The Agenda with Steve Paikin

Steve Paikin presents world class investigative journalism on a broad range of topics in an objective and professional manner. Topics range from current issues in local municipalities to those relevant globally such as ethics in business, policies in health, education and economics as well as topics pertaining to philosophy, psychology and history. Programs of this format and journalistic breadth have become rare today as many pander towards a supposed, yet unreal, demand for entertainment, emotive extreme or unwavering bias. A fascinating program for those whose interests are broad and whose horizons are open.

This is an excellent news and public affairs program that probes experts and panel members very thoroughly. I usually find that at the end of this hour-long show I have a good overview of the subject with the program's well rounded discussions. Steve Paikin is the host and he will raise questions that are surely to be on the public mind. Occasionally he will have people from various political parties and will go around the table to get feedback on all points of view. He controls the show very well and there is seldom anyone shouting over someone else with an opposing view; you know he will get around to giving everyone a fair chance to respond. Paikin is an author with a brilliant grasp of Canadian politics and Ontario politics in particular (the program is broadcast on the Province of Ontario's public television service TV Ontario). Ontario is the hub of Canada's fiercest political debates with polarized views on issues like debt and deficit spending, health care, education, climate change, etc. Paikin also ventures into sports and is an avid fan and hockey enthusiast. This same host is comfortable talking to historian Margaret MacMillan about World War I or the University of Toronto's Jordan Petersen about political correctness. You will enjoy this show if you are someone with an interest in public discussion on many issues, whether you are an engaged citizen or a policy wonk. I have learned a great deal about the issues facing Canada, and its provinces as well as national or international affairs. I can't say enough about this very good show and its host.

Before the pandemic it used to be a good show. Still, not all episodes interested in me. Now, the show should be renamed to the covid 19 show. Almost every single episode is on the pandemic. I've been avoiding it lately.

Quite honestly, The Agenda is one of the best shows regarding political discussion in Canadian media. Any decision in the Canadian political landscape is thoroughly discussed and disseminated. While national news can do this, it often glosses over the issue because of time restraints, an understandable issue but still a significant one.

Aside from the thoroughness, Steve Paikin is one of the best moderators in both national and international news. He allows both sides of an issue to explain themselves and doesn't allow for the either side to meander into their own talking points. He seems to be one of the few people who truly appear to be unbiased.

While the show can be a bit dull at times (depending on your interests- if you don't have an interest in the minutiae of Canadian history, the show won't always grab your attention), but with Paikin's moderation allows for valuable discussion.

If you want to genuinely try and understand the Canadian political landscape, give the show a try.