Imagine a world without journalism. A statement like this would have been incomprehensible a decade ago. Today it is an increasingly potent threat. While the pandemic emphasized the need for reliable, quality news and opinion, the last few years have not been an easy road for journalism in Canada. However, Jordan Bitove, owner of the Toronto Star sees a brighter future.
Whether it’s breaking news like John Tory’s recent decision to resign, the ongoing political tensions around the Greenbelt or exclusive stories on the Sherman case, Toronto Star delivers the news with honesty and integrity. Join Canadian Club Toronto on March 30 when Jordan will discuss the critical role of journalism in supporting our democracy, dive deep into the importance of supporting Canadian owned and operated media, offer a look behind the curtains of publishing and what we can expect for media in Canada in the years to come.
Jordan’s distinguished career at the forefront of Canadian business includes ownership of 80 newspapers, technology, real estate, hospitality, natural resources, and distribution. In 1998 he founded Vision Companies, an industry-leading experiential marketing company. He also founded Great Moments in Catering in 1990, which became Canada’s largest privately held event catering company. As a leader in Canada’s sports industry, Jordan helped launch the Toronto Raptors basketball team, the first NBA franchise awarded outside the United States, and he was part of the ownership consortium that built the SkyDome (now Rogers Centre). He also helped orchestrate Toronto’s bid for the 2008 Olympics. Since 2013, Jordan has been a member of the Board of Directors of ClearStream Energy Services. He has been a member of the Board of Trustees for SickKids Foundation since 2012. He previously served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Toronto International Film Festival, the Board of Governors of Western University, and the Canadian Advisory Board for Right to Play. In 2012, he was a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal for his philanthropic work. Jordan is a graduate of Western University and holds the position of Honorary Consul to the Republic of North Macedonia.
