June 8, 2012 - Journalist, author and documentary producer Steve Paikin was awarded an Honourary Doctorate of Letters today at Laurentian University. Paikin is the anchor and senior editor of TVO’s flagship current affairs program “The Agenda With Steve Paikin.” He has spent 20 years producing and hosting programs for Ontario’s educational broadcaster.
“He combines a very sharp intellect with a wonderful spirit of enquiry, and a love of both politics and public policy,” said Floyd Laughren, Chair of the Board of Governors of Laurentian University and former Deputy Premier of Ontario. “In my political life I was often subjected to his penetrating questions and his adroit pursuit. Steve is invariably respectful and fair.”
Paikin has served as moderator of federal and provincial leaders’ debates five times, and has written three books about Canadian politics.
He has also produced a number of feature-length documentaries, including the award-winning “Return to the Warsaw Ghetto” and a film about former Ontario Premier Bill Davis called “A Main Street Man.”
Paikin is married to Sudbury native Francesca Grosso, whose father was Dr. Roberto Grosso, a former Chair of the Board of Governors at Laurentian.
“We are proud to honour Steve Paikin as part of our Laurentian family,” said University President and Vice-Chancellor Dominic Giroux. “His commitment to citizen engagement through educational broadcasting is inspiring, and his reputation as a journalist is exceptional. He is a most deserving recipient of the Doctorate of Letters.”
TVO is Ontario’s public educational media organization and a trusted source of interactive educational content that informs, inspires and stimulates curiosity and thought. TVO’s vision is to empower people to be engaged citizens of Ontario through educational media. TVO is funded primarily by the Province of Ontario and is a registered charity supported by sponsors and thousands of donors. For more information, visit tvo.org
Media interviews with Steve can be arranged through Laurentian Communications.