After three decades of cutting-edge journalism, Bob McKeown bids farewell to The Fifth Estate
On the crisp evening of Nov. 28, the Toronto Reference Library is quiet with anticipation as images from five decades of The Fifth Estate illuminate the walls. As the hundreds of guests in the Bram & Bluma Appel Salon settle, a voice calls for everyone to take their seats. When Bob McKeown steps up to the stand, a standing ovation erupts—acknowledging not just his final public appearance but the profound legacy he’s left behind after years as one face on the iconic program.
After 31 years of uncovering groundbreaking stories, McKeown, 74, announced his retirement in late November. He became synonymous with investigative journalism in Canada. Among the most pivotal investigations from his time at the Fifth was the case of Steven Truscott, highlighting the psychological pressures and flawed interrogation tactics leading to Trustcott’s false conviction. McKeown also investigated the tragic events surrounding Chris Benoit, exploring the impact of brain injury and mental health in the wrestling industry.
McKeown recalls how he felt when the Fifth first announced its team. “First and foremost,” he says, “they announced that Adrienne Clarkson would be the lead host. She was the biggest star at the CBC—the biggest star of Canadian television. At that point, the stars aligned. It was clear that this show was bound to be great and exactly what I wanted to do.” McKeown received his dream job co-hosting the Fifth in 1981.
“It is hard work to come up with, research, and develop stories, but that is the modus operandi of [the Fifth’s journalism],” says McKeown.
Leaving a Legacy
The Fifth has become synonymous with stories that push boundaries regardless of the personal or professional risks involved. The Fifth’s investigation into Peter Nygard exposed a decades-long pattern of sexual abuse and exploitation, revealing the full extent of the fashion mogul’s alleged crimes and the powerful network that protected him.
Producer Timothy Sawa says McKeown’s ability to tackle dangerous, complex stories without flinching is a testament to his professionalism and passion for the truth. “We worked on the Nygard story, and there was a moment we had to decide if we wanted to keep working on it because we knew that we would be facing lawsuits for years to come,” says Sawa.“So we had a conversation to give each other an out, but we both quickly said no, this is something important.”
Steven D’Souza, who joined the Fifth as one of its current hosts in 2022, echoes this sentiment. “The Fifth Estate is telling stories of people’s lives, and to be able to get below the surface, to really get into the heart of a story, you have to understand the people,” says D’Souza, emphasizing McKeown’s ability to ask tough questions with empathy. “Bob really did a good job of finding the heart of the stories and telling them that way.”
Producer Rachel Ward recalls a story McKeown shared with them one Thursday morning in the office. The room of journalists quieted as McKeown spoke about an interview with a bank robber. Instead of focusing solely on the crime, he approached the story with a sense of humanity, capturing the person behind the act. “He showed the humanity in that person,” says Ward. “He can just cut right to the heart of it.” McKeown’s point was clear: journalists can tell more meaningful stories by treating all their guests with dignity.
‘King of Spontaneous Interactions’
When Mark Kelley, co-host of the Fifth, joined the program in 2012, he quickly discovered the challenge of unscheduled interviews—one of the hallmarks of McKeown’s investigative style. “Bob is the king of spontaneous interactions,” says Kelley, reflecting on McKeown’s effortless ability to engage sources.
One afternoon, inspired by McKeown’s natural ease, Kelley raced into McKeown’s office and sat down opposite him, eager to learn. McKeown leaned back in his chair, his tone measured and calm as he shared his secrets. His eyes focused as he explained you have to contact the right person at the right time. “Catch them when they are least expecting it, and do not scream questions like a lunatic,” said McKeown. “Ask with poise, as if you already know more than they are willing to admit.”
Kelley listened intently, fascinated by how McKeown made even the toughest interactions look effortless. “He was generous enough to show me how it is done,” says Kelley.
From Fifth to Family
As McKeown prepares to leave the program that has defined his career, he reflects on moments that shaped his professional and personal life while speaking at the Fifth’s “The Next 50 Years of Investigative Journalism” celebration. “On my first day that I showed up at The Fifth Estate offices in Toronto, the first person I met was Sheilagh D’Arcy McGee,” McKeown recalls. A few years later, he and McGee were married. “This past summer, we celebrated our 40th anniversary,” he adds, his smile softening. For McKeown, retirement is about reclaiming time for his family—time he is eager to spend with his wife. “Sheilagh has been the true family hero,” McKeown says, “the fact that I can give her some time off from our dual careers is great.”
As McKeown steps away from the Fifth, Kelley—his mentee and friend—pauses, reflecting on the man who made a difference in his career and the many others who have crossed his path over the years.
“He can run, but he can’t hide,” Kelley says with a smile, his voice carrying a mix of affection and resolve. “If he wants to disappear, [I won’t] let him go that easily.” He pauses for a moment, as if weighing the significance of McKeown’s retirement, then continues.
“I look forward to the next time we have a martini together. Bob won’t be on the show then, but we’ll still sit down. We’ll talk about the show—what’s working and what’s not. And I know he’ll have plenty to say. He’s passed on a wealth of knowledge, so I’ll be tracking him down many more times for the pleasure of his company… and advice.”
