AUSTIN @ RPC
IT & Media Manager
Austin Zhao, FRSA
Austin has been an active member of the Rosedale Presbyterian Church community since November 2018 and currently serves as the Information Technology (IT) and Media Manager. In this role, he supports the church's IT and media needs, overseeing media production, live streaming, and sound mixing for both Sunday services and events. Utilizing systems like the Allen & Heath dLive and Blackmagic Design ATEM, Austin plays a key role in ensuring a seamless and engaging experience for both in-person and remote attendees. He is also responsible for the ongoing improvement, management, and maintenance of IT infrastructure, including LAN systems and security.
In addition to his technical duties, Austin contributes to the church’s media presence by creating engaging content, managing active social media platforms, and designing and maintaining the church's website to meet the evolving needs of the community. He is deeply committed to supporting the church’s mission through the strategic use of technology and media.
While working at Rosedale, Austin completed his Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Communication & Media Studies at York University in December 2024, where he deepened his understanding of various media dynamics. His research interests focus on topics such as artificial intelligence, surveillance, privacy, and the complexities of related policy-making. Austin was also recognized for his academic excellence, receiving the York University Continuing Student Scholarship for outstanding academic results and being named a Member of the Dean's Honour Roll in January 2025. He maintained an A average with mostly A+ grades during his third and fourth academic years.
As a dedicated photographer, Austin has cultivated a strong passion for the visual arts, developing a keen eye for composition and a deep appreciation for the interplay of light and shadow. Over the years, his work has ranged from capturing architectural and environmental narratives to documenting live events and exhibitions. He was honored to be awarded the Royal Society of Arts Fellowship (FRSA) in February 2025 for his contributions to photography, visual storytelling, cultural documentation, and creative engagement. This recognition reflects his commitment to positive social change through innovation, creativity, and leadership in the visual arts.
Through his Fellowship, he actively engages with a global community of artists, researchers, and thought leaders, collaborating on projects that explore the intersection of photography, culture, and social change. Some of the images featured on this website, including those of the church's interior and exterior, were captured as part of his ongoing work to create visually impactful narratives.
LinkedIn: Austin Zhao Instagram: ToIceBearMedia Production and Operations
Rosedale Presbyterian Church is committed to extending our worship experience beyond the walls of the sanctuary through professional-grade media production and digital outreach. Our media team manages the church’s YouTube channel, RPC Toronto Media, where we live-stream weekly worship services and special events, ensuring our congregation and broader community have uninterrupted access to our ministry.
Central to our efforts is a focus on excellence in live production. Our team oversees all technical aspects of our Sunday services, utilizing advanced switcher directing and precision camera control to ensure our visual content is effectively captured and broadcasted. We also manage a sophisticated live sound system that integrates in-person and remote audio networking, delivering studio-quality sound across all platforms.
Beyond the live broadcast, our team captures and preserves the musical life of the church, including performances by our organist, choir, and soloists. These recordings are meticulously edited and archived, creating a rich repository of church history and providing a spiritual resource for those unable to attend in real-time.
Through these efforts, we strive to maintain a high standard of media production that not only supports our worship but actively engages our community, both locally and globally.
A Note of Gratitude
IT & Media Manager, Austin Zhao, would like to express his deep gratitude to Christopher Dawes, as well as Nick Gorham and Vivian Yu, for their unwavering support and invaluable assistance to the media ministry since its establishment in August 2021. Their dedication has been instrumental in our success; this ministry would not have reached its current level of excellence without their partnership. Thank you for your ongoing commitment and collaboration.