People Talking Back
People Talking Back is a Canadian public participation television series which aired on CBC Television in 1979. Premise The series began with a special live broadcast Victoria Composite High School in Edmonton. Host Gordon Pinsent invited viewers to call a toll-free number to express their opinions on a variety of topics such as the economy, the labour market and politics. This broadcast also featured discussion among audiences located at studios in each province which were linked via Anik satellite. The broadcast also featured appearances by former CBC journalist Ken Lefolii, futurist Glen Milne and sociologist Tim Tyler. Humorous songs were performed by the troupe Fat Chants, with comedy segments from Catalyst Theatre and clips of street interviews. Allan Thomas, President of the Canadian Association for Adult Education (CAAE) developed this project as a reaction to the election of Quebec separatist premier René Lévesque. The CAAE also co-ordinated numerous discussion groups throughout Canada to provide additional channels of public participation for People Talking Back. John Hanlon hosted five follow-up broadcasts in early 1979 to provide the results of viewer feedback on particular subject areas. Reception Viewers who dialled the toll-free number in the opening telecast saturated the bank of 28 telephones