[citation needed] Among his documentary film achievements, McKenna also co-authored the Penguin Books biography of Montreal mayor Jean Drapeau.
McKenna wrote for Saturday Night, Weekend Magazine, the Literary Review of Canada, Cité Libre, the Toronto Star and Maclean's.
[5] "In many respects, Brian McKenna's extensive commitment to broadcasting Canada's stories laid the groundwork for future major television projects with Canadian history at their core.
Denounced by England's tabloid press, the series caused an uproar when it was shown in Great Britain, winning acclaim from The Guardian, The Times and The Telegraph: "It was a brave film to make" wrote novelist A.N.
[10] His film on CIA brainwashing at a Montreal psychiatric hospital, Secret Tests, landed on the front page of The New York Times, provoking debate in the U.S. Congress and Parliament.