In a heartfelt announcement, veteran broadcaster Steve Paikin revealed that he will be stepping away from hosting TVO's prestigious program, The Agenda. With a remarkable 19-year tenure under his belt, this decision marks a significant chapter in Paikin's illustrious career.

Reflecting on the early advice he received from iconic journalist Barbara Frum, Paikin recalled her sage words, reminding him that knowing when to leave is crucial to maintaining viewer interest. As he approaches this milestone, he firmly believes now is the right moment to bow out with dignity.

Signing his last full-time contract nearly three years ago, Paikin and TVO’s vice-president, John Ferri, had already agreed this would be his final season at the helm of The Agenda. After 32 years with the network and juggling multiple shows, the demands of daily broadcasting proved overwhelming. Paikin acknowledged the need to step back in order to pursue personal projects that had been sidelined.

Mark your calendars—the final episode of The Agenda will air on the last Friday in June, capping off nearly two decades of insightful discussions and impactful journalism. "Nineteen years is a tremendous run," Paikin stated. "I don’t want to overstretch my welcome and risk losing the audience's appreciation."

But fans need not despair—Paikin isn't leaving TVO altogether! He’s excited to continue a part-time relationship with the station, co-hosting the popular #onpoli podcast with John Michael McGrath, contributing a weekly column, and hosting the monthly town hall series, TVO Today Live. Additionally, he will front a YouTube show, Ontario Chronicle, exploring captivating, lesser-known narratives from Ontario's past. Paikin emphasized his commitment to TVO, describing it as a vital part of his life.

Looking ahead, Paikin is eager to explore new avenues, including creating his own podcasts and potentially authoring another book. He also hopes to engage with other educational institutions, drawing on his experience as a former chancellor at Laurentian University. As he prepares to celebrate his 65th birthday in June, he is motivated to find fresh opportunities to contribute to the media landscape.

TVO will soon announce a new show to replace The Agenda, reassuring viewers that its legacy of solid journalism will remain intact and continue to serve its audience.

Recalling the influence of Johnny Carson's final farewell during the debut of his own career at TVO, Paikin echoed Carson's sentiments: "I found something I always wanted to do, and I have enjoyed every single minute of it." With that, Paikin steps into a new phase, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in broadcasting.