Broadcasting courses

About Broadcasting - Radio in Algonquin College

Use your voice to become a leader in the radio communication industry.

The two-year Broadcasting - Radio Ontario College Diploma program prepares you for both the creative production elements and the technical quality in operations needed for a career in radio broadcasting. You gain practical experience working at Algonquin College`s two radio stations - CKDJ 107.9 FM and AIR AM 1700. With the help of a second-year mentor, you are on the air within three weeks of starting the program.

This program encourages you to find your passion in radio writing, production or on-air talent. Courses cover all areas of the radio business, which include:

• writing commercials
• selling radio airtime
• performing on-air
• audio production
• announcing
• broadcast journalism
• production techniques

While working at the campus radio stations, you put the theory you learn into practice. During your first year, you are scheduled for a weekly half-hour show on CKDJ 107.9 FM. The importance of teamwork is a focus while operating both Algonquin College stations. You continue to expand and apply your skills during a field placement in the industry.

There are many different career options after graduation. Graduates may find employment in the public or private radio broadcasting sectors. Some of the roles might include:

• production assistant or coordinator
• music or news director
• announcer
• show host
• reporter
• junior assignment editor
• junior audio editor
• technical producer (board operator)
• sound technician, and
• promotions coordinator

There is also the option for entrepreneurial and freelance opportunities.

This program is a member of the Canadian Media Educators, the National Campus and Community Radio Association and the RTDNA (The Association of Electronic Journalists).

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Have strong language (oral and written) skills.
• Can meet strict deadlines.
• Are self-reliant and enjoy challenges.
• Enjoy working in a dynamically driven environment.
• Have good interpersonal skills.
• Thrive in a creative environment.

Careers

Many employment opportunities await graduates of the Broadcasting - Radio program. Equipped with a combination of creative abilities and technical skills, they may seek employment with public or private sector radio broadcasters in a number of positions including production assistant or coordinator; assistant to program director, music or news director; announcer; show host; reporter; junior assignment editor; junior audio editor, technical producer (board operator), broadcast technician or operator, post-production technician; sound mixer; sound technician; junior commercial or content producer; junior advertising sales or account executive; promotions coordinator; and digital and/or social media coordinator/producer. Entrepreneurial and freelance opportunities also exist for graduates.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Create radio productions and audio content, in studio and on location, using relevant broadcasting equipment and related industry technologies.
2. Deliver, support, and promote radio broadcasts via multiple platforms using a variety of media.
3. Participate in the planning and preparation of programming content for a variety of radio formats.
4. Monitor and evaluate the quality of radio broadcasts using appropriate relevant resources, tools and equipment which meet with current industry standards.
5. Assist in promoting the station`s branding and generating revenues through a variety of marketing and advertising sales activities.
6. Plan and prepare interviews, scripts and reporting content for use in radio broadcasts.
7. Use business skills and accepted industry practices in the completion of tasks and projects.
8. Keep current with the needs of the broadcasting industry using strategies that enhance work performance and guide professional development.
9. Perform all work in compliance with relevant statutes, regulations, legislation, industry standards and company policies.
10. Present live programming on air to relay various types of information and stories in different formats.
11. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Program Eligibility

• English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).

• Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
• IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT) Overall 80, with a minimum of 20 in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20.

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