Scott’s been working in media for longer than TikTokers have been alive—38 years and counting. He started as a radio host (remember radio?) at stations like CFTR and CHFI in Toronto, eventually working his way into senior management roles. But his heart has always been in connecting with an audience through great storytelling. Since 2020, he’s been hosting podcasts and shows for Village Media, still chasing that perfect conversation.
Find Scott on LinkedIn, where he looks much more serious than he actually is.
A journalist and author, Michael Friscolanti was a staff reporter at The Toronto Star and National Post before spending 12 years as a Senior Writer at Maclean’s magazine. His in-depth writing has earned four National Magazine Awards and three CAJ awards for investigative journalism. His first book, Friendly Fire: The Untold Story of the U.S. Bombing that Killed Four Canadian Soldiers in Afghanistan, was published in 2005. Friscolanti was appointed Editor-In-Chief of Village Media in January 2022.
Derek’s job title has changed so many times we’ve lost count—newspaper reporter, desk editor, videographer, podcast producer, and more. Basically, if there’s something to be done at Village Media, he’s probably done it. A Fanshawe College grad, he started in small-town news and never lost the hustle. When he’s not producing podcasts, you’ll find him behind a drum kit, keeping time for various local bands—and probably overthinking his hi-hat technique.
Leah is the design brain behind Closer Look, shaping its visual identity across digital and social platforms. She’s been with Village Media for five years, but still pretends to be surprised when people ask her to make things “pop.” Whether she’s designing for Closer Look or other projects across the company, she brings clarity, consistency, and just the right amount of “cool” to the table—without making a big deal about it.
Steph has been in the design game for 16 years, which means she’s survived more than one Helvetica crisis and countless “Can you make the logo bigger?” requests. Before joining Village Media, she ran her own design business, juggling clients, pixels, and probably too much coffee. Now, she creates digital ads that actually get noticed—and still finds joy in turning vague ideas into visuals that make sense and look good.
Jayda is a Graphic Designer who really loves design—and we mean really. From print to digital to motion graphics, she’s got the skills and the curiosity to take on just about anything. Known for her collaborative energy and can-do attitude, Jayda is the kind of person who actually enjoys creative briefs (weird, right?). She’s here to make cool stuff and maybe learn a thing or two along the way.
Zack’s the guy behind the camera making everything look way better than it does in real life. Armed with a diploma in Digital Film Production from Sault College and an eye for detail, he’s done it all: short films, commercials, live streams, corporate shoots—you name it. If it involves cameras, lights, editing, or making something boring seem epic, Zack’s your guy.
Drew has worn many hats in media—special effects designer, 3D set wizard, and now head of Village Media’s video news division. He’s spent more than a decade capturing stories through the lens, but he’s not just about visuals—he’s about voices, too. These days, he’s out on the streets (mic in hand, camera in tow), chasing the real, unfiltered stories of everyday people. Bonus: he’s also the first to volunteer for anything involving a drone..
