The Transparent Blackboard: TV Ontario: A Memoir

Julie Rekai Rickerd is a Toronto-based broadcaster and public-relations
consultant.

In 1966, Ranald (Ran) Ide, superintendent of secondary schools in
Ontario, was asked by Minister of Education William Davis “to
establish a branch [within the provincial government] responsible for
educational television.” Against incredible odds, Ide founded the
Ontario Educational Communications Authority. He also created a fully
operating station by 1970 and “steered its course” for the next 15
years. Elwy Yost, host and executive producer of TVO’s “Saturday
Night at the Movies,” describes Ide as “the benevolent Bolivar of
Educational Television.” Under Ide’s leadership, TVO has evolved
into one of the world’s leading educational broadcasters. This
excellent memoir demonstrates how commitment, perseverance, good
judgment, and a worthy product can overcome seemingly insurmountable
obstacles.