CBC Radio One is launching two new shows – Spark and Search Engine – aimed at engaging tech-savvy audiences online and getting viewers involved in laying out future shows.

CBC Radio exec director of programming Jennifer McGuire says both shows ‘invite Canadians to proactively participate by integrating the web content they submit into the stories broadcast on the airwaves.’

Spark, hosted by Nora Young, will look at the ‘next big things’ and the ways technology is setting new trends, from students using high-tech tricks to cheat to plagiarism in the age of a cut-and-paste culture. The show invites listeners to visit the show’s blog, CBC.ca/Spark, in advance of each air date to share anecdotes and ideas on upcoming themes. It premieres Wednesday, September 5 at 11:30 am and repeats Saturdays at 4 pm.

Search Engine, hosted by writer/broadcaster Jesse Brown, will look at politics and culture through the lens of the Internet, investigating everything from MySpace pages that turn into influential political feeds to anonymous message board posts that can bring down an executive. The show calls on citizen journalists to share ideas and participate in future programs at CBC.ca/SearchEngine. It premieres Thursday, September 6 at 11:30 am and repeats Tuesdays at 3:30 pm.