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Off the Record
- Narrated by: Peter Mansbridge
- Length: 9 hrs and 2 mins
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Publisher's Summary
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 more than 50 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 20 years later, he became the chief correspondent and anchor of The National.
With humor 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.
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What listeners say about Off the Record
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Amazon Customer
- 2022-06-21
Peter makes me proud to be a Canadian
The journey in life taken by Peter reminds me so much of many other Canadians who went on to achieve their success in their chosen field of work. This is what Canada is all about, a shared experience, a shared goal, to contribute back to society so that this place we call home will be a better place to live in for all!! Thanks Peter for sharing our story with everyone!!
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- Amazon Customer
- 2022-01-10
Learn about Canada
my wife and I listened to excerpts over our meals and never got indigestion!
Peter Mansbridge was fortunate to report over a period of time when, on the whole, people were proud to be called Canadian. He appeared to be less politically driven than the current CBC anchors.
Peter, enjoy your rest and keep up the good work.
Ron Denning
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- Jason
- 2022-11-29
Awesome. Well done. Thank You Peter!
I really enjoyed the stories spanning his career, and feeling apart of it as a Canadian. Once I started, I had to finish. Captivating!
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- Jason Dupuis
- 2022-05-30
Must read/listen for newsies
Great book from Peter Mansbridge. Lots of interesting tales from his path in life, flew through it. 100% recommend.
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- Anonymous User
- 2024-07-28
Excellent Perspectives
I liked how he provides a perspective of what his life was like over the past 50 years.
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- Judy W
- 2021-11-28
the stories of my life, by my evening friend
great stories that tug at my memories too, from a so familiar voice. Thanks Peter.
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- SK
- 2022-11-25
Most Enjoyable Audible Experience So Far
Peter Mansbridge is an exceptional Canadian journalist, sadly now retired, whose laudable sense of purpose and set of values are revealed by the interesting experiences he has chosen to share with us. Consistent with his lifelong reporting style, there’s no sensationalism to be found here, and only one minor indiscretion—but that’s for him and his graduating nephew to resolve!!
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- Anonymous User
- 2021-11-12
CANADA - KANATA - VILLAGE
Great stories told Peter Mansbridge.
I'm proud to have his voice tell our village tales.
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- Pascal
- 2021-10-17
very good
mansbridge goes over all the memorable moments throughout both his personal and profesional life as a public media broadcaster. he worked in the industry for 50 years, it was very interesting to hear the stories of all the famous people he interviewed and encountered. I would recommend.
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- Ted T.
- 2023-03-20
Breaking News: A Must Read by Peter Mansbridge!
From start to finish an incredible journey of a Canadian Journalism Legend. Stories of an extraordinary life lived well and respectfully. You feel as though Peter is taking you along with him as he recounts a storied career that touched so many lives and kept us all informed by a trusted source we welcomed into our homes. No At Issue Panel needed to know this book is a must for Canadians. Hearing Peter’s recognized voice carry’s the chapters seamlessly through the decades of a life so interesting you are sad to reach the end of the book.
Thank you Peter for your career and this great book.
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