TORONTO – TVO is marking Steve Paikin’s 20 years with the station by sharing 20 memorable moments over 20 days on Twitter (#Paikin20) and inviting fans to tweet their appreciation for Paikin’s contribution to civic engagement and informed debate in Ontario. Beginning October 30, members of the public can also visit the website to leave a congratulatory message for Paikin.
During his time at TVO Paikin has built a reputation as one of Canada's most respected journalists. In September he began his seventh season as anchor and senior editor of The Agenda with Steve Paikin. The show provides in-depth analysis and debate on important issues shaping the province and the world, on air and online.
There he has interviewed a variety of newsmakers and his thoughtful questioning and a drive to tackle complex issues are hallmarks of his work. In an era where traditional long-format interviews and debates are becoming increasingly rare, Paikin has demonstrated that the public still wants and “benefits from engaged nuanced discussion“ says TVO.
"If anyone said to me 20 years ago that I would get to meet and talk to all the fascinating people that I've had the good fortune to interview during my time at TVO I would have said they were crazy," says Paikin. "I feel privileged to have worked with such a talented group of people as I have at TVO and to anchor a program such as The Agenda."
Before The Agenda, Paikin co-hosted Between the Lines for two years and Studio 2 for 12 years, and anchored Fourth Reading for 14 years, and Diplomatic Immunity for eight years. He has also moderated the past three federal and two Ontario election debates.
"Congratulations to Steve for 20 years of engaging and informative journalism that has helped Ontarians to better understand our province and the world around us," says Lisa de Wilde, Chief Executive Officer of TVO. "Steve's dedication to public service and his leadership in embracing new opportunities for citizen engagement in the digital space have really helped to elevate public discourse across the province."
This fall TVO will roll out a series of on air and online vignettes to mark Steve's 20 years with the organization, in which the tables are turned on the renowned interviewer and he is the one answering questions about his life and career. The organization will also celebrate Steve's 20 years at a special fundraising dinner for TVO on November 8 at Grano Restaurant in Toronto. Special guests at the sold-out event will include former Ontario premiers William Davis, David Peterson, Bob Rae, Mike Harris and Ernie Eves. The celebration is presented by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario, who sponsor The Agenda with Steve Paikin.
