TORONTO -- The pubcaster for Canada's largest province is going digital as part of an overhaul that includes more money and a new mandate from the government of Ontario.
TVOntario learned Thursday that it will get an extra C$25 million ($22.5 million); $13.5 million for staff training and equipment over two years and $9 million to move to digital over four years. The pubcaster's current annual budget is close to $54 million.
The government wants the pubcaster to return to its educational roots.
Popular magazine show "Studio 2" is being replaced in the fall by "The Agenda With Steve Paikin." Paikin was co-host of "Studio 2" with Paula Todd.
The channel is also axing teen yakker "Vox," as well as daily lifestyle program "More to Life."
Thirteen hours of children's programming per week are to be added to the line-up, the details of which were not released.
"Saturday Night at the Movies," which had been rumored to be on the cutting block, will remain.
Employees were told there would be no pink-slipping for the next two years.
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