Webster!: An Autobiography by Jack Webster

by Jack Webster

Jack Webster was a Canadian media giant. He was a pioneer of talk radio and television for whom hundreds of thousands of listeners and viewers tuned in eagerly to hear his abrasive baritone knock the stuffing out of the stuffed shirts and champion the cause of the little guy. Immigrating to Canada after WWII, he covered the labour beat, exposing communist influence in the trade unions. In the early 1950s he brought his hard-hitting reportorial style to commercial radio, and Webster’s star rose even higher as he took his popular broadcasts to television. But behind public acclaim lay private tragedy. Obsessed with a child she and Jack had given up for adoption, his wife became chronically depressive. In this memoir, Webster bares his soul – his pride, his doubt, his guilt – in telling the tale of his eventful life.

247 pages, Unknown Binding

First published September 1, 1990

Reviews

[Al Berry · Rating 3 out of 5]

The autobiography of a man who dominated news reporting in Vancouver for over 30 years, but not just reporting it but making news. When prisoners held a guard hostage at Oakalla prison, he came to negotiate his release. His exposure of the corruption of Diosdado Macapagal was a factor in Marcos rise to power in the Philippines.

An interesting newsworthy man with a very sad personal life.

[Glenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack Webster seemed to be a rude, pushy, opinionated, ignorant, loud mouthed boor.
Everytime he came on the radio or TV I changed the station. I disliked him.
However, his book is well written and his life is interesting.
I still do not agree with all his opinions.
His book is worth reading.

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

A biography I could not put down, but then, I grew up hearing his voice on the radio. He's part of my life memories. Perhaps what he had to say is more relevant to me than someone who'd never heard, or heard of him. Biographies don't usually hold my attention, but this one sure did!