That's Why I'm a Journalist: Top Canadian Reporters Tell Their Most Unforgettable Stories

by Mark Bulgutch

News stories are like collective memories, encapsulating the most iconic moments in recent history around the world. But to those who work in journalism, up-close involvement with these stories can also be life-changing. In That’s Why I’m a Journalist, veteran broadcaster Mark Bulgutch interviews 44 prominent Canadian journalists, who each share their behind-the-scenes accounts of some of the most memorable stories of their careers and describe the moment that made them say to themselves, “That’s why I’m a journalist.”

Although many of the contributors’ stories are related to their roles in the most high-profile events of the 20th and 21st centuries, from the fall of the Berlin Wall to 9/11, here too are reflections on quieter and more intimate moments that had a deep personal impact. Peter Mansbridge talks about a trip to Vimy Ridge on the hundredth anniversary of World War I, Adrienne Arsenault recalls bringing together old friends separated by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Terence McKenna recounts what it’s like to worry about being kidnapped as part of the job and Wendy Mesley reflects on the satisfaction of asking tough questions—and uncovering the truth.

Together, these enthralling and varied accounts provide an intimate understanding of the people we see on camera and hear on the radio. As Bulgutch argues, modern journalism is undergoing existential threats. News has never been more accessible yet, paradoxically, important news has become harder to find, often buried by pseudo-news of celebrity, lifestyle tips and the latest viral video of a water-skiing squirrel. The stories in this book serve as reminders of the importance of real journalists and real journalism.

Genres: Nonfiction, Canada

336 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2015

Reviews

[Madison · Rating 4 out of 5]

As fascinating as these were to read and as valuable the takeaways, I expected a lot more variety. Of the 44 stories, only three were from radio news and only one was from print. The rest were about television reporters, and of those, only seven came from networks other than CBC. The selections also slanted heavily in favour of foreign correspondents, with 28 stories taking place overseas or in the US. For a book about Canadian reporters, I wanted to see more of them talk about reporting on Canadian issues. Those were the stories I enjoyed the most, the few that were about doing actual investigative reporting rather than just covering an event. A lot of the reporters said that being able to witness history in the making is why they got into and have stayed journalism, and that's admirable, but I don't think it's good enough for me.

[Colleen Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such an informative and engaging collection of true stories of the big events of our time, as told by the Canadian journalists who were there. Some of them are incredibly moving, to the point that I was tearing up on the subway on my morning commute. That's Why I'm a Journalist provides insight into the lives of journalists while tracking the big, powerful stories, and it's fascinating to learn about their lives behind the camera on top of what they present in front of them. Four stars because I wish the book had been wrapped up by Mark Bulgutch, rather than just cutting off after the last story.

[Mel :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a really really great read as someone who went to journalism school and loves to tell stories, I started reading an entry a day and honestly I think I’m going to make that a tradition and have a non-fiction book like this available all the time!! absolutely astounding what some journalists are willing to go through to get the story, not just for their broadcaster but especially for the people the story is about

[Jenna (Falling Letters) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great collection of varied stories that let you get a glimpse into person who brings you the news. As a Canadian, I loved being able to read about what reporting can really be like for these people I see on TV for brief moments - what dangerous situations they enter, why they pursue certain stories, and what it's like when they get to share something significant with the world. Reading the journalists' own words adds a unique dimension to events I saw unfold in the news. Bulgutch provides a few paragraphs of biographical introduction to each story. Most of these journalists have been at their jobs for longer than I've been alive! So, I appreciated learning a little about each of their careers.

[Daniel J. Rowe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some great stories from very good journalists. Makes me proud of my profession and gives a real look at how we go about our jobs.

[Gordon Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the beginning of each of the 44 stories in this book, Bulgutch gives a short biography of the journalist telling their story and what led up to the event which they are covering. So many of the Canadian journalists in this book, I not only have heard of have but have watched regularly over the years. Each story is written in the journalist own words and not retold by Bulgutch.

Some will tell the story of how fascinating or horrifying it was to witness an event, but most tell their personal connections to the story in relation to the people they met during their covering it. I was surprised at the friendships they built with those people, friendships which continued long after the story.

The stories vary. Some are large and horrific and makes you wonder how they dealt with what they saw for the rest of their lives. Others are smaller, unique, personal stories.

That's Why I'm a Journalist is a fascinating book, one which makes me want to read his follow up to it, That’s Why I’m a Doctor.

[Christina Norris · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book did not meet my expectations. I expected that a book about Canadian journalists would focus primarily on journalism in Canada. I was wrong. I also expected that the book would include more about written journalism. Unfortunately, the book was predominately TV journalism.

I enjoyed some of the stories, especially those with take aways. However, some stories really didn’t add much value to the book (or seemed repetitive of other stories). I was annoyed that the format wasn’t consistent. Sometimes the story was stand alone and you didn’t need to read the journalist’s bio and other times if you started with the story there wasn’t enough detail to understand the context. Additionally, some terms used throughout the book were explained multiple times (ahem, fixer). And I have to point out that for a book by journalists, some of the writing just wasn’t that great.

I was disappointed in this book partially because of my unmet expectations and partially because the book actually could just use improving.

[Kathleen Nightingale · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had no idea what to expect with this book, it was a book club read. The book had very short stories from various journalists, primarily CBC journalists. At times I remembered the story which they were talking about so got to know the journalists feelings behind the story.

I am giving this a 3 star rating only because Bulguch did a short write up regarding the journalist before the journalist told a specific story.

Not really a book club read, and to be quite frank, did not retain the stories in this book.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

44 Canadian journalists each describe in a short essay their most memorable story. The book was like a review of the top news events of the past 50 years (Rwanda, fall of the Berlin Wall, Afghanistan, Obama's election, etc. etc.) Many of the stories focussed on an individual in the story, making it more dramatic and meaningful. I think the story that shocked me the most was about Ashley Smith. She was a teenager who had been put in solitary confinement for almost 4 years. Her original crime was throwing crabapples at a letter carrier. It ended very badly when the prison guards watched her strangle herself. She had been driven mad by the system.
Happily, not all the stories are so dire. Some are feel-good, like South Africa's first post-Apartheid election.
I am amazed at the lengths to which the journalists may go. Sometimes they put themselves in huge danger, such as when Sasha Petricic entered Syria illegally to cover the war. We owe a debt of gratitude to those who try to bring us the story, and the story behind the story.

[Sita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forty four prominent Canadian journalists share their behind-the-scenes accounts of some of the most memorable stories of their careers. Although many of the contributors' stories are related to their roles in the most high-profile events of the 20th and 21st centuries, from the fall of the Berlin Wall to the events of 9/11, here too are reflections on quieter and more intimate moments that had a deep personal impact. Super interesting and good background for novels set in various places around the globe.