Broadcasting - Radio and Podcasting
Develop your voice and production talent for a career in radio and podcasting.
- Learn transferable media skills by studying alongside TV and Journalism students
- Students are on the air within three weeks of starting the program
- First-year students are assigned a weekly, half-hour radio show
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Open
Closed
Waitlisted
Start Term
Availability
International
Availability
Competitive?
Fall 2024
No
Schedule
Program Summary
Credential
Program Delivery
Program Code
Area of Interest
School
Campus
Work Integrated Learning
The two-year Broadcasting - Radio and Podcasting Ontario College Diploma program prepares you with the creative production, hosting, and technical operation skills needed for a career in radio broadcasting and podcasting. 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.
Find your passion in on-air performance, audio production, and creative writing for radio and podcasting. Courses cover all areas of these two industries including:...(read more)
Overview
Develop your voice and production talent for a career in radio and podcasting.
The two-year Broadcasting - Radio and Podcasting Ontario College Diploma program prepares you with the creative production, hosting, and technical operation skills needed for a career in radio broadcasting and podcasting. 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.
Find your passion in on-air performance, audio production, and creative writing for radio and podcasting. Courses cover all areas of these two industries including:
- on-air performance
- audio production
- podcasting
- voiceover announcing
- broadcast journalism
- basic video production and photography
- creative writing and storytelling
- promotions and marketing
While working at the campus radio stations, you put the theory you learn into practice. In the first level of the program, you study alongside Journalism and Broadcasting - Television and Streaming Video students, building a strong foundation in transferable media skills while exploring these related fields. As well, during your first level, you are scheduled for weekly shows on CKDJ 107.9 FM and AIR AM 1700. The importance of teamwork is a focus while operating both Algonquin College stations. In this program, you are given the opportunity to work on interprofessional teams with other media programs. In the second year, you will have the opportunity to choose a specialty elective course that aligns with your media interests. Towards the end of the program, 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:
- news, music, or talk/sports radio
- fiction or non-fiction podcasting
- digital audio content for web
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 Radio and Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) Canada.
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for students who:
- Thrive in a creative performance environment.
- Are interested in audio production technology.
- Have strong language skills (oral and written).
- Can perform under strict deadlines and time constraints.
- Are self-reliant and enjoy challenges.
- Enjoy working in a dynamic environment.
- Have good interpersonal skills.
Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Code:
ENL1813M
Course Name:
Communications I
Course Description:
Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-orient... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
JOU0001
Course Name:
Storytelling Fundamentals
Course Description:
In order to be factual storytellers who serve communities, journalists need to become familiar with core journalism concepts including what ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
PHO0011
Course Name:
Introduction to Photography
Course Description:
Photography is a powerful visual communication tool that can be used to enhance storytelling. Students discover the capabilities of DSLR cam... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RAD0004
Course Name:
Radio Fundamentals
Course Description:
There are many operational and legal requirements for running a radio station. Students develop an understanding of the basic on-air element... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RAD1501
Course Name:
Performance 1
Course Description:
Using proper voice mechanics and techniques is essential for working in the radio and podcasting industry. Students practice the basics of b... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
SSC0058
Course Name:
Local Government
Course Description:
Whether we're taking the bus, playing hockey at the local arena, taking out the trash or simply living in an apartment or house, municipal g... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
TVA0010
Course Name:
Exploring Image and Sound
Course Description:
In order to produce high quality audio and video assets, media industry professionals must understand the fundamentals of image, sound, and ... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
ENL1947A
Course Name:
Scriptwriting for Radio and Podcasting
Course Description:
Radio and podcasting require different types of written scripts to tell effective stories and engage audiences. Students enhance their abili... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RAD0005
Course Name:
Radio News Writing
Course Description:
News content is one of the cornerstones of the audio media landscape. Students develop skills to research and report on news stories and del... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RAD1505
Course Name:
Commercial Writing
Course Description:
Effective commercials need to be written both to engage the audience and to meet the client's needs. Students learn the basic skills needed ... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
RAD1508
Course Name:
Performance 2
Course Description:
New radio and podcast hosts are expected to be able to use a microphone properly. Students examine ways to refine their announcing skills. S... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
RAD1510
Course Name:
Radio Programming 1
Course Description:
Operating a radio station requires a polished on-air performance and sound programming practices. Students continue to improve their skills ... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
RAD1566
Course Name:
Audio Production 1
Course Description:
Understanding the role of quality audio is essential in the production of radio shows and podcasts. Students refine their production techniq... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RAD1570
Course Name:
Audio Storytelling
Course Description:
Being a good storyteller is critical to developing and maintaining radio and podcast audiences. Students combine their interviewing and repo... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GED0380
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
For this course, you will have the opportunity to choose one from a group of general education electives. Your options will include courses... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RAD0006
Course Name:
Digital Communications
Course Description:
Audio and video content producers use a variety of digital channels to augment their audio delivery platforms. Students analyze channels and... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RAD0007
Course Name:
Radio Programming 2
Course Description:
Successful candidates entering the radio job market need to have a variety of skillsets. Students learn the many roles at a radio station th... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
RAD0008
Course Name:
Sales and Marketing
Course Description:
The business side of radio and the sales is linked to all aspects of radio station operations. Students learn the importance of creating a b... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RAD1554
Course Name:
Audio Production 2
Course Description:
Radio and podcasting are an audio medium; therefore, the ability to recognize and produce quality audio at a high level is important. Studen... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RAD1569
Course Name:
Podcasting
Course Description:
Subscribers are looking for podcasting content that they can consume when and where they want it. Many brands, companies and individuals are... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
COM0017
Course Name:
Engaging Through Social Media
Course Description:
Social media platforms and strategies play a key role in how media brands engage with their audience. Students evaluate social media campaig... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
JOU0012
Course Name:
Solutions Journalism
Course Description:
Solutions journalism improves communities through positive, insightful news that turns the negative reputation of news on its head. Its goal... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
TVA0017
Course Name:
Esports Production
Course Description:
As the gaming industry continues to integrate into popular culture as well as the streaming and broadcast industries, producers and technici... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GED0380
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
For this course, you will have the opportunity to choose one from a group of general education electives. Your options will include courses... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FLD0014
Course Name:
Field Placement
Course Description:
Field placements help students gain experience in the radio and podcasting industry while honing their skills. Students train on the job wit... + Read More
Hours:
140.0
Code:
LFS0018
Course Name:
Career Development
Course Description:
New professionals must understand today's evolving media landscape and how to showcase the desired knowledge and skills to prospective emplo... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
RAD0009
Course Name:
Radio Formats
Course Description:
Basic knowledge of the many ways that radio stations can be programmed is an essential skill. Students gain an appreciation of the different... + Read More
Hours:
14.0
Code:
RAD0010
Course Name:
Performance 3
Course Description:
Landing a paid job on air or as a podcast host requires a refinement of performance skills to an advanced level. Students critically listen ... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
RAD0011
Course Name:
Newsroom - Radio
Course Description:
Good storytelling is an essential tool for news reporters. Students combine their news gathering and reporting skills in a current affairs-f... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RAD0012
Course Name:
Radio Promotions
Course Description:
Promotions are helpful in extending the radio station's brand experience with its two core customers: the listener and the client. Students ... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Careers & Pathways
Careers
Graduates may find employment in radio or podcasting as announcer; show host; reporter; news caster/anchor; audio editor/producer; technical producer, broadcast technician or operator; post-production technician; sound mixer; sound technician; commercial or content producer; advertising sales or account executive; promotions coordinator; and digital and/or social media coordinator/producer. Entrepreneurial and freelance opportunities also exist.
Pathways
Please note: There may be more pathways available for this program than are listed here. Please use our Pathways search tool to see every option.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Create radio productions and audio content, in studio and on location, using relevant broadcasting equipment and related industry technologies.
- Deliver, support and promote radio broadcast content via multiple platforms using a variety of media.
- Participate in the planning and preparation of programming content for a variety of radio formats.
- Monitor and evaluate the quality of radio broadcasts using appropriate relevant resources, tools and equipment which meet current industry standards.
- Assist in promoting a station`s brand and generating revenues through a variety of marketing and advertising sales activities.
- Plan and prepare interviews, scripts and reporting content for use in radio broadcasts.
- Use business skills and accepted industry practices in the completion of tasks and projects.
- Keep current with the needs of the broadcast industry using strategies that enhance work performance and guide professional development.
- Perform all work in compliance with relevant statutes, regulations, legislation, industry standards and company policies.
- Present live programming on air to relay various types of information and stories in different formats.
- Plan, perform and produce podcast content to meet diverse audience needs.
- Assess the quality of podcast production and content using metrics including audience engagement and cultivation to recommend sustainable improvements to the creation and delivery of podcasts.
- Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitm and environmental stewardship.
Tuition & Fees
Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.
2023/2024 Academic Year
Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator.
Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar`s Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro.
Fees are subject to change.
Additional program related expenses include:
- Supplementary books and supplies cost approximately $950 in the first year and $200 in the second year.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or Mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their eligibility for admission; OR
- Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
- General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee of $50 (subject to change) will be charged.
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; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 110, minimum of 110 in Literacy and no score below 95.
- Not sure if you meet all of the requirements? Academic Upgrading may be able to help with that: https://www.algonquincollege.com/access/.
Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English.
Application Information
BROADCASTING - RADIO AND PODCASTING
Program Code 0380X01FWO
Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:
ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228
Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.
International applicants please visit this link for application process information: https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/.
For further information on the admissions process, contact:
Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro
Additional Information
Program Resources
The federal government is encouraging radio stations to hire more broadcasters from the following categories:
- racial or cultural minorities
- Canada`s Indigenous people
- persons with disabilities
- women
Algonquin College`s Broadcasting - Radio and Podcasting program encourages applications from these under-represented groups.
Before you apply to the program, we invite you to come in for a day and talk with students about their experiences in the program, and meet with professors one-on-one. To arrange a visit, contact Dan Mellon at 613-727-4723 ext. 5523.
This program has a field work component that must be completed in order to graduate. Finding and securing an approved fieldwork opportunity is a shared responsibility. Your faculty and field work supervisor/coordinator have contacts in industry and, where feasible, will assist you in finding an approved field placement, on- or off-campus.
Contact
Dan Mellon
Program Coordinator
Dan has been working in the radio and television industry for over 25 years. Starting out at age 15 working at his local cable TV outlet, he moved to radio as a 17 year old and continues to be on radio to this day. Dan graduated from the Algonquin College Radio Broadcasting Program in 1997, since then he has been on air at over 12 different radio stations. Prior to becoming a full-time professor in 2010, Dan was the Program Director of 98.3 FLY-FM and 98.9 THE DRIVE in Kingston Ontario where he held a #1 ranking in the ratings. Dan specializes in radio programming strategies, music rotations, talent coaching and programming research. A special project that Dan assisted with was the launch of the Canadian Forces radio station “RANA-FM” in Kandahar Afghanistan during the conflict there. Dan has a vast personal network of broadcast industry professionals that often interact with students in the Algonquin radio program. He is married with three kids and enjoys cooking big elaborate meals when he’s not too busy!
Jessica Brando
Professor
Great journalists have a number of skills, including knowing how to tell a story for the ear. Jessica built a career doing that, first with CBC Radio, and more recently as a podcast producer. She’s a full-time professor with the Broadcasting, Radio and Podcasting program, but moonlights in the Journalism program, teaching Audio Storytelling, Podcasting and Radio News classes.
Jessica hopes her classes get students excited to record interviews, edit audio and produce live radio on the campus station, CKDJ. When she’s not in the classroom, you’ll likely find her being a mom to her two teens, and doting on her pandemic-pet, Sophie the Cat.