As It Happens·Video

That time As It Happens mediated a hostage negotiation on the radio

When Robert McLagan held 11 employees hostage at a Toronto bank on March 21, 1977, then-As It Happens host Barbara Frum and her producers were able to get McLagan, one of his hostages and a police officer on the line as the situation was unfolding live.

#AIH50: Mediating a hostage negotiation on the radio

6 years ago
Duration 4:13
March 21, 1977: Late As It Happens host Barbara Frum spoke to a hostage taker, one of his hostages and a police officer as the situation was unfolding live. (Ben Shannon/CBC Radio)

When Robert McLagan held 11 employees hostage at a Toronto bank on March 21, 1977, then-As It Happens host Barbara Frum and her producers were able to get McLagan, one of his hostages and a police officer on the line as the situation was unfolding live.

She even connected McLagan with the police negotiator who would go on to secure a peaceful surrender with no casualties.