers count down to launch day, Virmala has a clear message: “Please don’t underestimate me. Don’t let the smile fool you. I never take no for an answer and I will get to the bottom of every single issue that we need to. If you have something that you want addressed, please reach out to us on the show and we will be happy to do that, to get you the answers that you deserve. Every single day again, Monday to Friday, 6am to 8am on Trinidad and Tobago Today.”
Trinidad and Tobago Today premieres January 12th, bringing news, culture and conversation to the nation’s mornings.