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Off the Record
INSTANT #1 NATIONAL BESTSELLER Peter Mansbridge invites us to walk the beat with him in this entertaining and revealing look into his life and career, from his early broadcasting days in the remote northern Manitoba community of Churchill to the fast-paced news desk of CBC’s flagship show, The National, where he reported on stories from around the world.Today, Peter Mansbridge is often recognized for his distinctive deep voice, which calmly delivered the news for over fifty years. But ironically, he never considered becoming a broadcaster. In some ways, though, Peter was prepared for a life as a newscaster from an early age. Every night around the dinner table, his family would debate the news of the day, from Cold War scandals and Vietnam to Elvis Presley and the Beatles. So in 1968, when by chance a CBC radio manager in Churchill, Manitoba, offered him a spot hosting the local late night music program, Peter embraced the opportunity. Without a teacher, he tuned into broadcasts from across Canada, the US, and the UK to learn the basic skills of a journalist and he eventually parlayed his position into his first news job. Less than twenty years later, he became the chief correspondent and anchor of The National. With humour and heart, Peter shares never-before-told stories from his distinguished career, including reporting on the fall of the Berlin Wall and the horror of 9/11, walking the beaches of Normandy with Tom Brokaw, and talking with Canadian prime ministers from John Diefenbaker to Justin Trudeau. But it’s far from all serious. Peter also writes about finding the “cure” for baldness in China and landing the role of Peter Moosebridge in Disney’s Zootopia. From the first (and only) time he was late to broadcast to his poignant interview with the late Gord Downie, these are the moments that have stuck with him. After years of interviewing others, Peter turns the lens on himself and takes us behind the scenes of his life on the frontlines of journalism as he reflects on the toll of being in the spotlight, the importance of diversity in the newsroom, the role of the media then and now, and the responsibilities we all bear as citizens in an increasingly global world.
365 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 5, 2021
About the author
Peter Mansbridge
12 books26 followersPeter Mansbridge, OC, a Canadian broadcaster and news anchor, is the CBC News Chief Correspondent and anchor of The National, CBC Television's flagship nightly newscast. In 1999, he launched a new program, Mansbridge One on One, in which he interviews newsmakers.
Mansbridge was born in London, England but raised in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. He lives in Stratford, Ontario.
Mansbridge was born in London, England but raised in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. He lives in Stratford, Ontario.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 202 reviews
April 19, 2022
A fan of all things Canadian, I was excited to get my hands on this book by Canadian news icon, Peter Mansbridge. A collection of vignettes about the man’s storied career, from airport employee in Churchill, Manitoba to anchor of The National, Canada’s premier nightly newscast, Mansbridge tells of his various adventures in a way many Canadians have come to love. Showing how adored he was, no matter who crossed his path, Mansbridge brings something to the table to entertain and educate in equal measure while regaling the reader with factoids they had no idea existed.
Born in England, Mansbridge and his family moved around for a number of years while his father had posts in the British Civil Service. When they eventually made it to Canada, the Mansbridges were never a wealthy family, but filled their house with love and admiration of one another and anyone who crossed their paths. Peter speaks of his love for family and inquisitive side, which earned him a number of accolades by those who knew him in his formative years. His life led him along a number of interesting paths, none of which as exciting as when he was ‘discovered’ while announcing a flight in the tiny airport of Churchill, Manitoba, where someone from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) heard his deep baritone and offered him a radio job on the spot.
Mansbridge tells of his emerging in the world of media and reporting soon thereafter, climbing the ranks of the CBC as he made a name for himself. His love of people shone through and he was soon interviewing people of some importance all over the country. He continued to impress and was soon given key postings in television, making the Mansbridge name one that senior members of CBC could not deny.
Through a series of short entries, Mansbridge tells how he was given a great path to success and eventually handed the anchor seat of the CBC’s flagship news program, The National, the nightly summary of the day’s events. Mansbridge would serve as the chief correspondent for the CBC for years, making an impact on the viewer, as the likes of Cronkite, Jennings, and even Tom Broken had in the era when news was still a valued commodity, well before the 24 hour news cycle. These years would help make him into the respective journalist he was up until his retirement.
Mansbridge mixes work with pleasure throughout the piece, showing that he is more than a man behind the desk reading the news. His passion for family and those he loved made all the difference to him. Those stories that he shares about personal events touch the reader as much as reporting on major historical, political, and military goings-on in the world. It is, perhaps, this personal side that makes all the difference in the book’s delivery and helps the reader connect well with Mansbridge. While he was loved by many and respected by even more, it was his ‘real’ side that made him all the more affable.
While I knew some of the stories that Mansbridge offered up in the book, there were so many that were new to me. This ‘behind the curtain’ look at his life made the read all the more enjoyable and left me hungering for even more. I cannot say that I walked away with as many juicy tidbits in another book over the last while and yet I feel as though I want to know more. Those looking for salacious admissions can look elsewhere, but Mansbridge delivers with a hint of dignity and a great deal of grace, peppering his narrative with just enough humour to keep the reader smiling. I am not sure what to say, other than to recommend that those who know of Peter Mansbridge and The National will likely want to get their hands on this book to learn more about the man and the many stories he has to share. If I were a betting man, I would venture to say that there are MANY more stories that could fill numerous other volumes, given the time and energy.
Kudos, Mr. Mansbridge, for this brilliant piece. I grew up watching you on television and admire you even more now!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Born in England, Mansbridge and his family moved around for a number of years while his father had posts in the British Civil Service. When they eventually made it to Canada, the Mansbridges were never a wealthy family, but filled their house with love and admiration of one another and anyone who crossed their paths. Peter speaks of his love for family and inquisitive side, which earned him a number of accolades by those who knew him in his formative years. His life led him along a number of interesting paths, none of which as exciting as when he was ‘discovered’ while announcing a flight in the tiny airport of Churchill, Manitoba, where someone from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) heard his deep baritone and offered him a radio job on the spot.
Mansbridge tells of his emerging in the world of media and reporting soon thereafter, climbing the ranks of the CBC as he made a name for himself. His love of people shone through and he was soon interviewing people of some importance all over the country. He continued to impress and was soon given key postings in television, making the Mansbridge name one that senior members of CBC could not deny.
Through a series of short entries, Mansbridge tells how he was given a great path to success and eventually handed the anchor seat of the CBC’s flagship news program, The National, the nightly summary of the day’s events. Mansbridge would serve as the chief correspondent for the CBC for years, making an impact on the viewer, as the likes of Cronkite, Jennings, and even Tom Broken had in the era when news was still a valued commodity, well before the 24 hour news cycle. These years would help make him into the respective journalist he was up until his retirement.
Mansbridge mixes work with pleasure throughout the piece, showing that he is more than a man behind the desk reading the news. His passion for family and those he loved made all the difference to him. Those stories that he shares about personal events touch the reader as much as reporting on major historical, political, and military goings-on in the world. It is, perhaps, this personal side that makes all the difference in the book’s delivery and helps the reader connect well with Mansbridge. While he was loved by many and respected by even more, it was his ‘real’ side that made him all the more affable.
While I knew some of the stories that Mansbridge offered up in the book, there were so many that were new to me. This ‘behind the curtain’ look at his life made the read all the more enjoyable and left me hungering for even more. I cannot say that I walked away with as many juicy tidbits in another book over the last while and yet I feel as though I want to know more. Those looking for salacious admissions can look elsewhere, but Mansbridge delivers with a hint of dignity and a great deal of grace, peppering his narrative with just enough humour to keep the reader smiling. I am not sure what to say, other than to recommend that those who know of Peter Mansbridge and The National will likely want to get their hands on this book to learn more about the man and the many stories he has to share. If I were a betting man, I would venture to say that there are MANY more stories that could fill numerous other volumes, given the time and energy.
Kudos, Mr. Mansbridge, for this brilliant piece. I grew up watching you on television and admire you even more now!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
April 16, 2022
Off the Record is an audiobook read by the author, Peter Mansbridge, a Canadian news anchor whose time with the national broadcasting corporation spans almost fifty years. Mansbridge indicates at the beginning of the autobiography that he had written this book in order for his grandchildren to know about his life and Off the Record reads as a series of chapters that informs the reader about his life in a way that the reader can portray him talking to his grandchildren. The stories are told with humility and knowledge about his subjects. Work wise, he started from humble beginnings and steadily rose in the news industry until he reached the pinnacle of journalism. He interviewed numerous prime ministers and travelled the world to report back to Canadians about the countries he found himself in and also about our own country. I thoroughly enjoyed this autobiography and would recommend it highly.
November 17, 2021
Off The Record is the memoir of retired journalist and news anchor Peter Mansbridge.
Last year, I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of Peter Mansbridge’s book, Extraordinary Canadians, a look at everyday overachievers who receive little to no fanfare day-to-day. With Off The Record, Mansbridge turns the spotlight on himself bringing us his life story inside one of the year’s most anticipated books.
In his memoir, Mansbridge brings the reader into his early years as an immigrant from England, growing up in the Glebe, a middle/upper-class Ottawa neighborhood. Several years later, an off-chance meeting with a CBC employee in Manitoba allowed Peter to leave his airline job to explore a career in radio. From there, as a reader, you’re off to the races.
Peter keeps each chapter brief as he unfolds his life story in what is almost akin to a series of anecdotes. I would go so far as to prefer this storytelling method to some memoirs out there that come across as over-indulgent with every aspect of one’s life scrutinized and analyzed to death.
The subject matter here is light and breezy. You aren’t going to find a whole hell of a lot of controversial topics in these pages as Peter is more concerned with entertaining his readers and informing them just how much work went into anchoring a national news program. His reflections into covering major stories like 9/11 were eye-opening, showing just to how tough it must have been to be the calm voice in the room when the world is on fire.
I don’t know if this one will end up in my honorable mentions, let alone my best-of-2021 list, but Off The Record is a solid memoir with wide-spread appeal. A good palate cleanser of a read that can be enjoyed in small bites.
Last year, I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of Peter Mansbridge’s book, Extraordinary Canadians, a look at everyday overachievers who receive little to no fanfare day-to-day. With Off The Record, Mansbridge turns the spotlight on himself bringing us his life story inside one of the year’s most anticipated books.
In his memoir, Mansbridge brings the reader into his early years as an immigrant from England, growing up in the Glebe, a middle/upper-class Ottawa neighborhood. Several years later, an off-chance meeting with a CBC employee in Manitoba allowed Peter to leave his airline job to explore a career in radio. From there, as a reader, you’re off to the races.
Peter keeps each chapter brief as he unfolds his life story in what is almost akin to a series of anecdotes. I would go so far as to prefer this storytelling method to some memoirs out there that come across as over-indulgent with every aspect of one’s life scrutinized and analyzed to death.
The subject matter here is light and breezy. You aren’t going to find a whole hell of a lot of controversial topics in these pages as Peter is more concerned with entertaining his readers and informing them just how much work went into anchoring a national news program. His reflections into covering major stories like 9/11 were eye-opening, showing just to how tough it must have been to be the calm voice in the room when the world is on fire.
I don’t know if this one will end up in my honorable mentions, let alone my best-of-2021 list, but Off The Record is a solid memoir with wide-spread appeal. A good palate cleanser of a read that can be enjoyed in small bites.
December 27, 2022
Written by one of the most respected hockey journalists in North America.
I've read three or four other books about this epic series that I now realize was more than just 8 games of hockey between the best players in the Soviet Union and the NHL. There was so much politics involved such as the comparison of between "our" democratic way of life, having plenty of food, fuel, freedoms, choices, jobs, etc., versus the iron-fisted communism rules.
More details of how Harry Sinden & John Ferguson chose the players for Team Canada and pressures from (now disgraced lawyer and player rep) Alan Eagleson and others to (or not to) add them to the squad. This book also provided more game summaries, conversations with players from Canada and the USSR, two of the 3,000 fans who travelled to Russia to watch the games, the various methods the Soviet officials tried to throw the Canadian off of their game; stealing food, late night phone calls, not allowing wives/girl friends to be in the same rooms (though later resolved) - stuff you might see in spy novels/movies.
The "In Memoriam" chapter was a nice addition and it was very surprising to me how many of these players had passed away and I knew nothing about the vast majority of them.
I think this will be the last book I'll read about the series as there is nothing more for me to learn about the series.
I've read three or four other books about this epic series that I now realize was more than just 8 games of hockey between the best players in the Soviet Union and the NHL. There was so much politics involved such as the comparison of between "our" democratic way of life, having plenty of food, fuel, freedoms, choices, jobs, etc., versus the iron-fisted communism rules.
More details of how Harry Sinden & John Ferguson chose the players for Team Canada and pressures from (now disgraced lawyer and player rep) Alan Eagleson and others to (or not to) add them to the squad. This book also provided more game summaries, conversations with players from Canada and the USSR, two of the 3,000 fans who travelled to Russia to watch the games, the various methods the Soviet officials tried to throw the Canadian off of their game; stealing food, late night phone calls, not allowing wives/girl friends to be in the same rooms (though later resolved) - stuff you might see in spy novels/movies.
The "In Memoriam" chapter was a nice addition and it was very surprising to me how many of these players had passed away and I knew nothing about the vast majority of them.
I think this will be the last book I'll read about the series as there is nothing more for me to learn about the series.
January 30, 2022
I have to add a disclaimer of sorts here - I've been listening to and watching CBC for nearly 50 year which means Mansbridge has been part of my news gathering for a good part of his career from his on-location reporting (I was at the Berlin Wall when it was still up on GR11 field trip in 1976 and walked along Juno Beach and walked in and around the Vimy Memorial and one tunnel at Vimy Ridge on a GR10 field trip in 1975 -both trips made easier since my dad was in the Canadian Military and we lived on a base in Germany)
As I read through the book I was amazed at how many world-changing events he has been apart of. Now all events weren't catastrophic (wars, 9/11) or heart-wrenching (boat people, Princess Di's death) but these were offset by t his trips to the Arctic and learning about climate change and the discovery of the ships from the Franklin Expedition and covering some significant Royal events.
When he had group photos of himself and oh-so-many other CBC newscasters it made my realize that I had seen so many of them over the years, mostly on Federal Election night.
The most moving part of the book for me was the chapter on "Canada". I'll leave that as a teaser so my GR friends will have to read the book.
Recommended for a great read by a well-respected journalist.
As I read through the book I was amazed at how many world-changing events he has been apart of. Now all events weren't catastrophic (wars, 9/11) or heart-wrenching (boat people, Princess Di's death) but these were offset by t his trips to the Arctic and learning about climate change and the discovery of the ships from the Franklin Expedition and covering some significant Royal events.
When he had group photos of himself and oh-so-many other CBC newscasters it made my realize that I had seen so many of them over the years, mostly on Federal Election night.
The most moving part of the book for me was the chapter on "Canada". I'll leave that as a teaser so my GR friends will have to read the book.
Recommended for a great read by a well-respected journalist.
January 27, 2024
“Cournoyer has it on that wing. Here’s a shot. Henderson made a wild stab for it and fell. Here’s another shot. Right in front...they score! Henderson has scored for Canada!”
Perhaps one of the best-known pieces of Canadian sports history, this call during the eighth and deciding game of the 1972 Summit Series sums up the entire event, a Cold War on Ice. Scott Morrison breathes new life into the event, five decades in the past, with this stunning book that looks not only at the games, but at the preparation, politics, and intense rivalry that grew between Team Canada and the USSR. He does a fabulous job at illustrating the importance of the games, the lengths to which players went to defend their honour, and how one country put it all out there, in hopes of slaying Goliath once more. Morrison does a great job at injecting more than the game into the story and dives to depths that kept me turning pages well in the the night to get to the truth behind all the hype.
While the National Hockey League (NHL) was full of Canadians, hockey for Canada had been illusive on the international scene. With the powerful Soviets steamrolling through any international competition they entered, the world looked at the powerhouse behind the Iron Curtain to keep moving along. It did not make sense, on paper, that Canada would be able to defend itself with amateurs at every event (oddly, the USSR, Red Army members, was deemed an amateur club), but with NHL vets and upcoming stars, this would surely change. Tossing the idea out in early 1972, Canadian hockey executives and their Soviet counterparts agreed to an eight-game series, four in each country, to determine superiority and perhaps some bragging gifts. Thus came the 1972 Summit Series.
Scott Morrison depicts the preparation for the opening game in Montreal as a means to ensure the cakewalk that Canadians expected came to pass. However, with little knowledge of the inside perspectives of the Soviets, no one could be entirely sure. The Soviets came out swinging and left the Canadians limp and without direction, which led to protests by fans and a vilification on home soil, which could not be good for morale. As the series moved to Toronto, Winnipeg, and Vancouver, the Canada-Soviet game advanced, but the grit between them was less than expected. Soviet players played what they knew and rallied when behind, keeping the Canadians on their toes and behind after four games. Headed to Moscow trailing in the series, Canadian players and the country as a whole knew they would need to pul up their bootstraps.
With Canada poised to embarrass themselves on the world scene, Canadian players found their grittiness and determination, working through some of the antics of Soviet army officials, last-second game choices by the home country, and even some sly attempts to bully, pushing things to the brink and an eighth game to settle it all. With the score tied in the dying minutes, Team Canada seems to have found their gel and came out ready to win. The quite above sums it up, when Canada made sure to capitalize on mistakes and score the game/series winner in the dying seconds. Canada’s position, albeit temporarily, was secured and calmness could be retuned across the vast expanse of the Canadian tundra.
While the book depicts a series from five decades ago, Scott Morrison brings it all to life once more in this book. Exploring the sentiment of both countries, their approached to hockey, and how their respective politics shaped the development of the series and the games played, Morrison illustrates by this was such an important event for Canada and ho it gets in the larger scheme of Canadian political and sports superiority. Canada has struggled to define itself, but this was one moment when the country could come together and unite under the banner of defeating an enemy, while showcasing their strong abilities.
Morrison uses great snippet of interviews, paces the chapters to reflect the games (and between game antics), as well as pushing the reader to understand the pressures that emerged on all sides to create the Summit Series and enshrine it in Canadian sports folklore forever. Hockey fans, even those who were not yet around (like myself) and who must rely on replays oor recordings of the games can feel right in the middle of the action with Scott Morrison’s depiction and detailed analysis. I cannot thank him enough for putting this together or praise him sufficiently for all the details that made their way into this book.
Kudos, Mr. Morrison, for lighting a spark inside my sports-loving heart.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Perhaps one of the best-known pieces of Canadian sports history, this call during the eighth and deciding game of the 1972 Summit Series sums up the entire event, a Cold War on Ice. Scott Morrison breathes new life into the event, five decades in the past, with this stunning book that looks not only at the games, but at the preparation, politics, and intense rivalry that grew between Team Canada and the USSR. He does a fabulous job at illustrating the importance of the games, the lengths to which players went to defend their honour, and how one country put it all out there, in hopes of slaying Goliath once more. Morrison does a great job at injecting more than the game into the story and dives to depths that kept me turning pages well in the the night to get to the truth behind all the hype.
While the National Hockey League (NHL) was full of Canadians, hockey for Canada had been illusive on the international scene. With the powerful Soviets steamrolling through any international competition they entered, the world looked at the powerhouse behind the Iron Curtain to keep moving along. It did not make sense, on paper, that Canada would be able to defend itself with amateurs at every event (oddly, the USSR, Red Army members, was deemed an amateur club), but with NHL vets and upcoming stars, this would surely change. Tossing the idea out in early 1972, Canadian hockey executives and their Soviet counterparts agreed to an eight-game series, four in each country, to determine superiority and perhaps some bragging gifts. Thus came the 1972 Summit Series.
Scott Morrison depicts the preparation for the opening game in Montreal as a means to ensure the cakewalk that Canadians expected came to pass. However, with little knowledge of the inside perspectives of the Soviets, no one could be entirely sure. The Soviets came out swinging and left the Canadians limp and without direction, which led to protests by fans and a vilification on home soil, which could not be good for morale. As the series moved to Toronto, Winnipeg, and Vancouver, the Canada-Soviet game advanced, but the grit between them was less than expected. Soviet players played what they knew and rallied when behind, keeping the Canadians on their toes and behind after four games. Headed to Moscow trailing in the series, Canadian players and the country as a whole knew they would need to pul up their bootstraps.
With Canada poised to embarrass themselves on the world scene, Canadian players found their grittiness and determination, working through some of the antics of Soviet army officials, last-second game choices by the home country, and even some sly attempts to bully, pushing things to the brink and an eighth game to settle it all. With the score tied in the dying minutes, Team Canada seems to have found their gel and came out ready to win. The quite above sums it up, when Canada made sure to capitalize on mistakes and score the game/series winner in the dying seconds. Canada’s position, albeit temporarily, was secured and calmness could be retuned across the vast expanse of the Canadian tundra.
While the book depicts a series from five decades ago, Scott Morrison brings it all to life once more in this book. Exploring the sentiment of both countries, their approached to hockey, and how their respective politics shaped the development of the series and the games played, Morrison illustrates by this was such an important event for Canada and ho it gets in the larger scheme of Canadian political and sports superiority. Canada has struggled to define itself, but this was one moment when the country could come together and unite under the banner of defeating an enemy, while showcasing their strong abilities.
Morrison uses great snippet of interviews, paces the chapters to reflect the games (and between game antics), as well as pushing the reader to understand the pressures that emerged on all sides to create the Summit Series and enshrine it in Canadian sports folklore forever. Hockey fans, even those who were not yet around (like myself) and who must rely on replays oor recordings of the games can feel right in the middle of the action with Scott Morrison’s depiction and detailed analysis. I cannot thank him enough for putting this together or praise him sufficiently for all the details that made their way into this book.
Kudos, Mr. Morrison, for lighting a spark inside my sports-loving heart.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
October 28, 2021
I moved to Canada from the U.S.A. in January 1993. First on a work visa, then as a landed Immigrant, and eventually became a citizen. I first learned about Canadian politics from Peter Mansbridge, CBC News Chief Correspondent and anchor of The National on CBC. His news style/personality, felt like a personal welcome to Canada, even though I have never had the opportunity to meet him in person.
I was so sad when he retired. So, when I was invited to read his new book, ‘Off The Record’, I jumped at the chance. In it, he recounts his start in Churchill, Manitoba to his leap to The National. Through his stories, he introduced me to Knowlton Nash, who was the anchor of The National before Mansbridge.
He wrote about our past prime ministers. Being interested in politics, I had read about them but he shared antidotes that I did not know which made them even more human to me. He wrote about some of our national treasures like Jann Arden.
He recounted his coverage of the Berlin Wall coming down and 9/11. In turns he had me laughing and crying with his serious stories and the fun he had, such as the time he was asked to play the role of Peter Moosebridge in the Disney movie, ‘Zootopia’. LOL! There was his poignant interview with Gord Downie before he passed away. I saw that interview and he made me cry again, as he recounted it.
To me, Peter Mansbridge is a national treasure! To me, he is the Canadian equivalent to Walter Cronkite. He also wrote about Cronkite and other U.S. anchors. This is a book that I am sure I will revisit. I am sure Mr. Mansbridge has many more stories to tell and I hope he writes another book. I will definitely read it! Perhaps covid will not be an issue and he will tour with the next book and stop in Vancouver so, I can see him in person and get his books signed. Even that very brief interaction would mean so much to me!
Thank you, Peter Mansbridge, for welcoming me to Canada and teaching me about the many facets of the Canadian Way!
I was so sad when he retired. So, when I was invited to read his new book, ‘Off The Record’, I jumped at the chance. In it, he recounts his start in Churchill, Manitoba to his leap to The National. Through his stories, he introduced me to Knowlton Nash, who was the anchor of The National before Mansbridge.
He wrote about our past prime ministers. Being interested in politics, I had read about them but he shared antidotes that I did not know which made them even more human to me. He wrote about some of our national treasures like Jann Arden.
He recounted his coverage of the Berlin Wall coming down and 9/11. In turns he had me laughing and crying with his serious stories and the fun he had, such as the time he was asked to play the role of Peter Moosebridge in the Disney movie, ‘Zootopia’. LOL! There was his poignant interview with Gord Downie before he passed away. I saw that interview and he made me cry again, as he recounted it.
To me, Peter Mansbridge is a national treasure! To me, he is the Canadian equivalent to Walter Cronkite. He also wrote about Cronkite and other U.S. anchors. This is a book that I am sure I will revisit. I am sure Mr. Mansbridge has many more stories to tell and I hope he writes another book. I will definitely read it! Perhaps covid will not be an issue and he will tour with the next book and stop in Vancouver so, I can see him in person and get his books signed. Even that very brief interaction would mean so much to me!
Thank you, Peter Mansbridge, for welcoming me to Canada and teaching me about the many facets of the Canadian Way!
December 18, 2021
Really enjoyed his insights into many national and international events and the participants that occurred prior and during his long career.
November 17, 2021
Canadian icon Peter Mansbridge writes about his life and how he came to be a journalist and ended up being one of the most well-known and trusted people in Canada. I like the way he told his story: short vignettes that made his story absolutely fly by. The reader definitely feels like he’s talking directly to them; his voice shines through. It’s not a memoir in the traditional sense, but more a recount of all the moments in his professional life that have had an impact on him (and often, the world)... kind of a behind the scenes look at world events, all told in a conversational tone and often with a touch of humour. As he told the story of how hard American broadcasting network CBS tried to woo him away from Canada earlier in his career, it made me glad that he turned down all that fame and money and chose to stay in Canada. What a loss it would have been for us not to have had him covering the news for us every evening!
February 18, 2023
This book felt like a hug! A nice retelling of highlights and history from an impressive career in journalism. Only criticism is that the name dropping felt excessive - every page there’s mention of someone’s first and last name to give them a shoutout.
This book is a humble brag, but I don’t think that’s a bad thing!
This book is a humble brag, but I don’t think that’s a bad thing!
September 22, 2021
Peter Mansbridge was born in England and moved to Ottawa, ON, with his family when he was young. He didn't graduated from high school and instead joined the Royal Canadian for a couple years. Looking for a job, he ended up as a ticket agent/baggage handler in at the small Churchill Airport in Churchill, MB. The manager of a local CBC radio station liked his voice when he was doing announcements and hired him part time as a night time host. From there, he moved up and eventually became news anchor of CBC’s The National (from which he retired in 2017).
This book is full of his random stories, starting with his family and childhood, moving from England to Malaya and finally Ottawa. He then tells us how he ended up with a broadcasting career, which no education or formal training. From there he tells of the wide variety of stories he has covered over the years, including the wars in the Middle East, being on an icebreaker in the Northern Passage, covering Princess Diana's death and 9/11, meeting world leaders and even telling of the Friendly Giant's death.
I liked this book and the writing style. It is written at a high level and with honesty and at times humor.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2021/09...
This book is full of his random stories, starting with his family and childhood, moving from England to Malaya and finally Ottawa. He then tells us how he ended up with a broadcasting career, which no education or formal training. From there he tells of the wide variety of stories he has covered over the years, including the wars in the Middle East, being on an icebreaker in the Northern Passage, covering Princess Diana's death and 9/11, meeting world leaders and even telling of the Friendly Giant's death.
I liked this book and the writing style. It is written at a high level and with honesty and at times humor.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2021/09...
January 26, 2022
Off the Record is a series of anecdotes by former CBC news anchor Peter Mansbridge. They’re generally in chronological order, starting with his childhood and ending with his retirement from The National in 2017. Many of these stories give you a glimpse into what goes into producing the network’s flagship newscast, while others describe the people and places he encountered over his illustrious career. Some are folksy, while a few are poignant. It’s easy to read one or two chapters whenever you have a couple spare minutes, because they’re not very long.
I wouldn’t call this a memoir, since he left out parts of his life (for example, there’s no mention of his marriage to fellow newscaster Wendy Mesley). I found the book entertaining nonetheless. I watched Mansbridge on The National virtually all of my adult life, so it was a fun trip down memory lane, recalling various people and events. The 73-year-old is still keeping himself quite busy, producing his weekday podcast The Bridge and a couple documentaries a year.
I wouldn’t call this a memoir, since he left out parts of his life (for example, there’s no mention of his marriage to fellow newscaster Wendy Mesley). I found the book entertaining nonetheless. I watched Mansbridge on The National virtually all of my adult life, so it was a fun trip down memory lane, recalling various people and events. The 73-year-old is still keeping himself quite busy, producing his weekday podcast The Bridge and a couple documentaries a year.
November 13, 2021
I had spent a lot of time reading fiction and was ready for some non-fiction. This book didn’t disappoint. I always knew “of” Peter Mansbridge. I would watch him on election night. I would catch his news updates during hockey playoffs. I enjoyed when he would appear on a sports radio show I liked in Toronto. He always had entertaining stories so I thought, this book sounds interesting.
I feel like I learned about Peter as a person, what he believes in and some of the things he values. It was like the thread that wove the story together. I also feel like I learned about people, places and events that happened in the world. Things I remember as a kid, a university student and then as an adult. His front row seat to so much was wonderful. To be able “sit beside” him and hear the backstory, the person and the lead up was great. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
I feel like I learned about Peter as a person, what he believes in and some of the things he values. It was like the thread that wove the story together. I also feel like I learned about people, places and events that happened in the world. Things I remember as a kid, a university student and then as an adult. His front row seat to so much was wonderful. To be able “sit beside” him and hear the backstory, the person and the lead up was great. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
August 30, 2021
Peter Mansbridge is kind of an icon in my and I'm sure everyone else's household. He's a bit like Tim Hortons and poutine and as a kid/young adult and eventually adult hearing the dun-dun-dun chime of The National was just apart of everyday life. Having the opportunity to read his autobiography is an extreme privilege and I can honestly say that I really enjoyed this. I'm going to get this book for family as Christmas presents because it's definitely a must-read for Canadians everywhere.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for this opportunity and to Peter himself for revealing his life to us!
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for this opportunity and to Peter himself for revealing his life to us!
December 3, 2021
A mildly interesting set of vignettes about Mansbridge's career in broadcasting. The stories were brief, and didn't have much depth. Also didn't go much into his personal life, which was really what I was curious about.
March 20, 2022
As a journalist, Peter has told stories that leap from the page and that one can visualize. It is a good, easy read for anyone who watched him anchor The National.
Full disclosure…I worked for the competition and still enjoyed it 😉
Full disclosure…I worked for the competition and still enjoyed it 😉
October 19, 2021
Love that this is a book of short chapters. Easy to read in spurts. Well written with some humour. Really interesting behind the scenes stories of a tv newscaster life. #indigoemployee
May 25, 2022
A good overview of the people and places Peter went during his career. Some interesting stuff.
January 8, 2022
Peter Mansbridge is a Canadian icon recognizable instantly by sight and voice; after all, the man was in the public broadcasting (TV and Radio) for FIVE decades. I read his earlier book which he co-authored with a senior executive producer from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and enjoyed it very much. Off the Record is more like a "brag book" in which Mansbridge wrote about the stellar opportunities he was afforded in his long and profitable career trajectory.
Here are a few things I like about the book:
1) It is structured in short chapters showcasing vignettes of events and happenings to which the author had a "front row seat".
2) I like the postscripts, at the end of the short chapters, which provide current updates.
3) I like the honesty and smartly crafted re-telling which demonstrates Mansbridge, similar as in his heyday, as neutral. On TV he wore a poker face; through his words and pages he did not divert.
4) I like the conversational way in which he describes things as if he is sitting face-to-face on an interview with his audience. His wit and humour shine through and make for easy reading.
Peter Mansbridge is to Canadians what Walter Cronkite is to Americans. After all, Walter Cronkite was his hero and someone Mansbridge always looked up to. This non-fiction book is definitely not a memoir nor an autobiography. His personal life is still left out although he did offer snippets which I found most interesting. The book showcases moments in the author's professional life.
With much humility, Mansbridge wrote about how "he never made it to grade thirteen and senior matriculation." He never made it to University and with "no experience. No background in the business..." he went on to incredible heights. He was also honourably discharged from the navy when he was still trying to find out what he might be good at. Often referring to himself as a high school drop-out, Mansbridge seems himself amazed at how far he had risen.
Mansbridge, at the time of his retirement, was a news anchor of the coveted spot titled The National. In 1987, Mansbridge was making 150K at the CBC but he went on to earn in the millions by the time he retired; a salary he described as "roughly the same salary that I had turned down thirty years before at CBS" in the USA. He stayed loyal to CBC remembering that "they had taken me from nowhere and been very good to me."
Many times in his book, Mansbridge comments on the serendipity of his "airport connections" when unforeseen opportunities landed in his lap. For a start he comments very regularly how his "great voice" and a public announcement he made while a baggage handler for Transair in an almost remote airport in chilly Churchill, Manitoba, landed him a job. What should be noted is, not only how lucky one can say Mansbridge was, but the way broadcasting was in those days. In Mansbridge own words, "it took awhile for diversity to come to the CBC". In fact, I would add that it was a "white boys club".
In describing what is the "it" factor or his je ne sais quoi, Mansbridge also humbly acknowledges that his "it" was based on trust and truth but he elaborates thus:
When I think of how I got to those moments I mentioned, the answer is by standing on the shoulders of and being propped up by smart men and women I worked with in my career even when sometimes, they could have left me floundering. I haven't always behaved well. I haven't always deserved the opportunities I've had. But others either covered for me or found ways to smooth over any issues caused by my actions. I'm not talking about gross offences just silly things that I've seen others stumble over while I seemingly got a pass and was able to move onto "greater glory," if you will.
I think that paragraph is very telling as it is. But let me not distract from the fact that Mansbridge is a very talented man. He also knows how to nurture and make the right connections and relationships. He refers to his many steady friends and their annual jaunts to golf courses in Scotland and Florida. Mansbridge came to Canada with his parents as a very young British immigrant; his father had a stellar career both in Britain and abroad as a diplomat and then in Canada where he became Chief Deputy Minister of Health in Alberta. Mansbridge acknowledges his privilege background and summarily alluded to this in his commentary on his Peter Jennings connection:
...We both came from successful families, we both grew up in Ottawa, we both dropped out of high school, neither of us graduated from university or college, and we both began our journalism careers in local broadcasting. And, obviously, we had similar taste in women...
which brings me to the Mansbridge charm factor. He was married three times but this did not appear in the book except for a few sparse bits of his current wife, Cynthia Dale, and their current house in beautiful Stratford which in addition to its fine theatre, produced Justin Bieber and Lloyd Robertson (another successful TV personality) among others. I am a frequent visitor to Stratford myself enjoying many performances including musicals starring Cynthia Dale. I love that it has a town called Shakespeare and river called Avon.
As journalists, Mansbridge explains "anchoring has its privileges ...we got to travel to some of the most spectacular places in the world...I've been around the world a few times... with millions of miles in the air". All of this on the corporation's dime. Bethlehem, Baghdad, Moscow, Germany, the breath-taking and beautifully spectacular Canadian North are just a scant few of the many exciting places mentioned in this book.
Mansbridge covered a multitude of world events such as the fall of the Berlin Wall, royal weddings and funerals, the elections of a vast majority of Canada's prime ministers, state funerals, royal and papal visits, heads of states and U.S. presidential visits, space travel, natural disasters of a vast scale like the tsunami affecting Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka and others, wars and ongoing neighbourly conflicts such as Palestine and Israel, and countless others (too many to mention). No wonder this book has 70 chapters and countless name droppings.
One is hard pressed not to like the man. I enjoyed the insights he offered on systemic racism, Indigenous rights, the state of affairs on news and broadcasting today - "bullshit baffles brains" and "the blurring of the lines between traditional news and opinion." He is quick to point out and caution us not to drink from "a polluted news well" which is how he describes social media. Mostly I can detect how truly Canadian, Mansbridge is and how proud he is of the ways in which the world see us. I was touched by a story he highlighted from Sri Lanka:
They were volunteers, just three Canadians who cared and whose caring affected a little girl's view of the outside world and, in particular, Canada. For the rest of her life, she'll always remember Canada. Whenever she sees our flag or hear our country's name, she'll think of those nurses and how they came across the ocean just to help her and her friends. It's selfless actions like that, that make Canada admired by many and the envy of the world.
Mansbridge went on to rub shoulders with the who's who, became Chancellor emeritus at Mount Allison University, received numerous awards including the distinguished Officer of the Order of Canada, was bestowed numerous honorary doctoral degrees, and as he likes to say - Not bad for a baggage handler from Churchill, Manitoba. He is also proud of his "Peter Moosebridge" moniker in Disney's Zootopia.
This book which I found some parts (and here I am borrowing one of Peter's own phrases) to be "a bit plodding, even boring at times" is for me, a rounded up five stars book. I read it as an eBook but would have loved to see the hard copy for the many pictures included. Yes - his lots of hair era to his current distinguished baldpate.
With podcasts, documentaries, speaking engagements (which was very controversial when he was at CBC), and books, Peter Mansbridge is expected to enjoy a wonderful and monetary filled retirement. Thank you, Peter for sharing the wonderful highlights of your incredible career and providing your own perspective in retirement and "off the record" which by the way is a very smart title for the book.
Here are a few things I like about the book:
1) It is structured in short chapters showcasing vignettes of events and happenings to which the author had a "front row seat".
2) I like the postscripts, at the end of the short chapters, which provide current updates.
3) I like the honesty and smartly crafted re-telling which demonstrates Mansbridge, similar as in his heyday, as neutral. On TV he wore a poker face; through his words and pages he did not divert.
4) I like the conversational way in which he describes things as if he is sitting face-to-face on an interview with his audience. His wit and humour shine through and make for easy reading.
Peter Mansbridge is to Canadians what Walter Cronkite is to Americans. After all, Walter Cronkite was his hero and someone Mansbridge always looked up to. This non-fiction book is definitely not a memoir nor an autobiography. His personal life is still left out although he did offer snippets which I found most interesting. The book showcases moments in the author's professional life.
With much humility, Mansbridge wrote about how "he never made it to grade thirteen and senior matriculation." He never made it to University and with "no experience. No background in the business..." he went on to incredible heights. He was also honourably discharged from the navy when he was still trying to find out what he might be good at. Often referring to himself as a high school drop-out, Mansbridge seems himself amazed at how far he had risen.
Mansbridge, at the time of his retirement, was a news anchor of the coveted spot titled The National. In 1987, Mansbridge was making 150K at the CBC but he went on to earn in the millions by the time he retired; a salary he described as "roughly the same salary that I had turned down thirty years before at CBS" in the USA. He stayed loyal to CBC remembering that "they had taken me from nowhere and been very good to me."
Many times in his book, Mansbridge comments on the serendipity of his "airport connections" when unforeseen opportunities landed in his lap. For a start he comments very regularly how his "great voice" and a public announcement he made while a baggage handler for Transair in an almost remote airport in chilly Churchill, Manitoba, landed him a job. What should be noted is, not only how lucky one can say Mansbridge was, but the way broadcasting was in those days. In Mansbridge own words, "it took awhile for diversity to come to the CBC". In fact, I would add that it was a "white boys club".
In describing what is the "it" factor or his je ne sais quoi, Mansbridge also humbly acknowledges that his "it" was based on trust and truth but he elaborates thus:
When I think of how I got to those moments I mentioned, the answer is by standing on the shoulders of and being propped up by smart men and women I worked with in my career even when sometimes, they could have left me floundering. I haven't always behaved well. I haven't always deserved the opportunities I've had. But others either covered for me or found ways to smooth over any issues caused by my actions. I'm not talking about gross offences just silly things that I've seen others stumble over while I seemingly got a pass and was able to move onto "greater glory," if you will.
I think that paragraph is very telling as it is. But let me not distract from the fact that Mansbridge is a very talented man. He also knows how to nurture and make the right connections and relationships. He refers to his many steady friends and their annual jaunts to golf courses in Scotland and Florida. Mansbridge came to Canada with his parents as a very young British immigrant; his father had a stellar career both in Britain and abroad as a diplomat and then in Canada where he became Chief Deputy Minister of Health in Alberta. Mansbridge acknowledges his privilege background and summarily alluded to this in his commentary on his Peter Jennings connection:
...We both came from successful families, we both grew up in Ottawa, we both dropped out of high school, neither of us graduated from university or college, and we both began our journalism careers in local broadcasting. And, obviously, we had similar taste in women...
which brings me to the Mansbridge charm factor. He was married three times but this did not appear in the book except for a few sparse bits of his current wife, Cynthia Dale, and their current house in beautiful Stratford which in addition to its fine theatre, produced Justin Bieber and Lloyd Robertson (another successful TV personality) among others. I am a frequent visitor to Stratford myself enjoying many performances including musicals starring Cynthia Dale. I love that it has a town called Shakespeare and river called Avon.
As journalists, Mansbridge explains "anchoring has its privileges ...we got to travel to some of the most spectacular places in the world...I've been around the world a few times... with millions of miles in the air". All of this on the corporation's dime. Bethlehem, Baghdad, Moscow, Germany, the breath-taking and beautifully spectacular Canadian North are just a scant few of the many exciting places mentioned in this book.
Mansbridge covered a multitude of world events such as the fall of the Berlin Wall, royal weddings and funerals, the elections of a vast majority of Canada's prime ministers, state funerals, royal and papal visits, heads of states and U.S. presidential visits, space travel, natural disasters of a vast scale like the tsunami affecting Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka and others, wars and ongoing neighbourly conflicts such as Palestine and Israel, and countless others (too many to mention). No wonder this book has 70 chapters and countless name droppings.
One is hard pressed not to like the man. I enjoyed the insights he offered on systemic racism, Indigenous rights, the state of affairs on news and broadcasting today - "bullshit baffles brains" and "the blurring of the lines between traditional news and opinion." He is quick to point out and caution us not to drink from "a polluted news well" which is how he describes social media. Mostly I can detect how truly Canadian, Mansbridge is and how proud he is of the ways in which the world see us. I was touched by a story he highlighted from Sri Lanka:
They were volunteers, just three Canadians who cared and whose caring affected a little girl's view of the outside world and, in particular, Canada. For the rest of her life, she'll always remember Canada. Whenever she sees our flag or hear our country's name, she'll think of those nurses and how they came across the ocean just to help her and her friends. It's selfless actions like that, that make Canada admired by many and the envy of the world.
Mansbridge went on to rub shoulders with the who's who, became Chancellor emeritus at Mount Allison University, received numerous awards including the distinguished Officer of the Order of Canada, was bestowed numerous honorary doctoral degrees, and as he likes to say - Not bad for a baggage handler from Churchill, Manitoba. He is also proud of his "Peter Moosebridge" moniker in Disney's Zootopia.
This book which I found some parts (and here I am borrowing one of Peter's own phrases) to be "a bit plodding, even boring at times" is for me, a rounded up five stars book. I read it as an eBook but would have loved to see the hard copy for the many pictures included. Yes - his lots of hair era to his current distinguished baldpate.
With podcasts, documentaries, speaking engagements (which was very controversial when he was at CBC), and books, Peter Mansbridge is expected to enjoy a wonderful and monetary filled retirement. Thank you, Peter for sharing the wonderful highlights of your incredible career and providing your own perspective in retirement and "off the record" which by the way is a very smart title for the book.
May 22, 2022
Sports have many moments that prompt the question “Where were you when…?” For hockey fans, especially Canadian hockey fans, one of those moments occurred on September 28, 1972 when Paul Henderson scored with 34 seconds left to give Team Canada a 6-5 win over the Soviet Union in the eighth and final game of a series between the Russian national team and an all-star NHL team representing Canada. This entire series is recounted in this terrific book by Scott Morrison.
Going into the series, it was believed by not only the players and coaches, but by most hockey fans and journalists in the country that Canada would win this series easily. This was bolstered by a scouting report on the Russian team that they were not very good. The report included notes such as the equipment used by the team was in poor shape and the goaltending was not very good. Therefore, Team Canada went into the first game of the series, played in Montreal, extremely confident. Morrison does an excellent job of illustrating this overconfidence through research and interviews over time with players and coaches from the team. Throughout the book, coach Harry Sinden supplies great information on the games.
After the 7-3 win by the Soviet Union in game one, the next three games were played in Toronto, Winnipeg and Vancouver respectively. The teams essentially split these three games, with each team winning one game apiece and the Winnipeg game ending in a tie. That game was noteworthy because of who was one of the spectators – Bobby Hull. Even though he was clearly one of the best players in the game at the time, he was ruled ineligible for Team Canada because he had signed with the Winnipeg Jets of the rival WHA. That added to the already tense situation that came about when it was clear that this series was not going to be the cakewalk Team Canada thought it would be.
Another illustration of Morrison’s excellent work is his writing about Phil Esposito’s passionate speech after the game in Vancouver. Not to give away too much about that moment, it is fair to say that it was a moment in which Team Canada knew who was the captain of their team, even if it was not official. Then my favorite part of the book comes, when Morrison writes about the team’s time in Sweden before playing the final four games in Moscow. It is there that a reader will really feel a connection with the players profiled and understand how during that time they finally felt like a true team and what they did to play and act like one.
The chapters on the four games in Moscow, much like those about the four games in Canada, are terrific in that they blend the perfect combination of game action with insight from the players and coaches. It should also be noted that while the book has more of this information from the Canadian point of view, there is also good insight into what some Russian players and coaches saw as well. Of course, as one might expect, the best of this came when Henderson scored the historic goal. While reading this part, I, an American hockey fan who was 11 at the time of the series, remembered that moment and got goose bumps just from this description nearly 50 years later. That alone will make me give this book a glowing recommendation for anyone who is interested in either learning more about this historic hockey season or wants to read it to bring back fond memories.
I wish to thank Simon & Schuster for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
https://sportsbookguy.blogspot.com/20...
Going into the series, it was believed by not only the players and coaches, but by most hockey fans and journalists in the country that Canada would win this series easily. This was bolstered by a scouting report on the Russian team that they were not very good. The report included notes such as the equipment used by the team was in poor shape and the goaltending was not very good. Therefore, Team Canada went into the first game of the series, played in Montreal, extremely confident. Morrison does an excellent job of illustrating this overconfidence through research and interviews over time with players and coaches from the team. Throughout the book, coach Harry Sinden supplies great information on the games.
After the 7-3 win by the Soviet Union in game one, the next three games were played in Toronto, Winnipeg and Vancouver respectively. The teams essentially split these three games, with each team winning one game apiece and the Winnipeg game ending in a tie. That game was noteworthy because of who was one of the spectators – Bobby Hull. Even though he was clearly one of the best players in the game at the time, he was ruled ineligible for Team Canada because he had signed with the Winnipeg Jets of the rival WHA. That added to the already tense situation that came about when it was clear that this series was not going to be the cakewalk Team Canada thought it would be.
Another illustration of Morrison’s excellent work is his writing about Phil Esposito’s passionate speech after the game in Vancouver. Not to give away too much about that moment, it is fair to say that it was a moment in which Team Canada knew who was the captain of their team, even if it was not official. Then my favorite part of the book comes, when Morrison writes about the team’s time in Sweden before playing the final four games in Moscow. It is there that a reader will really feel a connection with the players profiled and understand how during that time they finally felt like a true team and what they did to play and act like one.
The chapters on the four games in Moscow, much like those about the four games in Canada, are terrific in that they blend the perfect combination of game action with insight from the players and coaches. It should also be noted that while the book has more of this information from the Canadian point of view, there is also good insight into what some Russian players and coaches saw as well. Of course, as one might expect, the best of this came when Henderson scored the historic goal. While reading this part, I, an American hockey fan who was 11 at the time of the series, remembered that moment and got goose bumps just from this description nearly 50 years later. That alone will make me give this book a glowing recommendation for anyone who is interested in either learning more about this historic hockey season or wants to read it to bring back fond memories.
I wish to thank Simon & Schuster for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
https://sportsbookguy.blogspot.com/20...
November 3, 2021
Goodreads: Peter Mansbridge: Off the Record, Simon & Schuster, 2021
Known to many over time as Mr. CBC, Peter Mansbridge catalogues his life’s work in Off the Record. While he was born in the UK in 1948, his family emigrated to Ottawa, Canada as a young boy when his decorated diplomatic father Stanley was offered government contract work. A self-proclaimed poor student, Mansbridge chomps at the bit to explore the bigger world. He served in the Royal Canadian Navy for two years, but couldn’t progress further due to him not having a high school diploma; not unlike fellow broadcaster, and equally successful Peter Jennings. Mansbridge’s first stint was a less-than-exciting manual labour job for Transair in Fort Churchill, Manitoba. It was here, however, that his broadcasting career took flight as a fill-in host for radio station CHFC - another less than exciting debut. Mansbridge grew to love the North and would return many times during his tenure with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation for a variety of feature stores - and the Polar bears.
Peter Mansbridge writes his autobiography in the vernacular; it’s almost as if he’s sitting across from you in a bar and retelling you his adventures. Some of the phrasing is less than erudite, but this self-described common man shines through each and every one of his short stories. Mansbridge eventually had a number of much more lucrative offers from US news media giants, but in the end, he remained with Mother CBC until he retired in 2016 on Canada’s 150th birthday in 2016. He’s a ‘lady’s man’ with a dwindling head of hair. Peter marries three times, first to Part Dhillon, then broadcaster Wendy Mesley. He’s currently married to actor Cynthia Dale. Mansbridge has three children in all and two siblings.
Off the Record is chock-a-block with interactions of the great and small. Along the way he tells the history of the burgeoning CBC as a world class news organization. There’s him meeting presidents, prime ministers and even a private audience with Pope John II, but he also plays soccer with destitute children in Sri Lanka, and buys former USSR hats and medals from a Soviet army soldier who knocks on his hotel room door in Moscow. Some of his most difficult interviews were with Canadian Prime Minister Joe Clark and UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. There were technical glitches abound like the lack of electrical power provided while setting up for a feature in Tiananmen Square, China.
Peter’s Mansbridge’s greatest honour was the Order of Canada, but the down-to-earth humanist made many friends across the globe that resonate with him just as strongly. Off the Record details a Canadian life well-lived. It is indeed a good read.
Charles Beale
Known to many over time as Mr. CBC, Peter Mansbridge catalogues his life’s work in Off the Record. While he was born in the UK in 1948, his family emigrated to Ottawa, Canada as a young boy when his decorated diplomatic father Stanley was offered government contract work. A self-proclaimed poor student, Mansbridge chomps at the bit to explore the bigger world. He served in the Royal Canadian Navy for two years, but couldn’t progress further due to him not having a high school diploma; not unlike fellow broadcaster, and equally successful Peter Jennings. Mansbridge’s first stint was a less-than-exciting manual labour job for Transair in Fort Churchill, Manitoba. It was here, however, that his broadcasting career took flight as a fill-in host for radio station CHFC - another less than exciting debut. Mansbridge grew to love the North and would return many times during his tenure with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation for a variety of feature stores - and the Polar bears.
Peter Mansbridge writes his autobiography in the vernacular; it’s almost as if he’s sitting across from you in a bar and retelling you his adventures. Some of the phrasing is less than erudite, but this self-described common man shines through each and every one of his short stories. Mansbridge eventually had a number of much more lucrative offers from US news media giants, but in the end, he remained with Mother CBC until he retired in 2016 on Canada’s 150th birthday in 2016. He’s a ‘lady’s man’ with a dwindling head of hair. Peter marries three times, first to Part Dhillon, then broadcaster Wendy Mesley. He’s currently married to actor Cynthia Dale. Mansbridge has three children in all and two siblings.
Off the Record is chock-a-block with interactions of the great and small. Along the way he tells the history of the burgeoning CBC as a world class news organization. There’s him meeting presidents, prime ministers and even a private audience with Pope John II, but he also plays soccer with destitute children in Sri Lanka, and buys former USSR hats and medals from a Soviet army soldier who knocks on his hotel room door in Moscow. Some of his most difficult interviews were with Canadian Prime Minister Joe Clark and UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. There were technical glitches abound like the lack of electrical power provided while setting up for a feature in Tiananmen Square, China.
Peter’s Mansbridge’s greatest honour was the Order of Canada, but the down-to-earth humanist made many friends across the globe that resonate with him just as strongly. Off the Record details a Canadian life well-lived. It is indeed a good read.
Charles Beale
April 5, 2022
When I think back to growing up, I remember a few news stories gripping the nation and capturing my own immediate attention, despite my young age. Immediately, 9/11 comes to mind, but there are others such as stories from Afghanistan (considering my father deployed there) as well as the election of Barack Obama. Although these events vary in nature and importance over the course of history, what they do have in common is that I can vividly remember them being narrated from the same point of view - usually through the voice and commentary of Peter Mansbridge. As a newscaster for more than five decades, starting in CBC North Radio then eventually taking the helm of The National, Mansbridge is one of the most recognizable anchors of our times. Consequently, I was very happy to grab a copy of his most recent book, Off The Record, published only last year.
In this collection of stories spanning five decades of Canadian journalism, Peter Mansbridge offers insight into some of Canadian history’s significant moments, including why they occurred and how they were journalistically captured. From a relatively objective point of view, Mansbridge is able to provide the narrative of these events, truly depicting a human dimension of the stories from varying topics of politics, economics, world events, and human interest. Ranging from interviews with Prime Ministers, foreign dignitaries, or even covering the Commonwealth’s royal family, Mansbridge was the “voice of a nation” from the news-production point of view for many over quite a long period. Accordingly, insight here is provided into these moments, as well as a look at his own upbringing, which I think was instrumental in his ability to provide such objectivity over the course of his career.
Overall, in Off The Record, Mansbridge offers us another experience with him across a storyline, something I hadn’t realized I’d been craving since his departure from The National (podcast aside). I found it best that he recognized that “as a journalist, you can only hope that during your time in the business, you get the opportunity to tell a story from the very place and in the very moment when the world is changing.” In a sense, this quote hit me hard as I sit in Eurasia on OUTCAN myself, working along as part of NATO’s response to Russian aggression in Ukraine. It makes me wonder where the world will be in just a few short years, and I realize that things likely can’t ever go back to being the same again - nor should they. Accordingly, I wonder if Peter Mansbridge had instances of thinking the same thoughts as he covered events such events like the Fall of the Wall or 9/11. I would believe so, and I really think that those thoughts are somewhat captured here.
Happy Reading!
In this collection of stories spanning five decades of Canadian journalism, Peter Mansbridge offers insight into some of Canadian history’s significant moments, including why they occurred and how they were journalistically captured. From a relatively objective point of view, Mansbridge is able to provide the narrative of these events, truly depicting a human dimension of the stories from varying topics of politics, economics, world events, and human interest. Ranging from interviews with Prime Ministers, foreign dignitaries, or even covering the Commonwealth’s royal family, Mansbridge was the “voice of a nation” from the news-production point of view for many over quite a long period. Accordingly, insight here is provided into these moments, as well as a look at his own upbringing, which I think was instrumental in his ability to provide such objectivity over the course of his career.
Overall, in Off The Record, Mansbridge offers us another experience with him across a storyline, something I hadn’t realized I’d been craving since his departure from The National (podcast aside). I found it best that he recognized that “as a journalist, you can only hope that during your time in the business, you get the opportunity to tell a story from the very place and in the very moment when the world is changing.” In a sense, this quote hit me hard as I sit in Eurasia on OUTCAN myself, working along as part of NATO’s response to Russian aggression in Ukraine. It makes me wonder where the world will be in just a few short years, and I realize that things likely can’t ever go back to being the same again - nor should they. Accordingly, I wonder if Peter Mansbridge had instances of thinking the same thoughts as he covered events such events like the Fall of the Wall or 9/11. I would believe so, and I really think that those thoughts are somewhat captured here.
Happy Reading!
February 12, 2023
This book brings back to me lots of stories that I remember and more info added by the author! This man is a great Canadian in so many ways, and gives
Back to his country and it’s people! A very proud Canadian known all around the world as such!
Back to his country and it’s people! A very proud Canadian known all around the world as such!
February 12, 2022
There is no doubt that Peter Mansbridge is a Canadian icon, a long-trusted voice and face, that has seen us through so many life-defining times and memories. With “Off the Record”, Mansbridge turns the camera onto himself and tells his own life story, both before and during his time in the national spotlight. Packed with incredible tales of Canadiana, as well as amazing stories of global interest, this memoir is not only a must for Canadians, but will also thoroughly entertain fans of politics, history, and world affairs. It should come as no surprise that Off the Record oozes with class. After all, Mansbridge has always appeared to be a thoughtful, very well spoken, meticulously prepared news anchor. It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that his very presence on air instilled a sense of trust and assurance in what he said.
As I listened to this audiobook, I was quickly reminded of the sheer amount of major historical events that Mansbridge attended and covered over his stellar career. What makes Off the Record such a gem to read is the depth and attention that clearly went into the selection of these stories and how to tell them, making them even more unforgettable moments in time. It reminds us that there are always stories behind the stories, additional insights behind the headlines. And with Off the Record, Mansbridge spoils us with a seemingly never-ending number of extra tidbits related to each main story. As if that wasn’t enough, there’s a lot of classy humour in this book, both self-deprecating and aimed at key public figures. And most chapters end with a very thoughtful postscript, adding even more humanity to this already very classy book.
As I listened to this audiobook, I was quickly reminded of the sheer amount of major historical events that Mansbridge attended and covered over his stellar career. What makes Off the Record such a gem to read is the depth and attention that clearly went into the selection of these stories and how to tell them, making them even more unforgettable moments in time. It reminds us that there are always stories behind the stories, additional insights behind the headlines. And with Off the Record, Mansbridge spoils us with a seemingly never-ending number of extra tidbits related to each main story. As if that wasn’t enough, there’s a lot of classy humour in this book, both self-deprecating and aimed at key public figures. And most chapters end with a very thoughtful postscript, adding even more humanity to this already very classy book.
December 28, 2021
I was torn between giving this a 4 or a 5. (Goodreads needs a rating system out of ten!) I decided on a five simply because of how quickly I finished reading it, always a sign of a captivating and well written book. Mansbridge was the face of CBC news for over 30 years before his retirement as a network anchor in 2017. His book follows a similar format to fellow Canadian Alex Trebek's, in that rather than a standard autobiography, the book is a series of collected anecdotes and stories, presented in chronological order. For the most part, each short chapter stands alone with nothing muc to link each to previous or subsequent ones. I think this style of memoir makes to a quick and engaging read. Mansbridge doesn't offer too many surprising behind the scenes tales. Some of his anecdotes involve connecting with famous people and political leaders, while others involve ordinary people. A number talk about some of his CBC colleagues. He does offer a couple of chapters on the state of journalism, addressing to a point the lack of trust that many in society have in journalists today. He does try to see both sides of the story and reiterates how he worked hard to keep any biases out of his reporting, but then damages his crediblity somewhat with a couple of hyperbolic statements about Trump. That was my only minor issue in what is an interesting look at Canadian broadcasting and political history as seem through the life of someone whose job it was for over 30 years to describe that history to Canadians as it was happening.
October 5, 2021
Off the Record taught me more than I expected. It focuses on the behind-the-scenes stories of Canadian news anchor Peter Mansbridge’s iconic career.
I feel like he has been a household name in Canadian homes for an entire generation. He’s covered everything over the course of his career and he has so many interesting stories that he shares in this book. This book is written in a casual tone, like a friend talking to you, which I found really comforting.
I have always been interested in history, but didn’t study it past high school. Even though these stories weren’t that long ago (in the grand scheme of things), I ended up expanding my knowledge on events and places thanks to Peter Mansbridge’s stories. I also loved seeing all the photos to go along with these stories!
One of the most heartwarming aspects of the book is hearing how the rest of the world speaks or refers to Canadians. I really appreciated reading those stories and they made me feel proud of my country.
Thank you @thepetermansbridge for giving us a glimpse into your incredible career and sharing these stories from your own perspective. This book is really special.
Thank you Simon and Schuster Canada for my gifted advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.
I feel like he has been a household name in Canadian homes for an entire generation. He’s covered everything over the course of his career and he has so many interesting stories that he shares in this book. This book is written in a casual tone, like a friend talking to you, which I found really comforting.
I have always been interested in history, but didn’t study it past high school. Even though these stories weren’t that long ago (in the grand scheme of things), I ended up expanding my knowledge on events and places thanks to Peter Mansbridge’s stories. I also loved seeing all the photos to go along with these stories!
One of the most heartwarming aspects of the book is hearing how the rest of the world speaks or refers to Canadians. I really appreciated reading those stories and they made me feel proud of my country.
Thank you @thepetermansbridge for giving us a glimpse into your incredible career and sharing these stories from your own perspective. This book is really special.
Thank you Simon and Schuster Canada for my gifted advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 13, 2022
This was a very good book that every Canadian who grew up while Peter was the host of CBC National should read. It is his autobiography telling his story of how he went from a luggage handler in Churchill Manitoba to being the head anchorman for the CBC National news. As both a reporter and anchorman for the National, he had the privilege of living and reporting on some of the most important historic events and people of the last 40 years. It was very interesting to relive these historic events. I think he could have made the book move interesting by providing his opinion on the people and the major events of our times. At one point in the book he does discuss how he prided himself as being an anchorman who tried to report the news in an unbiased fashion so obviously he isn't going to change this approach for his book. The only strong opinion that he does express in the book is that Canada has treated our indigenous people very poorly which is something that the whole country is having to come to grips with. I would be very interested to know what he feels that we as a country and we as Canadians can do to rectify this situation. I listened to this book as a podcast read by Peter and really enjoyed listening to him tell his story.
November 22, 2021
Peter Mansbridge writes about the "two 'T's" - trust and truth. To me he represented both from the first time I saw him on television in Canada after arriving here in 1996. The National became a mainstay of our after-dinner, before bedtime ritual.
Being the gentleman and an honourable man that he is, one did not expect any "juicy" behind-the-scene revelations from Peter. He does not disappoint. Readers are re-introduced to events and persona through Peter's experiences in bringing all these stories into the public domain, eloquently, respectfully and with that special Mansbridge touch.
Whether writing about the Vietnamese mother thrusting her baby into Peter's arms for "safekeeping", Gord Downie's last interview, failure on the part of all governments to honour their commitments to the indigenous communities or the contributions of the many colleagues and members of his production teams over the years who helped him get to where he is today, Peter is generous in sharing his views and expressing gratitude for the opportunities that came his way and the help he received.
A pleasant, easy read.
Being the gentleman and an honourable man that he is, one did not expect any "juicy" behind-the-scene revelations from Peter. He does not disappoint. Readers are re-introduced to events and persona through Peter's experiences in bringing all these stories into the public domain, eloquently, respectfully and with that special Mansbridge touch.
Whether writing about the Vietnamese mother thrusting her baby into Peter's arms for "safekeeping", Gord Downie's last interview, failure on the part of all governments to honour their commitments to the indigenous communities or the contributions of the many colleagues and members of his production teams over the years who helped him get to where he is today, Peter is generous in sharing his views and expressing gratitude for the opportunities that came his way and the help he received.
A pleasant, easy read.
January 10, 2022
If you're looking for insight into Canadian politics and TV news ... you may have to look elsewhere.
Despite the juicy 'off the record' title, Peter Mansbridge, the longtime face of CBC News, reveals pretty much nothing. Perhaps because he was the impartial, unflappable anchor of The National for decades, Mansbridge remains pretty much opinion-free in this memoir. While I would have loved some behind-the-scenes gossip about the CBC or the prime ministers and other luminaries he has met, Mansbridge keeps his opinions to himself. I would love to hear this opinion of the ultra-work CBC and how it has fallen from grace in the eyes of millions of Canadians, but Mansbridge is a CBC guy to his bones and says nothing negative about the network. (To his credit, he turned down offers from CBS to host their morning news show out of loyalty to the CBC, and to Canada.) Still, while Off the Record is pretty lightweight, I enjoyed it. As a former reporter, I am envious of his incredible, globe-trotting career. Since it's so hard to find good Canadian non-fiction, I recommend it. Just don't expect any revelations.
Despite the juicy 'off the record' title, Peter Mansbridge, the longtime face of CBC News, reveals pretty much nothing. Perhaps because he was the impartial, unflappable anchor of The National for decades, Mansbridge remains pretty much opinion-free in this memoir. While I would have loved some behind-the-scenes gossip about the CBC or the prime ministers and other luminaries he has met, Mansbridge keeps his opinions to himself. I would love to hear this opinion of the ultra-work CBC and how it has fallen from grace in the eyes of millions of Canadians, but Mansbridge is a CBC guy to his bones and says nothing negative about the network. (To his credit, he turned down offers from CBS to host their morning news show out of loyalty to the CBC, and to Canada.) Still, while Off the Record is pretty lightweight, I enjoyed it. As a former reporter, I am envious of his incredible, globe-trotting career. Since it's so hard to find good Canadian non-fiction, I recommend it. Just don't expect any revelations.
October 14, 2021
A man (and piece) of Canadian history…
Peter Mansbridge, the CBC, The National. Huge pillars in my household growing up where the one channel you had, had it all. Hockey, Sesame Street, the news. And this news anchor, from my childhood to adulthood, was the face of it all. His deep, calming voice imparted all the news of the day – political and otherwise – and really was a mainstay in any household on my block. Where Walter Cronkite was the face and voice of US news, Peter Mansbridge was his Canadian counterpart…
I couldn’t wait to hear the ‘behind the scenes’ of it all and he provided it, in that same mesmerizing voice. So many of the events of the day I can remember and to hear it all, feel it through his eyes, was a refresher and an eye-opener. Who didn’t want to be that fly on the wall, observing history in the making. And he got to be a part of so much of it.
From the content to the writing style, this book invited me in to enjoy both new and old stories of our country and its place in the world. And enjoy I did!
*I happily reviewed this book
**Thank you to NetGalley
Peter Mansbridge, the CBC, The National. Huge pillars in my household growing up where the one channel you had, had it all. Hockey, Sesame Street, the news. And this news anchor, from my childhood to adulthood, was the face of it all. His deep, calming voice imparted all the news of the day – political and otherwise – and really was a mainstay in any household on my block. Where Walter Cronkite was the face and voice of US news, Peter Mansbridge was his Canadian counterpart…
I couldn’t wait to hear the ‘behind the scenes’ of it all and he provided it, in that same mesmerizing voice. So many of the events of the day I can remember and to hear it all, feel it through his eyes, was a refresher and an eye-opener. Who didn’t want to be that fly on the wall, observing history in the making. And he got to be a part of so much of it.
From the content to the writing style, this book invited me in to enjoy both new and old stories of our country and its place in the world. And enjoy I did!
*I happily reviewed this book
**Thank you to NetGalley
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