TFO Achieves Autonomy April 1, 2007 General News / General TV News Posted by RAD on Mar 27, 2007 - 04:14 PM A new era for TFO, Ontario's French-language public educational media organization, will begin April 1, 2007. As announced today by Education Minister Kathleen Wynne, TFO will officially become an autonomous Franco-Ontarian institution, independent from The Ontario Education Communications Authority (TVOntario), which also operates English-language TVO. In June of 2006 the Ontario Government announced its intention to transform TFO into a standalone organization, and requested that TVOntario's Board of Directors deliver a plan for the creation of the new TFO by December 15, 2006. Today's Government announcement confirmed the approval of that plan. A new Board of Directors for TFO was named, comprising the five Francophone members of the current TVOntario Board, with Vice-Chair Gisèle Chrétien becoming Chair of the new TFO. "I am extremely proud of the success TFO has achieved within the TVOntario family," comments TVOntario Chair Peter O'Brian. "I am confident that the new TFO, under Gisèle's leadership, will build on this success and continue to be integral to the fabric of the Franco-Ontarian community." The plan for the new TFO includes a French-language working environment, new Toronto-area premises including a digital production facility, and an ongoing commitment to in-house productions that reflect and meet the unique needs of Franco-Ontarians. "With its own Board and operating entirely in French, TFO is now in a position to further increase its impact as a champion of Franco-Ontarian culture, an active participant in the Franco-Ontarian economy and a support to the French language education system." says Chrétien. "I am delighted to be a part of the creation of another strong and vibrant new Franco-Ontarian institution." "Today's announcement represents the realization of a dream - a truly autonomous, French-language voice for Franco-Ontarians," adds TVOntario CEO Lisa de Wilde. "My most sincere congratulations go to all who have shown such commitment and courage in order to make this exciting evolution for TFO a reality." The only French language broadcaster originating outside of Quebec, TFO was established in 1986 as a service of TVOntario, with a mandate to support French-language education and culture in Ontario. This article is from CHANNEL CANADA   http://www.channelcanada.com/ The URL for this story is:   http://www.channelcanada.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=1811