The Way It Is(1967)

The Way It Is was a Canadian current affairs series that aired on CBC from September 1967 to June 1969. Hosted by John Saywell and Barbara Frum—who developed her signature interviewing approach on the program—the Sunday night hour tackled diverse topics through studio interviews, music, commentary, panels, and documentaries. The show featured contributors including Patrick Watson, Warren Davis, and Moses Znaimer, with segment producers like Peter Herrndorf shaping its content. The Way It Is covered serious subjects including airline safety and the Vietnam War, establishing itself as a thoughtful voice in national dialogue without sensationalizing controversy. Executive produced by Ross McLean, the series attracted up to 60 contributors and influenced subsequent CBC programs like the fifth estate and The Journal, cementing its place in Canadian television history.