Imprint is a Canadian television series that aired on TVOntario, CBC Newsworld, BookTelevision and Knowledge."TVO: books and a new-look Elwy". Ottawa Citizen, September 7, 1989. Inspired by Bernard Pivot's French literary programme Apostrophes, the series featured interviews with prize-winning authors and journalists, and examined the latest trends in books and contemporary issues in literature.
History The series premiered in September 1989, hosted by Paul Roberts and Jennifer Gibson in its first season. The show was so poorly received at first that the network placed the show on temporary hiatus after only a few episodes, revamping its production team before relaunching it in November."Initial read on book program is disappointing". The Globe and Mail, November 23, 1989. The change did not improve the program's critical reviews, however, with Roberts in particular being singled out for shying away from potentially controversial discussions."Imprint's Roberts resigns". Toronto Star, March 18, 1990.
Both hosts left the series in 1990, and Daniel Richler took over as host in the second season."Richler to host Imprint". The Globe and Mail, June 26, 1990. Under Richler, the show expanded its format to include a rotating stable of contributing interviewers, including journalist Ann Medina, critic and writer Gary Michael Dault, novelists M. T. Kelly and Barbara Gowdy, poet Clifton Joseph and biographer Michael Coren, as well as regular round table discussions on literary topics."Richler makes his mark on Imprint". The Globe and Mail, November 17, 1990. The new format significantly improved the program's critical reception."Imprint III makes a mark". Toronto Star, October 3, 1990.
Richler left the series in 1993,"Putting print over Imprint". The Globe and Mail, February 9, 1993. and was succeeded by Guy Lawson."Guy Lawson: Making a new Imprint". The Globe and Mail, September 25, 1993. Ken Rockburn, fresh off the cancellation of his syndicated radio series Medium Rare, was also a finalist for the job."Rockburn right stuff for TVO job". Ottawa Citizen, March 9, 1993.
Lawson left the show in 1995 to return to writing full-time,"Lawson departs". The Globe and Mail, March 30, 1995. and was succeeded that fall by H. S. Bhabra and Marni Jackson."Writer to co-host TVOntario's Imprint". Toronto Star, September 29, 1995.
In 1996, due to budget cuts at TVOntario the show was slated to have its staff and format cut back,"Imprint's new format uncertain". The Globe and Mail, June 12, 1996. although at this time CBC Newsworld stepped in as a coproducer."Imprint turns new page: TVO's book show gets national slot". The Globe and Mail, August 23, 1996. A third cohost, Cynthia Macdonald, was added in the 1996 season.
Jackson and Bhabra left the show in 1997,"Jackson leaves Imprint TVO book show undergoes shakeup". The Globe and Mail, June 10, 1997. and were succeeded by Mary Hynes as sole host."Hynes to host Imprint: Former Studio 2 anchor will solo on books show". The Globe and Mail, July 31, 1997. CBC Newsworld did not continue to air the show in the 1997-98 season, instead introducing its own show on books and literature, Hot Type."TV type". The Globe and Mail, October 18, 1997. Hynes hosted until 2000, when she returned to CBC Radio, and was succeeded by Tina Srebotnjak."New job for Srebotnjak". The Globe and Mail, July 6, 2000. When BookTelevision launched in 2001, Imprint was added to its schedule."All Books, All the Time: Chum turns a new page with BookTV". Vancouver Sun, October 20, 2001.
TVOntario, the program's producer, cancelled the series in early 2005."TVOntario cancels two shows, to cut staff". The Globe and Mail, March 11, 2005.
One on One: The Imprint Interviews, a compilation book of author interviews from the series, was published in 1994."Warts and all, Imprint interviews come across as a valuable document". Ottawa Citizen, September 25, 1994.
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