HomeLatest NewsNerene Virgin remembered as trailblazer for...

Nerene Virgin remembered as trailblazer for Black women in Canadian media

Journalist, educator and children’s television host Nerene Virgin is being remembered as a trailblazer for Black women in Canadian media. Virgin passed away Monday in a Burlington, ON hospital. She was 77.

Starting out as a teacher before moving into acting, Virgin is best-known to a generation of ’80s kids for her role as “Jodie” on TVO’s Today’s Special from 1981-87, which also aired on Nickelodeon in the U.S. She was also featured on several episodes of Polkadot Door.

“Today’s Special was an internationally acclaimed series that Nerene called her ‘most cherished and important professional experience,'” the Ontario public broadcaster said in a statement released Friday. “Nerene achieved remarkable success, captivating audiences with her versatile performances that showcased both depth and authenticity. She has left an indelible mark on many who grew up watching the show and on everyone she encountered and who had the privilege of working with her.”

Other acting roles included recurring parts on The Littlest Hobo, Night Heat and Ramona, among other series and feature film work.

Virgin went on to work as a weather host and community reporter with CBC Ottawa in the late 1980s, hosted CFTO current affairs show Eye on Toronto, and by the mid-1990s was helming daily national current affairs show Coast to Coast for CBC Newsworld in Calgary. She eventually returned to Toronto as the launch anchor for national weekend newscast Saturday Report and then anchored for Newsworld International, until its dismantling in 2005.

After leaving the CBC, she completed ESL (English as a Second Language) training and taught in China, in addition to continuing her anti-racism advocacy.

Virgin was named one of Canada’s 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women in 2016, with her tribute saying Virgin was guided by words her mother instilled in her as a child: “You come into this world owning your dignity and decency and you will leave with those traits intact unless you forfeit them along the way.”

“When few Black women were regularly seen on Canadian television, Nerene splintered barriers, railed against prejudice and stereotypes, plotting a course for others,” it continued.

“Nerene persevered, spurred by her mother’s words ‘Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and get back out there.'”


Subscribe Now – Free!

Broadcast Dialogue has been required reading in the Canadian broadcast media for 30 years. When you subscribe, you join a community of connected professionals from media and broadcast related sectors from across the country.

The Weekly Briefing from Broadcast Dialogue is delivered exclusively to subscribers by email every Thursday. It’s your link to critical industry news, timely people moves, and excellent career advancement opportunities.

Let’s get started right now.

* indicates required

 

 

SUBSCRIBE NOW - IT'S FREE!

At Broadcast Dialogue®, we are committed to delivering industry-leading insights, news, and analysis directly to your inbox—completely free of charge.

By providing full / accurate information, you are helping us sustain Broadcast Dialogue® as a free resource. In return, we commit to delivering high-quality content that keeps you informed on the latest trends, technology, and news shaping the broadcast landscape—at no cost to you.

The Weekly Briefing from Broadcast Dialogue® is delivered exclusively to our subscribers by email every Thursday.
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Your Subscription Information

Your Name
Your Email Address
Broadcast Dialogue uses this information to understand our audience and deliver relevant content.
Broadcast Dialogue uses this information to understand our audience and deliver relevant content.

Your Company Information

A Couple Of Questions

Do you consider yourself retired?
Are you seeking employment opportunities?

Connie Thiessen
Connie Thiessenhttps://broadcastdialogue.com
Connie has worked coast-to-coast as a reporter, editor, anchor and host at CKNW and News 1130 in Vancouver, News 95.7 and CBC in Halifax, and CFCW Edmonton, among other stations. With a passion for music, film and community service, she led News 95.7 to a 2013 Atlantic Journalism Award and regional RTDNA award for Best Radio Newscast. More recently, she was nominated for Music Journalist of the Year at Canadian Music Week 2019. To report a typo or error please email - [email protected]

Latest News

2024 Canadian Radio Awards winners

Pattison Media's 102.3 NOW! Radio (CKNO-FM) Edmonton is among the multiple winners at the 2024 Canadian Radio Awards. NOW! won Major Market Station of the...

Broadcast Dialogue – The Podcast: Is radio becoming obsolete to national advertisers?

Radio is still a cornerstone of many national media buys in Canada, but let’s be frank - it doesn’t deliver metrics that digital-first marketers...

Events / Conferences