The True Crime Byline podcast highlights the reporters behind crime stories. Host Kathleen Goldhar conducts long-form interviews with journalists. These people made their careers reporting on Canada's most prominent crime stories. The names of the criminals discussed on this show will be familiar to many. However, listeners may not know the names of the show's guests. This show doesn't focus on the crimes themselves. It reveals the hard work that goes into piecing together the story.
Godlhar knows about this hard work since she is a journalist herself. She studied journalism at Ryerson University. She also holds a bachelor's in English and creative writing. Goldhar was a producer on The Current at CBC Radio for over 20 years. She moved into podcast production at Antica Productions. Her production credits include The Lost Kids and House of Prayer. Today, Goldhar is an independent freelance producer.
True Crime Byline has examined Robert Pickton, the "Barbie and Ken" killers, and more. However, as the title of the former states, the episodes aren't about the killers. The first podcast episode explores how reporters publicized an epidemic of disappearances. After enough public outcry, Vancouver police discovered the culprit. Pickton, the most prolific serial killer in Canadian history, was responsible. While police arrested him, the news media spurred the investigation.
Another episode of the podcast features an interview with Tom Blackwell. Blackwell was the primary reporter on the trial of Paul Bernardo and Karla Homolka. The "Barbie and Ken" killers were responsible for several assaults and three murders. On True Crime Byline, listeners will hear about how covering the trial affected Blackwell. He also shares the meaningful discussions he had with victims' families.
Without the people who do this difficult job, there would be no true crime podcasts. Reporters have painful conversations with victims' loved ones. They spend countless hours researching and listening to horrifying court testimony.True Crime Byline offers an intimate view of the lives of crime reporters and their most talked-about stories.
Episodes