Wendy Mesley x in conversation with Ausma Zehanat-Khan

Wendy Mesley studied journalism at Toronto's Ryerson Polytechnic Institute. She then began her career working for CTV's affiliate station in Montreal, CFCF. Later she became CBC's Quebec City correspondent, moving on to Ottawa in 1986. There, she worked as parliamentary correspondent for CBC's The National   news magazine. She also became a frequent contributor to CBC's Sunday Report, and became the anchor. In 1994, she pitched her idea for Undercurrents, a show that examines media and marketing. One of the most recognized journalists in Canada for her tough and difficult interviewing style, Wendy Mesley enjoyed the trust and appreciation of numerous viewers. She continued to serve as a back-up anchor for The National, and hosted The Greatest Canadian series.

In 2001 and 2002, she co-hosted the investigative newsmagazine CBC News: Disclosure   with   Diana Swain, having previously hosted the media and technology series Undercurrents, from 1995 until 2001. In 2006, she was named by ACTRA as the recipient of its John Drainie Award   for lifetime achievement in Canadian broadcasting.

From October 2009, Mesley had a greater presence on CBC's The National   and in 2010, she became the program's regular Sunday anchor. She retired from CBC in 2021.

Today Wendy has teamed up with journalist Maureen Holloway, on a podcast called: The Women of Ill Repute. She describes the podcast as follows: Join us for smart talk with smart people. Big thoughts from the not so little ladies, and perhaps not the gentlest men: performers, politicos, doctors, lawyers, and lots and lots of writers. Some are legends, others will be. People who don’t give a damn about old rules, but do give a damn about people. People who are not easy but interesting. People like us … and maybe you. C’mon. It’ll be fun.

You can catch their podcast on the following:

www.youtube.com/@WomenofIllRepute

womenofillrepute.substack.com/