TORONTO – TVO has announced plans to expand its current affairs coverage across Ontario after receiving a $2 million donation from Goldie Feldman and the Barry and Laurie Green Charitable Trust, one of the largest philanthropic gifts to journalism in Canada.
The provincial broadcaster said that the donation will enable it to create a new network of TVO Local Hubs in regions throughout the province. Journalists will be hired to expand and deepen coverage, and the Hubs will establish new partnerships with colleges and universities, creating internship opportunities for students.
Focused initially on the first Local Hub in Thunder Bay (with three additional Hubs to be named), the donation will help to increase the overall presence of Ontario issues, ideas and events on TVO's broadcast and website, and will include more in-depth current affairs coverage of indigenous issues.
"This extraordinary gift provides TVO with the ability to offer an unparalleled depth of analysis, debate, context and informed opinion," said TVO CEO Lisa de Wilde, in the announcement. "At a time of severe contraction in journalism, TVO Local Hubs is about creating more in-depth journalism in communities across Ontario. It's a huge and exciting opportunity."
"Our family felt it was an important time to create a meaningful impact for the citizens of Ontario," added Barry Green. "We need TVO and the type of journalism it provides now more than ever before: Respectful, informed and above all, based on facts. We hope our gift will address this and inspire others to give as well."
This is a $2 million donation, of which $500,000 is contingent on TVO fundraising additional dollars.
