[1] Inspired by Bernard Pivot's French literary programme Apostrophes,[1] the series featured interviews with prize-winning authors and journalists, and examined the latest trends in books and contemporary issues in literature.
[2] 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.
[4] 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,[4] as well as regular round table discussions on literary topics.
[8] Ken Rockburn, fresh off the cancellation of his syndicated radio series Medium Rare, was also a finalist for the job.
[9] Lawson left the show in 1995 to return to writing full-time,[10] and was succeeded that fall by H. S. Bhabra and Marni Jackson.