Michael Lorentz developed his love of live TV at WOUB

Growing up in the small town of Circleville, ��, Michael Lorentz didn’t have much exposure to the world of radio and television broadcasting. But he knew he liked production and was heavily involved in his high school drama club. So, when Lorentz traveled with his drama club to perform during a live TV show in Columbus, that’s when it all came together.

“When we rehearsed, they put a headset on me to make sure I could hear everything,” said Lorentz. “And I was blown away.”

When it was time to look at colleges, Lorentz wanted to go somewhere with a television production program. Finding out that it was available at nearby �� sealed the deal.

“When I got to Athens, I worked part-time for the theater department. I got to help with the road shows that came to town,” said Lorentz. “Then I learned I could also work at the TV station. I started out as a floor assistant and worked my way through other production roles. WOUB was a big part of my education.”

After graduation in 1969, Lorentz served in the Army during the Vietnam War. Eventually he was stationed at Fort Sill in Oklahoma where he was put in the television division and did military TV for a few months.

“When I got home, I got a job in my hometown at the local FM radio station as a disc jockey,” said Lorentz. “Then, I moved on to a TV job in Columbus. First, I worked at Channel 4, then I moved to Channel 6, and finally I got a job at WOSU Public Media as a producer/director.”

At WOSU, Lorentz got back into doing what he loved – live productions. He directed several music programs and enjoyed every minute of it.

“I made a few other stops before I landed my dream job,” said Lorentz. “I got a job at WTTW in Chicago. I spent 26 years there as a producer/director and worked on a whole bunch of shows with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. I retired in 2010.”

But Lorentz didn’t stop directing live music. He now works for the Ravinia^{®&�Բ��;}Music Festival in Chicago.

“I really enjoy it,” said Lorentz. “The Ravinia Festival is the oldest outdoor music concert venue in the country.”

Lorentz won five Chicago/Midwestern Emmy® Awards for directing live or live on tape programs. He credits his successful career and retirement experiences to his time at WOUB.

“It prepared me. Everything we did at WOUB was live or live on tape, and I had to learn to role with the punches if there was an issue, solve it and keep going. I learned there that I thrive on live TV.”

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