Minister plays down TVOntario discussion

Toronto -- It's only "speculation" that the government is looking for a private broadcaster to invest in TVOntario.

Training, Universities and Colleges Minister Mary Anne Chambers admits that's an option for the publicly owned provincial broadcaster. But she stresses it's not one the province is looking at now.

Chambers says people like TVO the way it is, a channel their kids can watch without being inundated by commercials.

The province has warned TVOntario that it could face a budget cut of $3-million next year. With the Liberal government looking to make cuts to balance its books, there's been renewed speculation that TVOntario will be privatized.

However, Chambers says the government wants TVOntario to find additional sources of revenue.

TVOntario operates English-language TVO and French-language TFO. Its annual budget is about $75-million, with about $48-million from the province. 

© The Globe and Mail
 

 

July 13, 2004 - Premier of Ontario: Letter from Dalton McGuinty re TVO
Ontario premier says TVO will not be sold "in order to pay for the ongoing operation of the government," but does not dismiss the possibility of changes "to make sure we're truly focused on the priorities of Ontarians."