Michael Coren
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Michael Coren (born January 1959 in Essex, England) is a Canadian columnist, author, public speaker, radio host and television talk show host. He is the host of the television series The Michael Coren Show. He has also been a long-time radio personality, particularly on CFRB radio but "parted ways" with the station in November 2005 after complaints following a controversial broadcast.
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Career in Canadian media
Coren moved from Britain to Canada in 1987, and found success as a personality across several media. For several years, he was a columnist for Frank and then The Globe and Mail, which was, at the time, Canada's only national newspaper, before he began syndicated columns for the Financial Post and Sun Media in 1995. Following his departure from Frank, he became a favourite target of that publication, culminating in a spoof ad contest to "deflower" Michael Coren (a nod to Frank's notorious "Deflower Caroline Mulroney" contest, and a satirical jab at Coren's conservative leanings.) Coren had also been a favorite target of Frank back in the days before he began writing for them.
He was also a broadcaster, co-hosting a political debate segment with Irshad Manji on TVOntario's Studio 2. In 1995, he began an evening talk show on CFRB. In 1999, Coren briefly moved to Talk 640 for a short stint as its morning man. He later returned to CFRB, where he broadcasted from 6:30 to 8:00 PM weekday nights, and regularly filled in for other hosts until November 2005.
On television, Coren hosts The Michael Coren Show weeknights on Crossroads Television Services, and is published every Saturday in the Sun Media chain of newspapers. He is also a columnist for the Western Standard, and writes frequently for the National Post, Reader's Digest and several other publications. He is also a public speaker, particularly at religious gatherings.
Political controversies
His most controversial opinions involve issues surrounding the role of Judeo-Christian ideals in Canadian political life. He has drawn heavy criticism from homosexual lobby groups for his staunch opposition to same-sex marriage. One article on the topic, published July 3, 2003, led to an email being circulated through the EGALE email list which called for harassment at Coren's home. He also drew harsh criticism from Pagan groups for an August 2, 2003 article in which he mocked the decision to allow tax-funded Wiccan chaplains to work in Canadian prisons. He is also pro-life. Coren has a reputation as a social conservative. He is openly critical of the party system.
Firing by CFRB
Coren was dismissed by CFRB as a result of complaints arising from comments ridiculing the weight of an apparent guest. In fact, the guest was an actor and the segment was scripted. According to CFRB's Operations Manager, Steve Kowch, "Pat Holiday, our general manager and myself went through the tape of Monday night's show and were shocked....it was totally out of bounds." Coren argues that it was a satire comparing in his mind public attitude to third world starvation with North America's obsession with slimming and self-indulgence.
Spirituality
His articles and speeches often include stories of his own personal spiritual journey. Coren is half Jewish through his father.
He converted to Evangelical Christianity after a conversion experience as an adult, greatly influenced by Canadian televangelist Terry Winter.
In early 2004, he embraced Catholicism. He cites St. Thomas More, C.S. Lewis, Ronald Knox and his God-father Lord Longford as spiritual influences, but remains connected to the ecumenical scene in Canada and beyond.
Published Books
Coren is the author of several books including works of social criticism and biographies of famous writers. His biographies include the lives of G.K. Chesterton, J.R.R. Tolkien, H.G. Wells, Arthur Conan Doyle, and C.S. Lewis. His books have been translated into fourteen languages. He is currently writing a book entitled Socon, A Handbook for Moral Conservatives.
External links
Categories: 1959 births | Living people | Canadian radio personalities | Canadian television personalities | Canadian columnists | Roman Catholic writers | Same-sex marriage opposition | Alumni of the University of Nottingham | Jewish Canadians | Pro-life celebrities | Jewish-British people | Natives of Essex