91راة« Professor Emeritus David Skinner, a longtime 91راة« scholar whose research, teaching and leadership advanced the study of communication and media in Canada, has died.
During a career at 91راة« spanning more than two decades, Skinner contributed to the growth of communication studies at the University while developing an extensive body of scholarship on Canadian broadcasting, media policy and the political economy of communications.
Skinner was an associate professor in the Department of Communication & Media Studies, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, before retiring in 2025.
Skinner's interest in communication and media students ignited in 1984, after leaving a job as a car salesman to finish his BA at Simon Fraser University (SFU). There, he discovered media policy and was taught by key figures in the political economy of media in Canada, such as Robert Hackett and Richard Gruneau.
He earned a bachelor degree in communication, and went on to complete a master's in media studies from Concordia University and in 1997, completed his PhD dissertation at SFU which focused on the political economy of English Canadian broadcasting. In 2025, he recently published a book on this work, titled A Political Economy of Canadian Broadcasting: Public Good versus Private Profit (UBC Press).
Skinner played a pivotal role developing the field of communication and media studies in Canada. He founded the Journalism program at Thompson Rivers University. In 2002 he joined 91راة«'s Department of Social Science, and later helped to establish 91راة«'s Department of Communication & Media Studies as well as the Joint Graduate Program in Communication & Culture with Toronto Metropolitan University.
From 2009 to 2012, he served as founding Chair of the Department of Communication & Media Studies, where he helped establish the department and shape its academic direction during its early years. He took other administrative roles during his time at the University, including MA coordinator and University senator. He also served as director of the Canadian Media Research Consortium from 2010 to 2018.
His scholarly work examined some of the central questions surrounding Canadian media, including the relationship between public broadcasting, private capital, regulation and media ownership.
Skinner was among the authors of Media and Communication in Canada: Networks, Culture, Technology, Audience, considered a defining resource in the field for its use as an introductory textbook at universities and colleges.
"David’s vision was that Canadian perspectives on media and communication are central to Canadian democratic ideals and to fostering Canada as a nation independent of big geopolitical powers," reads a message from colleagues at 91راة«'s Department of Communications & Media Studies. "Needless to say, such contribution is as timely as ever today."
His other work reflected a sustained interest in how media systems can serve communities and the public interest. His publications included the co-edited Alternative Media in Canada and work addressing community media, media activism, journalism, ownership and media reform.
That work continued late into his career. In 2025, Skinner published A Political Economy of Canadian Broadcasting: Public Good versus Private Profit, which traces the development of anglophone public broadcasting in Canada from the early era of the telegraph through the digital age.
Skinner also focused considerable attention on students. He took part in departmental celebrations recognizing undergraduate achievement, such as presenting the Penny Jolliffe Award to outstanding students and taught the first year introductory course up until his retirement.
"David was a mentor and champion who taught how to navigate the complexities of the profession," reads the message shared by colleagues. "David was always about community, always about conciliation and bringing people together."
After retiring from 91راة« in early 2026, he returned to live in B.C. with his wife Jennefer Laidley, a 91راة« MES alum. The couple tragically died in a snorkelling accident while on holiday in the South Pacific.
With files from members of 91راة«'s Department of Communication & Media Studies