At TVO, one of the few things that rivals the power of learning is the power and loyalty of our viewers, donors and supporters.
In recent weeks, we witnessed that power. It resulted in the good news I have to share with you that we will continue to transmit free broadcast signals across 8 over-the-air transmitters in Ottawa, Belleville, Thunder Bay, Chatham, Cloyne, Kitchener, London, and Windsor.
As you know, TVO had previously announced a plan to decommission the transmitters, which would have resulted in a much-needed annual savings of $1 million toward our financial targets.
But we listened to feedback from these communities impacted by the decision. We heard from loyal TVO viewers and donors, and from others. We shared the concerns we had heard with our primary funding partner, the Government of Ontario, which resulted in the government’s decision to flow an additional $1 million to TVO to ensure we can continue to operate the transmitters.
That means these over-the-air signals will continue, while at the same time, TVO will continue to meet our commitments to strategic priorities of digital learning and high-quality current affairs journalism.
We are deeply moved by the loyalty of our viewers and donors. It’s reflective of the high-value Ontarians place on TVO’s dynamic educational and current affairs programming. In return, you have our commitment that our team at TVO will keep pushing forward with the power of learning.