People in Ontario now have access to more current affairs with TVO’s Ontario Hubs, a new journalism initiative that helps knit together far-flung corners of the province with balanced, in-depth analysis. Funded through the generous support of The Barry and Laurie Green Family Charitable Trust & Goldie Feldman, Ontario Hubs add relevant local context to complex issues that matter to our communities, our province, and our world.
“At TVO, we ignite the potential in all Ontarians through learning. One of the most powerful ways we do this is through journalism,” says TVO Chief Executive Officer Lisa de Wilde. “Ontario Hubs allow us to bring more in-depth content and more perspectives to Ontarians. It’s exciting that it is through the generosity of TVO donors that we are creating this new network of journalists who will focus on in-depth analysis of regional issues that are important to people all across the province.”
Ontario Hubs expand TVO’s unique model of balanced, in-depth current affairs. The initiative includes four new staff journalists embedded in communities across Ontario who will create and lead networks of freelancers and contributors. The Hubs team will create articles for tvo.org, segments for The Agenda with Steve Paikin every Friday, and short documentaries. Stories will focus on issues that impact communities across the province, including coverage of Indigenous communities and issues.
“Ontario Hubs address a gap in the existing media landscape where regional current affairs perspectives are becoming a rare commodity,” says John Ferri, TVO Vice President, Current Affairs and Documentaries. “This type of regional journalism is vital to a healthy democracy. Ontario Hubs give voice to groups and people who are not always heard.”
Today, two of four hubs were officially launched – one hub covering the region of Northwestern Ontario, based in Thunder Bay; and a second hub covering the region of Southwestern Ontario, based in London. Two additional hubs will be announced later this fall.
TVO is also building new partnerships and internship programs with colleges and universities, including Thunder Bay’s Confederation College and London’s Western University.
Discover more at tvo.org/OntarioHubs.