The longtime Global BC News Hour anchor Tony Parsons talks about his career in television and his new memoir, A Life in the News (Harbour Publishing, 2009), with Joseph Planta. Also discussed, how the News Hour has remained a ratings leader in the over 35 years he’s helmed the broadcast, his drinking and depression, his marriages, Pamela Martin and their working relationship, whether Martin and Bill Good like each other at CTV, and more.

A Life in the News by Tony Parsons. (Harbour Publishing, 2009) Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: A Life in the News

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line. This is THECOMMENTARY.CA.

Tony Parsons is a household name, and his is one of the most recognisable faces in British Columbia. For over 35 years now, he has anchored the popular supper hour News Hour broadcast on Global BC. The late Denny Boyd once described him in a column as ‘polite, correct and almost David Niven-ly diffident.’ He joins me to discuss his 50-plus year career, which he writes about in his new book: A Life in the News. It’s a great view onto the newscast that we’ve watched for years, the people who’ve appeared on there. We learn of his upbringing in England, a radio career in Stratford, Ontario, to his big break at CFTO in Toronto, to coming to Vancouver for CTV in the 1970s. It’s a great read; lively, and often funny. It’s also thoughtful, especially when the author looks ahead to the future of news and media in this country. Next year, Tony Parsons leaves the News Hour, retiring as anchor of the most watched regional newscast in Canada. This book is a wonderful opportunity to look back. It’s published by Harbour. I’m very pleased to welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Tony Parsons; Good morning, Mr. Parsons.

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