1965
The Government of Ontario had plans for an educational television station at Toronto as early as this time. It would operate on channel 19. Education Minister William G. Davis hoped the station would be operational within a year.

1967
The ETV branch of the Dept of Education said an ETV network of 34 stations covering 95% of the populated areas of the province would be developed within five years.

1970
(June) Ontario Education Communications Authority (OECA) established as a Provincial Crown Corporation by an Act of the Ontario Legislature; the broadcasting arm of OECA is TVOntario. Its mandate - to "use electronic and associated media to provide educational opportunities for all people in Ontario." Funded by the provincial Ministry of Culture and Recreation and the Ministry of Education it was therefore commercial-free. T. Ronald Ide, who had spent 4 years as head of the Ontario Ministry of Education's TV Branch (ETV), became TVO's first chairman. Remained for 9 years.

(September 27) The first full-time educational television station (CICA-TV, Channel 19)went on air, with 423,000 watts video and 84,600 watts audio. Studios were at 1670 Bayview Ave. and transmitter on the CBC tower at 354 Jarvis Street. Antenna height was 550 feet. CICA was Canada's first UHF-TV station.

French language programs constituted 5% of TVO's schedule. Initial audiences -- 200,000 unduplicated viewers/week; by 1977/78, over 1 million. Viewing was hampered early-on by the inability of many sets to receive UHF signals.

1971
Polka Dot Door launched. Eventually became one of TVO's longest-running shows and was seen as far away as South Africa, West Virginia, British Columbia through sales. French language programming increased to 10% of TVO schedule. After only one year of operation, OECA signed a contract with NBC to distribute programming in the U.S.

1972
Cable systems in Sault Ste. Marie, Pembroke, Brockville, and Belleville are showing OECA programs, bicycled on videotape from city to city.

By the end of the year, OECA has applied to the CRTC for UHF rebroadcast transmitters at Ottawa, Kitchener-Waterloo, London, Chatham, and Windsor. The applications were submitted because of high competition for the few remaining channels in those cities.

Studios relocated to 2180 Yonge Street (at Eglinton).

1973-74
OECA produces North America's first metric news and weather report, Report Metric.

Ron Ide undertakes to maintain French-language programming at 17% of the schedule.

Average daily broadcast hours: 15.

Saturday Night at the Movies launched in March, 1974 with Elwy Yost as host. The first film was Igmar Bergman's Through a Glass Darkly.

1974-75
OECA introduced the daily current affairs program, The Education of Mike McManus, and On the Line, a weekly current affairs series hosted by writer, politician, lawyer and broadcaster Judy LaMarsh. Experimental series Media Circus launched (explored the art of tv by scanning airwaves at the time of broadcast and commenting on programming and advertising appearing on other networks.)

Chez Nous introduced, a first step towards producing an informal education series aimed at the general, rather than curriculum-based, French-speaking audience.

OECA became "unofficially" known as TVOntario. OECA network was initiated (see dates below). By 1995, TVO and La Chaîne networks included 27 transmitters and 213 low-power rebroadcast transmitters. By 2002, through a combination of transmitter and cable distribution, TVO reached 97% of the province's population and La Chaîne reached 72% of the French mother tongue population.

When funding was withdrawn for new transmitters in Sudbury and Thunder Bay, arrangements are made to deliver the TVO signal to cable head-ends in the north and northwest via microwave.

TVO introduced a successful low-season learning programming.

Rebroadcast transmitters were approved for Sudbury – Channel 19 with 62,000 watts video and Thunder Bay – Channel 9 with 17,000 watts video ERP. There had been concerns about OECA using channel 9 in Thunder Bay but the CRTC ruled that the area had sufficient VHF channels to meet its needs.

1975
TVO opened its first high power transmitter (CICO) in Ottawa on October 25, on channel 24.

The Kitchener-Waterloo CICO transmitter on channel 28, opened in January. CICO channel 18 London began broadcasting in April. CICO Chatham, channel 59, opened in June. CICO channel 32 Windsor went on the air in July.

1976
On May 31, CICA began broadcasting from the new CN Tower, 301 Front Street West. Power increased to 1,080,000 watts video. Antenna height (ehaat) is 1,605 feet.

1976-77
Now the world's largest producer of French-language programs for schools.

Speaking Out, TVO's flagship audience participation, current affairs program was a tremendous success, hosted by Harry Brown. By the early '80s, it would attract nearly 30,000 regular viewers and register as many as 10,000 calls in one program.

1977-78
The French Language Division was created to better coordinate TVO's service to francophones.

Family viewing period from 5-8 p.m, Mon-Fri. introduced. Includes Polka Dot Door, Sesame Street, Readalong and Magic Shadows.

With the federal Department of Communications, TVO pioneered the use of satellites for educational teleconferencing and direct-to-home transmission through the Hermes project. It is the first time the Ku band was used for satellite transmission. The experiment allowed students in California and Toronto to interact via electronic classrooms.

1978
On June 30, CICO transmitters opened in Sudbury (channel 19) and Thunder Bay (channel 9).

1978-79
Ron Ide retired; replacement was Dr. Jim Parr. (1979-85) TVO became the largest foreign supplier of programming to the U.S. instructional TV market. TVO succeeded to have reserved cable channel 2 as the uniform channel on Ontario cable systems, where feasible.

1979-80
17% of total revenue was derived from sources other than base funding, such as co-production ventures and program sales. More strategies to be developed. Sunday noon to sign-off French-language programming began, bringing together programming previously spread throughout the schedule. TVO began to market program-related records: Polka Dot Door etc.

TVO participated in the Anik B satellite experiment along with the Department of Communications and 3 provincial ministries. The experiment brought 87 hours of OECA programs to homes, institutions, cable systems and one low-power transmitter in northern Ontario.

TVO participated in Telidon field trials, the first broadcaster to do so. Telidon, an alphageometric videotex information system uses modified TV sets to display text and graphics. Intent was to demonstrate and develop educational applications for videotex and teletext systems. The trial lasted until 1982.

1980-81
TVOntario officially adopted as OECA's working name. Rogers Cable distributed TVOntario programming in Metropolitan Toronto on a repeat channel called TVO2. The channel also carried programs produced by colleges and universities. The CICO channel 20 transmitter in Sault Ste. Marie, opened in October.

1981-82
Public membership campaign is launched with a test mailing to 40,000 Metro Toronto homes resultimg in 1,100 members. TVO became the first broadcaster to be made an associate member of the Canadian Cable Television Association.

TVOntario, Triwave Productions of New York, and NHK Japan agreed to co-produce a two-hour special, Alvin Toffler's The Third Wave. This was the first time in its 50-year history the NHK Japan co-produced with western countries.

U.S. Sales office opened in Dallas, Texas to handle the increasing program sales to U.S. clients; in 1986-87, the office moved to Chapel Hill, N.C.

A merchandising campaign began which included toys, records, books and live shows.

1982
Rebroadcast transmitters were approved for North Bay (channel 6) and Owen Sound (channel 12).

It was announced that satellite coverage by TVO would be extended to 170 northern communities in a three year plan funded by the Ministry of Northern Affaris. Low power rebroadcast transmitters, maintained and operated by TVO, would be provided to communities of 300 or more population.

1984-85
In line with TVO's commitment to broadcast to Ontarians in both official languages, a formal proposal for a dedicated French-language service was drafted. The Department of Communications and the Ministry of Citizenship and Culture announced the funding in the form of a special grant of $30-million over 5 years for a dedicated French service.

TVO managed to have educational broadcasting included as an eligible category of Telefilm funding.

The following were named managing directors at TVOntario: Sandra Birkenmayer (corporate development) and Howard Krosnick (educational communications).

1985
John Radford, president of CFJR-AM Brockville and CHUC-AM Cobourg, was named acting chair and CEO. He had been a director of TVO for nine years, the last three as vice-chair. Radford replaced Jim Parr who had become director general of the Ontario Science Centre. Radford took up his new role in May.

Janice Currie was named manager of sales and marketing. She had been with CFTO and Glen-Warren.

David Walker left TVO after ten years as executive director.

In its 15th year of operation, TV Ontario was reaching more than 2.3 million viewers weekly.

Bernard Ostry succeeded John Radford as chairman. Ostry had been associated at one time with the CRTC.

TVO received the green light for a French-language service to start in late 1986. Ottawa and Queen's Park agreed to share the $6 million cost for five years. TVO was airing French programming at this time - on Sundays.

1986
Ditta Cuzy joined TVO to sell non-educational programs to Canadian TV stations and would be working closely with Antoinette MacDonald who was selling to international clients.

TVO transmitters went on the air March 1 at Belleville (channel 53) and Kingston (channel 38).

1987
TVO's French service, La Chaîne Française, opened at 12 a.m., January 1. This service was available mainly on cable, via satellite, but also had some over-air transmitters in remote areas.

The Peterborough-Cobourg area began receiving TVO via CICO channel 18 on October 12, 1987.

TVO received the largest grant ever from the Secretary of State for French-language programming -- $3.9-million.

A number of technical upgrades were under way or completed at TVO: A new master control room with two master control booths for distribution of English and French services and the proceedings of the Ontario legislature. A new suite for transmission equipment to uplink the three signals to Anik C3. Distribution of CJRT-FM Toronto on two subcarriers enabling carriage by cable throughout the province. Installation of a electronics still frame system, replacing telecine slide facilities. Distribution of a weekly half hour program for the Wawatay Society to 27 native communities in northern Ontario. Director of engineering Bruce Read reported TVO's services were now carried by more than 180 transmitters (mostly LPTV's in the north) and 100 cable systems; la chaine fancaise and the Ontario legislature were carried by virtually all cable systems equipped to receive signals from Anik C3.

Peter G. Bowers returned to TVO as chief operating officer. He would be responsible for financial, legal, operational, administrative, and human resource services, as well as management information systems. Bowers first joined Ontario ETV as chief engineer in 1967. He later served as general manager/operations of OECA. With the reorganization into TVO in 1980, Bowers became managing director of Educational Telecommunications. He left TVO in 1984.

Patricia Fillmore was promoted to sales manager, marketing. She had been manager of marketing services.

1987-88
With La Chaîne in full operation and the expansion of its daytime schools schedule, French-language production increased by 65% over the previous year.

1988
Donald Duprey moved to the post of managing director of English programming services from the same position in French programming services. Bill Roberts was appointed senior managing director of external relations. He would be responsible for dealing with government, corporate relations, marketing, information and publications services. He had been senior vice president of television for the CAB.

The McArthur Mills transmitter opened September 30, on channel 42. The Cloyne channel 55 transmitter went on the air November 5.

Mimi Fullerton, director-general ot TVOntario, announced the appointment of Donald Duprey as managing director of English program services.

1988-89
Jacques Bensimon was named managing director of French-language programming.

1989
Mimi Fullerton, director general of TVOntario, resigned from the network on August 1. The position of director general, considered second only to that of the C.E.O., was created for Fullerton when she was hired in 1986.

Mary Martin was named director of community development and liaison. Judy Davies was appointed manager, Canadian-International sales and marketing.

TVOntario launched its long-awaited transmitter at Kenora, increasing available off-air signals in the region from two to three. About half of the households in the area only had access to CBC Winnipeg and CTV Kenora. The TVO transmitter was available on channel 44 and transmitted from McCallum Point. It served more than 12,000 residents in Kenora, Keewatin, Norman, Rat Portage and Jaffray-Melick.

1989-90
La Chaîne's first transmitter is constructed in Sudbury, giving area residents an alternative to cable subscription.

Human Edge, a weekly documentary series was launched.

Literary series Imprint was launched. Early hosts included Daniel Richler and Guy Lawson.

1990-91
Internal Affairs department was created to better position TVO within the changing global broadcasting, education and technology environments.

La Chaîne's first membership drive, Le Telethon.

TVO signed a 3-year cooperative agreement with NHK Japan, the world's largest public broadcaster.

TVO celebrated its 20th anniversary with numerous special events.

1990
On November 1, the CRTC gave CICA-TV Toronto permission to increase power from 1,080,000 to 1,288,200 watts, using a beam-tilt antenna.

1991-92
TVO established the Distance Learning Division to offer skills training and professional development.

In partnership with the Ministry of Education, TVO developed a direct teaching series aimed at students wishing to complete their high school diplomas at home. High School on Air was born.

Through strong relationships with the Canadian Space Agency, NASA and space agencies in Europe and Japan, TVO produced the award-winning Space Journals: One Moment in Time.

Communications Minister of France studied TVO with a view to establishing a similar service in France and to discuss cooperative opportunities.

1992
Peter A. Herrndorf became TVO's chairman and chief executive officer in March, replacing Bernard Ostry. Herndorf had been the publisher of Toronto Life magazine, and in the past was a vice president and general manager with the CBC.

On November 27, two transmitters opened in Pembroke: channel 29 (English) and channel 17 (French). They shared the CHRO-TV tower. TVOntario was now reaching 98% of the population of Ontario.

Concern was being expressed in the legislature about the cost of the French service. It got about a tenth of the viewing but took about a third of TVO's $80 million budget.

1992-93
TVO established a $3-million documentary programming fund to finance independent productions over the next three years. La Chaîne introduced a $600,000 documentary fund.

Panorama, La Chaîne's flagship live public affairs and arts program was launched.

Fourth Reading, a current affairs program on provincial political matters, hosted by Steve Paikin was launched.

26 September, 1992, TVO held its first Open House, attracting over 25,000 visitors.

La Chaîne's Ottawa office opened - serviced by TVO's mobile production unit.

1993
TVO named independent producer Rudy Buttignol as commissioning editor of documentaries. He was to develop and assign more than 40 independent productions during the next three years.

TV Ontario producer-director Adrian Mills became creative head for children's programming. He joined TVO in 1992 after eight years with the BBC. Mills was now developing new programs for children in morning and after school hours.

Doug Grant was appointed head of current affairs, succeeding Christa Singer. A 20 year CBC veteran, he'll develop TVO's plans for a daily current affairs show to launch in the fall of ‘94. (That program would by "Studio 2")

Clive VanderBurgh was named executive producer (development) for children's programs.

1993-94
Spring, 1993, TVOKids launched, the first step in re-focusing the 4 to 7 p.m. afternoon children's block.

La Chaîne became the first Canadian broadcaster to offer major foreign films such as Cinéma Paradiso and Canadian feature films like Jésus de Montréal.

From the Heart, TVO's documentary strand showcasing the work of 12 Canadian filmmakers premiered.

Studio 2, a nightly current affairs program launched in the fall of 1994, hosted by Mary Hines and Steve Paikin becoming the flagship weeknight program. Former pollster Allan Gregg joined the team with a regular segment called Gregg & Company. Paula Todd replaced Mary Hines in 1996.

TVOntario's on-air membership campaigns (Nov. '94 and Feb.'95) saw a record-breaking 26% increase in funds donated from the previous year.

1994
Peter Warth became senior project engineer at TVOntario. He had been with Imagineering Ltd.

1995
The Mike Harris government came into power and TVO was faced with the threat of privatization. Self-generated revenue strategies were increased to reduce reliance on government grants. These to include: achieving a significant, long-term reduction in cost structure; generating an operating surplus to apply to anticipated government funding cuts; increasing net revenues by 15% each year; and creating public/private sector partnerships.

TVOntario laid off 130 employees (115 full-time and 15 contract), mostly in non-programming positions. Plans called for a reduction of staff to about 350. Government grants had been reduced in recent years and were now about $58 million annually.

Richard Ouzounian was appointed creative head of arts programming at TVO.

1995-96
TVOntario's chief engineer Christopher T. Bell moved to the Movie Network where he was appointed vice president, technology.

1996
The province announced TVO would receive $55.5 million for 1996-97, down $6 million from the previous year. The network's total budget was $67 million, down 14%. TVO chairman Peter Herndorf said programming would have to absorb a cut in excess of 20%. The province was considering privatization of the network.

1997-98
The TFO and TVO broadcast signals were switched from analog to digital, which led to a reduction of more than 50% in ongoing satellite transmission costs.

1998
The Ontario government announced that TVOntario was being restructured into two divisions: broadcast programming and a new Centre for Advanced Technology in Learning to explore the use of technology in support of lifelong learning. Earlier, it had been announced that responsibility for TVOntario would be transferred from the Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation to the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.

1999
September, Isabel Bassett appointed Chair of TVOntario. She replaced Peter Herndorf.

Elwy Yost retired in the fall. He had recorded over 1,000 conversations with film legends; replaced by Shelagh Rogers for one season; show is now hostless. As of September, 2001, 1405 shows have aired incorporating 1,450 movies. SNAM is the longest still-running series in Canadian television history apart from the news and remains TVO's most popular adult series; every movie runs uncut and uninterrupted.

Other CICO high-powered transmitters planned: channel 13 Huntsville; channel 44 Kenora; channel 6 North Bay; channel 12 Owen Sound; channel 42 Parry Sound; channel 51 Midland-Penetanguishine; channel 29 Sarnia; channel 7 Timmins.

TVO started to service and maintain transmitters for ONTV, Global and Rogers Cable in Ontario.

2001
David Walker, 73, died. He helped to launch TVO, and was executive director from 1975 to 1985.

2005
In September, Isobel Bassett was replaced by Lisa de Wilde as CEO and Peter O’Brian became Chair of the orgaization.

                         Written by Bill Dulmage with input from TVO staff
                                                 Updated July, 2010