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Remembering RTA Alumnus and Canadian Broadcaster Bill Lawrence
Remembering Bill Lawrence

Dear RTA Community, 

I was saddened to learn of the loss of broadcaster and RTA Alumnus and Professor Bill Lawrence this past weekend. Bill was a professor with the RTA School of Media from 1980-1996 and RTA’s  audio suites were named for him in his honor. 

While I never had an opportunity to meet Mr. Lawrence in person, his impact looms large not only within RTA School of Media but across the Canadian media industry as a whole. 

Bill was presented with a place on the RTA Wall of Fame for his incredible work with CHCH-TV, CBC, and GlobalTV.  From the pioneering days of television broadcasting, Bill’s work spanned an impressive number of roles including studio technician, writer, director, producer, weather presenter, announcer, and game show & variety show host.

Perhaps best known for his children’s programming, Bill’s work on Tiny Talent Time was a celebrated home-town favorite that went on to become one of the longest running programs in Canadian television history.

Within the RTA community, Bill is remembered for his teaching and mentorship to two decades of RTA students. His teaching and guidance impacted thousands of students and had a lasting influence on the Canadian broadcasting industry.  

His longtime colleague Jon Keeble recalls that Bill taught his students the value of effort and commitment. He carried that into his Performance class and was infectious in his praise. His students (a few of whom had been on Tiny Talent Time)  managed scripts, actions, eye contact, energy and enthusiasm of onscreen performance with his support. For years after his students would recite their scripts back to Bill when they encountered each other—a shared moment to acknowledge the skills which became the foundations to their careers. 

Our sincere condolences go out to Bill’s family and friends. He will be deeply missed. 

 

Sincerely, 

James Nadler

Chair, RTA School of Media 

 

Students stand at the bottom of a staircase with their professors.
RTA Orientation

RTA is looking forward to welcoming incoming students for mandatory orientation on Tuesday August 27, 2024. 


Sport Media Program Orientation

Time: 9:30 AM  

NEW Location: Jet Ice Lounge, Mattamy Athletic Centre, 50 Carlton Street, 4th Floor

                                                        

 Media Production Program Orientation

Time: 10:00 AM 

Location: LIB 072, Library Building, 350 Victoria Street, Ground Floor     

                           

New Media Program Orientation                              

Time: 10:30 AM                           

Location: KHE 225, Kerr Hall East, 340 Church Street, 2nd Floor           

Lunch - All Programs                   

Time: 12:15 PM                           

Location: Allan Slaight Radio Institute, Rogers Communication Centre, Ground Floor                             

RTA School of Media Orientation - All Programs

Time: 1:15PM                             

NEW Location: LIB 072, Library Building, 350 Victoria Street, Ground Floor