New TVO documentary on the Toronto Star aims to shine light on the value of local journalism in times of crisis

What if local news organizations no longer existed? Who would do the work of journalists in the age of digital news when access to fact-checked, reliable information has never been more vital?

TVO Today’s newest original documentary, “Viral News,” explores these questions through the story of how the Toronto Star navigated the challenges of the pandemic while playing an important role in covering the historic event.

“‘Viral News’ focuses on the Star as a major metropolitan newspaper struggling to survive in the digital age while trying to cover the biggest story in decades,” said John Ferri, TVO’s vice-president of programing and content, in a press release.

It was directed by Kevin McMahon, director and producer with Primitive Entertainment, who used to be a newspaper reporter.

“When ‘fake news’ became a common trope, my producing partner (and brother) Michael McMahon and I decided to make a documentary about the reality of news gathering,” he said.

McMahon said the crew was ready to start filming the documentary in the Star’s newsroom in March 2020 as the first COVID-19 shutdowns took place and the organization was sold to its current co-owners, Jordan Bitove and Paul Rivett.

The “Viral News” crew filmed throughout the Omicron lockdown, following reporters who had to make improvised newsrooms in their homes.

“As usual in documentary, the twist in events was a blessing in disguise. Our job became tougher, but I think the resulting film reveals more about journalism today than it would have under more normal conditions,” McMahon said

“Viral News” premiered Sunday on TVO and can be streamed via TVO Today, YouTube, the TVO Today mobile app and smart TV services.

Ana Pereira is a breaking news reporter, working out of the Star’s radio room in Toronto. Follow her on Twitter: @anabpereiraa

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