TVO Impact Newsletter | November December 2024 | #80
Honouring Bravery: Bringing Canada’s Military History to Life for Ontario Students
Through an exciting partnership, TVO and Canada Company are hoping to revolutionize what and how students learn about Canada’s military history. The Ontario Honouring Bravery Program aims to demystify key concepts like peacekeeping, sacrifice, bravery, and acts of service and features human stories that bring an authenticity to the content.
Designed by TVO’s Ontario certified teachers and informed by members of the Canadian Armed Forces and their lived experiences, the immersive and interactive learning modules consist of engaging, age-appropriate digital learning content connected to the Ontario curriculum.
Incorporating human stories into lessons about Canadian military history not only makes for more engaging content but it turns abstract concepts into tangible, relatable experiences thereby supporting students to build skills in empathy and understanding and encourages critical thinking and reflection skills – important 21st century skills for all students to have.
The Honouring Bravery Program is now available on TVOLearn.com and Honouringbravery.ca
WATCH AND STREAM NOW
Watch TVOkids seven days a week from 6am to 7pm and stream your favourite TVOkids programs 24/7 on TVOkids.com, our TVOkids YouTube channels, and on our award-winning* TVOkids Smart TV app and streaming channels: Roku, LG, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV.
*Named Best Kids-Only Streaming Service by KidScreen Awards 2024
TVOkids Premieres
Dino Dex
TVOkids Original Begins Sunday, November 3
Dex is a nine-year-old artist, explorer, and ‘paleontologist in training’ who uses his Dino Field Guide to magically see and study dinosaurs in the real world. Joined by his geologyloving neighbour Kayla, the two will work to re-examine, reconsider and question everything we thought we knew about dinosaurs.
Happy Place
TVOkids Original Begins Monday, November 18
Welcome to Happy Place, a charming town where an adorable muddle of guinea pigs live, laugh and learn together. In each episode, the guinea pigs practice manners, share wisdom and find out what it means to be a good friend.
Factor Fiction?
Safeguarding the Truth with TVO’s Big [If True]
In today’s fast-paced digital world, misinformation and disinformation spread faster than ever before. Misinformation (unintentional inaccuracies) and disinformation (deliberate falsehoods) are not just problems for newsrooms or governments— they impact daily life in profound ways. From public health to political stability, the spread of false information can erode trust, deepen divisions, and lead to dangerous decisions. Whether it’s false news circulating online, conspiracy theories gaining traction, or harmful health advice misleading the public, the consequences are real— and they’re affecting all of us.
Consider the last few years: misinformation around vaccines has fueled vaccine hesitancy, political disinformation has threatened democratic elections,
and false environmental claims have slowed urgent climate action. These aren’t distant issues—they are happening right here in Ontario, affecting our communities and our future.
The explosion of social media, podcasts, and video streaming platforms has made the spread of information much faster and more efficient, fundamentally altering the way we get our news. With almost unlimited news platforms available at your disposal, combined with the
questionable intentions of those sharing news, how can the average person be expected to separate fact from fiction?
At TVO, we believe that knowledge is power. We have long been a trusted source providing fact-based, trustworthy information to help Ontarians make informed decisions about their lives and society. That’s why TVO is launching a groundbreaking new show dedicated to tackling this pressing issue head-on.
Premiering this fall, Big [If True] will examine the rising problem of mis- and disinformation and the impact these false stories have on Ontarians. Hosted by award-winning journalist Molly Thomas, this groundbreaking half-hour show will air weekly to provide valuable insight into how
Molly Thomas
and why we are likely to believe mis- and disinformation, and how we can protect ourselves against its ill effects.
Each week, Big [If True] up of false news from around Ontario, Canada, and the world. With the help of experts on mis- and disinformation, including ProPublica’s Craig Silverman, Molly will dig into how to recognize falsehoods, understand their impacts, and how to navigate the flood of information we encounter every day. By focusing on critical issues like media literacy, fact-checking, and how disinformation campaigns are orchestrated, viewers stay informed and empowered in a time when truth is often hard to find.
For over 50 years, TVO has been committed to delivering highquality educational content, and this show is no different. To make sure we are helping you learn how to navigate the news, the show will present tips on how to combat mis- and disinformation. Improving media literacy in Ontario is one of the many outcomes we hope to accomplish with broadcasting information—we’re giving you the tools to become an informed citizen and help Ontario remain a place where truth matters.
At TVO, we believe that addressing misinformation is not just the responsibility of media outlets and governments—it’s something we must all take part in. By watching, discussing, and sharing this content, you’re helping to build a more informed, resilient Ontario. Together, we can ensure that facts triumph over falsehoods and that our communities are equipped to face the challenges of the digital age. Stay curious, stay critical and
of mis- and disinformation with
Does this really affect me?
The answer is yes. Misinformation touches all aspects of life— whether you’re trying to make an informed decision about your health, participating in a political debate, or teaching your children how to use the internet responsibly. Here are just a few reasons why Big [If True] is essential viewing for every Ontarian:
• Protect Your Health: Accurate information can be the difference between making a healthy choice and falling victim to harmful, false advice.
• Defend Democracy: Informed citizens are the cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Learning how to spot false political narratives helps ensure free and fair elections.
• Promote Social Unity: Disinformation often fuels division and hatred. This show will explore how false narratives can drive people apart and how we can come together through shared truths.
The 2025 TVO Calendar is
Here
Quantities are limited. Claim your copy before it’s too late!
The 2025 TVO Calendar features stunning imagery from TVO documentaries, including several TVO Originals – from the extraordinary animals of The Great American Thaw to the stunning Northern Ontario landscapes in TRIPPING The French River, to the marvels and mysteries of North America’s largest freshwater ecosystem in Great Lakes Untamed – you won’t want to miss this one!
From nature to wildlife and architecture, every month promises a stunning photo to inspire the year ahead, while serving as a reminder of the engaging and enlightening documentaries your support brings to life for the people of Ontario – creating powerful moments of learning that change lives and enrich communities.
Visit TVO.me/2025-calendar or call us at 1 800 463 6886 to learn how you can secure your copy of the 2025 TVO calendar.
Scan the QR code to claim your calendar today!
Contact Us
Philanthropy Office PO Box 949, Station K Toronto, Ontario M4P 2V3
donorcare@tvo.org
Ways to Give
• TVO.me/impact
• 1 855 589 3886
• Return the enclosed pre-paid envelope by mail
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