This Hour Has Seven Days
1 9 6 4 - 1 9 6 6 (Canada)
50 x 60 minute episodes
 This
Hour Has Seven Days has repeatedly been cited as the most
exciting and innovative public affairs television series in the
history of Canadian TV broadcasting.
It was certainly the most popular, drawing more than three
million viewers at the time it was cancelled (controversially) by
CBC management, which was unable to withstand the cries of outrage
from offended guardians of public morality and the growing
insurgence of the Seven Days production team.
The creation of two young producers, Patrick Watson and Douglas
Leiterman, the series debuted with great fanfare on 4 October 1964
and came to its well-publicised end after 50 episodes on 8 May
1966.
The first year's shows were co-hosted by John Drainie, Laurier
LaPierre (an academic historian turned TV talent) and Carole
Simpson, soon replaced by Dinah Christie. The role of the women
was limited primarily to songs or satire.
Upon Drainie's illness at the start of the second year, Patrick
Watson was persuaded to abandon his producer role to join the
on-air team in a move that CBC management thought would reduce the
controversial style of the program.
Clearly inspired by the earlier British satirical review of the
news, That Was The Week That Was,
Seven Days utilised a one hour magazine format that
combined satirical songs and skits with interviews, investigative
reports and mini-documentaries. On an irregular basis the entire
show would be devoted to an in-depth documentary film under the
title Document. Several important award winning films were
produced and shown.
The fast pace, the topicality of many of the segments, the
irreverence of songs and skits, and the occasional emotionalism of
the on-air team members all added to the popularity and the
controversy that built around Seven Days.
The cancellation of Seven Days and the firing of Watson
and LaPierre in the Spring of 1966 (Leiterman was later forced
out) was met with a large public outcry - probably the largest in
Canadian history for any TV program - and certainly for any public
affairs program.
Partly orchestrated by Watson, Leiterman and LaPierre there
were public demonstrations, thousands of letters and phone calls,
indignant editorials, threats to resign by CBC staff, and calls
for Parliamentary inquiries.
As a result a Parliamentary committee hearing that favourably
featured the Seven Days team stretched over several weeks.
Prime Minister Pearson appointed a special investigator which kept
the program in the news for several more weeks.
The final reports seemed to chastise both sides in the dispute
but was harshest with the CBC for its heavy handedness and
bureaucratic timidity.
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