CBC NEWS’ CONSUMER AFFAIRS program Marketplace is marking its 50th anniversary this month and will kick off its new season on Friday, Oct. 7 at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT) with a special one-hour broadcast, Celebrating Marketplace’s 50th Season, on CBC TV and CBC Gem.
Known for its investigations of popular products and services, Marketplace first premiered on Oct. 5, 1972, with co-hosts Joan Watson and George Finstad exploring the rising cost of food in Canada, a topic familiar to today’s viewers.
“Using innovative testing and hidden cameras, a team of investigative journalists fights for transparency and change in industries across Canada, through in-depth investigations that span global marketplaces,” reads a description of the program in a CBC press release.
In the 50th anniversary special, current co-host David Common and former host Erica Johnson “look back on the impact of the show’s investigations, promises tested, and policies changed,” the release says.
Some of the investigations reflected on in the special include Common going undercover in India to investigate call centre scammers, Asha Tomlinson tackling “issues of race, discrimination, and social justice through a consumer lens in the ongoing Face Racism series, and by shining a light on the skin-whitening industry”, and Charlsie Agro exposing “the high cost of fast fashion”.
“The tips and tricks have changed over the years, but the reason Marketplace journalists keep on pushing for answers has never wavered; this show makes real change in the everyday lives of Canadians,” said Susan Marjetti, general manager of news, current affairs and local at CBC, in the release.
“In 50 years the show has produced more than 1000 stories that all have one thing in common: having the consumer’s back. This consistent Marketplace promise helps viewers across the country spend less, invest better, and make really smart decisions about their health and safety.”
This season, co-hosts Tomlinson, Common and Agro, along with guest hosts Rosa Marchitelli and Travis Dhanraj, “take on big companies and hold governments to account, through a range of investigations including hospital wait times and mortgage fraud,” according to the press release.
“Marketplace will bring in experts to make sense of food labels on packaged goods being marketed as a healthy choice, and the show will share more of its signature retail tips to help protect Canadian wallets. Plus, the team goes undercover in Mexico to expose questionable cancer cures,” the release adds.
Marketplace’s original theme song, The Consumer, was written by iconic Canadian musician Stompin’ Tom Connors. To mark the show’s milestone anniversary, Marketplace commissioned “a new ode to the consumer” from Halifax-based hip hop artist Aquakultre, who will perform the song as part of the Celebrating Marketplace’s 50th Season special.
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Image borrowed from CBC’s website.
