Episode 658 My Life As A Reporter With Cal Millar
Show Highlights
In this episode, host Rob Cairns sits down with his long-time friend and colleague, Cal Millar, an esteemed former reporter with a career spanning decades in the Toronto media landscape. Cal reflects on his life on the crime beat, sharing the stories, the people, and the intense experiences that defined his career. The conversation dives deep into his new book, My Life as a Reporter: I Cried at Disney World, and explores the profound differences between being a dedicated reporter and a modern journalist.
Thank You To Our Sponsor
Thanks you to our sponsor, All-in-One WP Migration by ServMask. Export your entire WordPress site in one click, import it anywhere. No server access needed, no command line, works with every hosting provider. Free on wordpress.org, Pro extension at servmask.com.
Show Notes
Key Takeaways
- The Inspiration Behind the Book: Cal shares how an invitation to speak to media students at Humber/Guelph University—and his family’s long-time encouragement—ultimately inspired him to document his experiences.
- A Storied Career in Toronto Media: Cal discusses his early days as a city editor at the Toronto Telegram and his time as a “day-oner” at the Toronto Toronto Sun.
- The Reality of Crime Reporting: The discussion sheds light on the gritty, often tragic realities of covering crime in a major city, including the emotional toll it takes on a reporter.
- Reporter vs. Journalist: Cal and Rob distinguish between a “reporter” (someone who digs deep to record history and find facts at the scene) and a “journalist” (who often skims the surface or relies on third-party sources).
- The Evolution of News Technology: From dictating stories over the phone to a rewrite desk under tight deadlines to the 24-hour live broadcast revolution started by Ted Turner and CNN, Cal reflects on how technology has reshaped the industry.
About the Guest
Cal Millar is a seasoned former reporter who spent his career covering crime and major events for the Toronto Telegram and the Toronto Sun. He is the co-author of books on historical true crime cases and the author of the new book My Life as a Reporter: I Cried at Disney World.
PocketCasts
Radio Public
Spotify
Stitcher
Apple Podcasts
Amazon Music
