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Barbara Frum – Biography
Barbara Frum was born on September 8, 1937, in Niagara Falls, New York, into a Jewish family. She was the eldest of three children. Her father emigrated to Canada at a young age, while her mother, a native New Yorker, moved to Canada in 1935 after marrying. Barbara grew up in Niagara Falls, Ontario, and went on to study at the University of Toronto, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History in 1959.
In 1957, Barbara married Murray Frum, a Toronto dentist who later became a successful real estate developer—not a journalist or speechwriter, as sometimes erroneously reported. They had two children and adopted a third, an Indigenous child. Their daughter, Linda Frum, is a Canadian senator and a former journalist associated with the Canada-Israel Committee. Their son, David Frum, is a well-known political journalist and author who served as a speechwriter for U.S. President George W. Bush and has been associated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).
Following her graduation, Barbara began working as a freelance journalist, contributing articles to the Toronto Star that often focused on social issues. Her commitment to public affairs and current events led to her joining the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) in 1971.
At CBC Radio, Frum became the first host of the groundbreaking current affairs program As It Happens. Known for her incisive interviewing style, she conducted live interviews with newsmakers around the world, earning a reputation for intelligence, wit, and journalistic integrity. She hosted the program until 1981, helping to establish it as one of CBC's most respected and enduring programs.
Between 1974 and 1975, Frum hosted her own self-titled television talk show, initially broadcast locally in Toronto. In 1975, the program moved to a national platform on CBC Television. The show featured interviews with a wide range of public figures and covered topics varying from politics to social change, further solidifying Frum’s status as one of Canada’s most trusted voices in journalism.
Barbara Frum received multiple honors during her career. In 1975, she was awarded the National Press Club of Canada Award for her outstanding contributions to Canadian journalism. In 1979, she was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada, one of the country's highest civilian honors, recognizing her excellence and service in broadcasting.
Barbara Frum was diagnosed with chronic leukemia in 1974. She chose to keep her illness private, sharing the details only with close family members. Despite her illness, she continued her journalism career with strength and professionalism until her passing. She died on March 26, 1992, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in Canadian journalism.
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