Steve Paikin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Steve Paikin
OC OOnt
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Paikin in 2012
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| Chancellor of Laurentian University | |
| In office October 26, 2013 – April 12, 2021 |
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| President | Dominic Giroux Pierre Zundel Robert Haché |
| Preceded by | Aline Chrétien |
| Succeeded by | Robert Haché (Acting) |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Steven Hillel Paikin
June 9, 1960 Hamilton, Ontario, Canada |
| Spouses | Nancy Nightingale (div), Francesca Grosso |
| Children | 4 |
| Alma mater | Victoria College, Toronto (BA) Boston University (MA) |
| Employer | TVOntario |
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Notable credit(s)
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Studio 2 Between the Lines Fourth Reading Diplomatic Immunity< The Agenda |
| Television | The Agenda with Steve Paikin |
Steven Hillel Paikin (born June 9, 1960) is a well-known Canadian journalist, author, and producer of documentaries. He is best known for his work at TVOntario (TVO), which is Ontario's public TV channel. Steve Paikin is the main host of TVO's important news and current events show, The Agenda with Steve Paikin.
Early Life and School
Steve Paikin was born in Hamilton, Ontario. His father, Lawrence, owned a steel company, and his mother, Marina, worked in education and health. Marina Paikin was even given the Order of Canada award for her important work. Steve Paikin is from a Jewish family.
He finished high school in 1978. Then, he went to the University of Toronto and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1981. Later, he got his master's degree in journalism from Boston University. While at the University of Toronto, he was the sports editor for the school newspaper, The Newspaper. He also announced games for the school's hockey and football teams on the university radio station.
Steve Paikin's Career
Before joining TVO, Steve Paikin worked for CBC Television in Toronto. He was a news anchor and reported on politics from Queen's Park, which is where Ontario's government meets. He also hosted a daily news show on CBC Newsworld. Earlier in his career, he worked for radio and newspapers, including the Hamilton Spectator. From 1982 to 1985, he reported on news from Toronto City Hall for a radio station.
In 1992, Steve Paikin started working at TVO. He hosted a political show called Between the Lines for two years. He also helped create and hosted Fourth Reading, a show about politics at Queen's Park, for 14 years. In 1994, he became a co-host of Studio 2, a popular current events show, until 2006. In 1998, he also helped create and hosted Diplomatic Immunity, a weekly show about world affairs.
In 2006, TVO replaced Studio 2 with a new program called The Agenda with Steve Paikin. This show became his main focus.
Steve Paikin is often chosen to lead important election debates. He has moderated debates for federal leaders in Canada in 2006, 2008, 2011, and 2025. He also moderated debates for Ontario provincial leaders in 2007, 2011, 2014, 2018, and 2022.
Besides hosting and reporting, Steve Paikin has produced several documentaries. Some of these include Return to the Warsaw Ghetto, A Main Street Man, and Chairman of the Board: The Life and Death of John Robarts. For his 1993 documentary Return to the Warsaw Ghetto, he won several awards, including the "Silver Screen Award" in the U.S.
In February 2012, a study found that Steve Paikin was the Queen's Park journalist with the most influence on Twitter.
Steve Paikin retired as a full-time TVO host on June 27, 2025, which was also the final episode of The Agenda. He continues to work with TVO as a co-host for the weekly political podcast #onpoli. He also writes columns for TVO's website and hosts a series of town hall meetings called TVO Today Live. He also hosts the YouTube history series, Ontario Chronicle.
Awards and Recognition
Steve Paikin has received special honorary degrees from several universities, including McMaster University and Laurentian University. He also has honorary diplomas from colleges like Humber College. In October 2013, he was appointed chancellor of Laurentian University in Sudbury. This role ended in 2021 when the university went through financial changes. In December 2013, he was recognized as an Officer of the Order of Canada and also received the Order of Ontario. These are two of Canada's highest honors.
Personal Life
Steve Paikin is married to Francesca Grosso. She is an author and works in Canadian health care. She used to be a policy director for Ontario's health minister.
He has four children. One of his sons, Zach, was involved with the Liberal Party of Canada. Another son, Henry, worked for Senator Frances Lankin.
Steve Paikin is a fan of sports teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs (hockey), the Boston Red Sox (baseball), and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (football).
