Broadcast - Radio
- Credential:
- Ontario College Diploma
- College Code:
- CONS
- School:
- Creative Industries
- Program Code:
- 1168
- Accelerated Delivery:
- No
- Campus:
- DO
- Academic Year:
- 2021/ 2022
Notice:
This program requires applicants to attend an interview as part of the admission process.
Students in this program are required to bring mobile devices that meet minimum specified requirements.
About the Program
Whether you are interested in following in the footsteps of your favorite radio host or in becoming the newest podcast star, the Broadcast-Radio diploma program will provide you with the hands-on experience you require. You will learn from industry professionals and have access to state-of-the-art digital audio studios, providing you the opportunity to learn on equipment and software currently used in your field.You will hone your on-air skills taking shifts at our streaming station Q2 or our radio station 88.3 CJIQ FM, one of the largest campus radio stations in the country. As a radio student, you will become fully immersed in the operation of the stations and their online presence. Specific attention within the program is paid to on-air performance, announcing, audio production, creative writing, research and interviewing, news presentation, sales, marketing, promotions and podcasting, as well as social media and digital content production for multiple platforms.
A field placement provides an opportunity for you to work alongside industry professionals and make valuable contacts.
Program Information
Length: Two-year Ontario College Diploma programDelivery Sequence: Doon (Kitchener) - September/2021 - Fall | Winter | Fall | Winter
Location: Kitchener - Doon
Start: September
First-Year Capacity: 35
Admission Requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or 19 years of age or older with mature student status (See Mature Student definition for details.)
- Grade 12 compulsory English, C or U, or equivalent, OR Conestoga College Preparatory Communications (COMM1250), or equivalent
- All applicants, who meet the academic strength requirements (70%), must attend a program information session and personal interview with program faculty.
- For more information on preparatory programs, visit Academic Upgrading
Admission Procedures
- An academic strength is calculated by averaging the submitted marks of required subjects. If more than one mark is received for a required subject, the highest mark will be used in the calculation.
- Ten (10) additional marks are added to each Advanced level, OAC, U, U/C, and post-secondary course used in the calculation of academic strength.
- Applicants meeting minimum academic strength (70%) are invited to begin the selection process which requires them to:
- Attend a scheduled Program Information Session and personal interview with program faculty. Out-of-province applicants, or distant applicants, may have phone or Skype program information sessions and interviews.
- Final selection is made using a formula which combines academic strength and the score on the interview.
- A sound English background is important for success in this program and is considered during the admission selection process. Minimum cutoffs apply.
Tuition & Fees
Tuition fee details for the 2020-2021 year are listed below. Fees for the next academic year are unavailable at this time. Books and supplies are additional.
Estimated fees based upon the previous academic year (2020 / 2021) for Broadcast - Radio - Program # 1168
| Description | Fall 2020 | Winter 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time Program Tuition | $1348.00 | $1348.00 |
| Recreation/Athletics Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Graduation/Alumni Services Fee | $20.95 | $20.95 |
| Administration Fee | $18.40 | $18.40 |
| Technology Enhancement Fee | $142.75 | $142.75 |
| Capital Development Fee | $77.08 | $77.08 |
| CSI Association Fee | $84.50 | $84.50 |
| CSI Health Plan Fee | $295.00 | $0.00 |
| ONE Card Fee | $12.75 | $12.75 |
| CSI Legal Protection (optional) | $30.00 | $0.00 |
| CSI Advocacy Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CSI Event Fee and Campus Life (optional) | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| CSI Student Clubs and Societies (optional) | $3.50 | $3.50 |
| Locker Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Alumni Services | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Student Spaces | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Graduation fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Academic Support Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CSI Academic Support Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Health and Wellness Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CSI Health and Wellness Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Career Services Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CSI Career Services Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Sustainability Fee (optional) | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| Student Services | $50.65 | $50.65 |
| CSI - Student Frosh Kit Fee (optional) | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Session Total | $2103.58 | $1778.58 |
| Year Total | $3882.16 |
| Description | Fall 2020 | Winter 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time Program Tuition | $1348.00 | $1348.00 |
| Recreation/Athletics Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Graduation/Alumni Services Fee | $20.95 | $20.95 |
| Administration Fee | $18.40 | $18.40 |
| Technology Enhancement Fee | $142.75 | $142.75 |
| Capital Development Fee | $77.08 | $77.08 |
| CSI Association Fee | $84.50 | $84.50 |
| CSI Health Plan Fee | $295.00 | $0.00 |
| Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Documentation Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| ONE Card Fee | $12.75 | $12.75 |
| CSI Legal Protection (optional) | $30.00 | $0.00 |
| CSI Advocacy Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CSI Event Fee and Campus Life (optional) | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| CSI Student Clubs and Societies (optional) | $3.50 | $3.50 |
| Locker Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Alumni Services | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Student Spaces | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Graduation fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Academic Support Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CSI Academic Support Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Health and Wellness Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CSI Health and Wellness Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Career Services Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CSI Career Services Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Sustainability Fee (optional) | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| Student Services | $50.65 | $50.65 |
| CSI - Student Frosh Kit Fee (optional) | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Session Total | $2103.58 | $1778.58 |
| Year Total | $3882.16 |
International Fees
Estimated International fees based upon the previous academic year (2020 / 2021) for
Broadcast - Radio - Program # 1168
| Description | Fall 2020 | Winter 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| International Program Tuition | $6250.00 | $6250.00 |
| Recreation/Athletics Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Graduation/Alumni Services Fee | $20.95 | $20.95 |
| Administration Fee | $18.40 | $18.40 |
| Technology Enhancement Fee | $142.75 | $142.75 |
| Capital Development Fee | $77.08 | $77.08 |
| CSI Association Fee | $84.50 | $84.50 |
| CSI Health Plan Fee | $295.00 | $0.00 |
| ISR | $375.00 | $375.00 |
| ONE Card Fee | $12.75 | $12.75 |
| CSI Legal Protection (optional) | $30.00 | $0.00 |
| CSI International Health Fee | $500.00 | $0.00 |
| CSI Advocacy Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CSI Event Fee and Campus Life (optional) | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| CSI Student Clubs and Societies (optional) | $3.50 | $3.50 |
| Locker Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Alumni Services | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Student Spaces | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Graduation fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Academic Support Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CSI Academic Support Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Health and Wellness Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CSI Health and Wellness Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Career Services Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CSI Career Services Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Sustainability Fee (optional) | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| Student Services | $50.65 | $50.65 |
| CSI - Student Frosh Kit Fee (optional) | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Session Total | $7880.58 | $7055.58 |
| Year Total | $14936.16 |
| Description | Fall 2020 | Winter 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| International Program Tuition | $6250.00 | $6250.00 |
| Recreation/Athletics Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Graduation/Alumni Services Fee | $20.95 | $20.95 |
| Administration Fee | $18.40 | $18.40 |
| Technology Enhancement Fee | $142.75 | $142.75 |
| Capital Development Fee | $77.08 | $77.08 |
| CSI Association Fee | $84.50 | $84.50 |
| CSI Health Plan Fee | $295.00 | $0.00 |
| Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Documentation Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| ISR | $375.00 | $375.00 |
| ONE Card Fee | $12.75 | $12.75 |
| CSI Legal Protection (optional) | $30.00 | $0.00 |
| CSI International Health Fee | $500.00 | $0.00 |
| CSI Advocacy Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CSI Event Fee and Campus Life (optional) | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| CSI Student Clubs and Societies (optional) | $3.50 | $3.50 |
| Locker Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Alumni Services | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Student Spaces | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Graduation fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Academic Support Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CSI Academic Support Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Health and Wellness Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CSI Health and Wellness Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Career Services Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CSI Career Services Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Sustainability Fee (optional) | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| Student Services | $50.65 | $50.65 |
| CSI - Student Frosh Kit Fee (optional) | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Session Total | $7880.58 | $7055.58 |
| Year Total | $14936.16 |
Financial Assistance
The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is a needs-based program designed to help Ontario students cover the cost of post-secondary education. Funded by the federal and provincial governments, OSAP is intended to promote equality of opportunity for post-secondary studies through direct financial assistance for educational costs and living expenses. These interest-free loans are intended to supplement your financial resources and those of your family. The majority of students apply for loan assistance via the OSAP website. Students can also print the application booklet through the OSAP website.For more information, please visit Financial Services/Awards.
Graduate Opportunities
- Graduates find employment as an announcer, news anchor/reporter, creative/commercial writer, audio producer, promotions and social media professional, marketing and sales representative, online host, podcaster, blogger, or digital media entrepreneur.
- For students who want to go further, the School of Creative Industries offers a graduate certificate in Broadcast Performance and Digital Media.
On average, 75% of graduates from the last three years (2017 to 2019) found employment within six months of graduation.
For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, see the Government of Canada website: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/home
Pathways & Credit Transfer
Conestoga pathways enable students to build on their academic achievements in order to earn a degree or additional credential. Pathways are formed through agreements between Conestoga programs or partner institutions. View the transfer agreement opportunities for this program.Often applicants have earned credits from another college or university that may allow a student to be granted advanced standing or exemption. Learn more about credit transfer opportunities at Conestoga.
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
Conestoga recognizes prior learning of skills, knowledge or competencies that have been acquired through employment, formal and informal education, non-formal learning or other life experiences. Prior learning must be measurable at the required academic level and meet Conestoga standards of achievement. Challenge exams and portfolio development are the primary methods of assessment. Other methods of assessment may be available depending upon the nature of the course objectives. PLAR cannot be used by registered Conestoga students for the clearance of academic deficiencies, to improve grades or to obtain admission into a program.Learn more about PLAR.
Program Courses
| Course Code | Course Title and Description |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | |
| BRT1115 | Technology 1 - Introduction to Audio
Description: In this course, students will learn the basic attributes of sound such as amplitude and frequency. Typical equipment used to capture and manipulate audio will be introduced, including microphones and mixers. As well, editing and mixing digital audio will be practiced in labs using industry standard software. Students will record and create audio productions and learn board operating in a live studio setting through a combination of Lab and Lecture components. |
| BRT1125 | Announcing Lab
Description: Students will be introduced to the fundamental skills required to become an effective announcer. They will learn to communicate with an audience through traditional media, demonstrating these skills in live radio and recorded podcast formats. Students will explore radio programming, formats, clocks, and how announcing contributes to the overall sound of a station or podcast. |
| COMM1085 | College Reading & Writing Skills
Description: This course focuses on the reading, writing and critical thinking skills needed for academic and workplace success. Students will analyse, summarize, and discuss a variety of readings and apply the steps of planning, writing, and revising in response to written prompts. This course prepares students for post-secondary writing tasks, research, and documentation. |
| COMM1625 | Writing for On-Air 1
Description: Students will learn skills that are unique to the world of broadcasting, such as writing for the ear, writing to time, the art of storytelling, and how imagery is a necessary part of writing for on-air. They will also learn to write scripts for a specific purpose and be introduced to research fundamentals. |
| CON0101 | Conestoga 101
Description: This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities. |
| ETHS1360 | Ethics and Industry Standards
Description: In this course, students will be introduced to the regulations and standards that govern radio programming in Canada. Students will examine various codes of conduct, including key CRTC regulations and how stations comply with them. Students will gain knowledge in the protection and respect of one's intellectual property rights as it relates to copyright and plagiarism, and be educated on defamation as outlined in the Libel and Slander Act. |
|
Electives: General Education
Student must complete a minimum of 42 Hours | |
| Level 2 | |
| BRT1190 | Technology 2 - Advanced Audio Production
Description: Students will apply the fundamentals of audio learned in first semester to create more complex projects typically heard on radio stations, such as recorded commercials and features. All elements involved in broadcasting from the studio will be introduced including on-air software, board mixing, VoxPro, and Voicetracking. Students will become skilled in the technical setup involved in remotes and live broadcasts. They will also explore the production side of podcasting. |
| COMM1635 | Introduction to News
Description: Students in this course will learn what news is, the basics of how to develop story ideas, and the standard radio news story types. This includes learning and applying the CP Style Guide, developing and employing interviewing skills, and understanding legal issues. They will also gather, write, prepare and present effective newscasts. Students will learn and use Burli Newsroom software for scripts and editing. |
| COMM1675 | Writing for On-Air 2
Description: Choosing what content to use on-air is vital to audience engagement. In this course, students will build on knowledge gained in Writing for On-Air I and use those skills to create more in-depth projects, including radio features, documentaries, and podcasts. Students will acquire knowledge in what topics to choose, why, and where to source the information. They will also learn how to adjust their writing to engage with an online audience, including how to connect and market using social media. |
| COMM1685 | Social Media
Description: Students will evaluate current social media platforms used in the broadcasting field. Examining how they are utilized for both corporate and personal goals, branding and communication practices. Content generation and audience engagement strategies will be developed, using hands-on practice in how to effectively use each social media platform to build a relationship that connects students with their on-air and online audiences. |
| TECH1420 | Integrated Media Technology
Description: Numerous media platforms are now used in the radio and podcasting fields. This course introduces emerging tools and technologies. Through a series of theory and lab sessions students will become familiar with emerging tools and technologies, such as web design, graphics, photography, and video production. Students will learn to leverage the appropriate skill for a variety of media formats. |
|
Electives: General Education
Student must complete a minimum of 42 Hours | |
| Level 3 | |
| BRT2205 | Technology 3 - Multi-channel Audio Production
Description: In this course, students will apply skills learned in first year to produce advanced production pieces. Utilizing their knowledge in research, writing, audio and video editing, web design, and photography, students will create productions from concept to completion. An added emphasis will be placed on quality and creativity. |
| BRT2210 | Radio Lab 1
Description: Each student will rotate through multiple assigned operational positions on CJIQ and Conestoga College's streaming station. They will fill industry matched roles as part of the daily operations of the radio station(s). Those include, but are not limited to, Morning Show Host, Music Director, Producer, News Anchor, Sports Reporter. This course is designed to give students real-world experience. |
| BRT2220 | Advanced News Reporting
Description: Students will apply the skills they've learned in Introduction to News to research, write, record, edit, produce and assemble news features and specialty news programming for broadcast on CJIQ and the program's streaming station. Expanded voice work includes reporter wraps and streeters. Students will learn how they can leverage social media when gathering and reporting news. |
| BUSS2000 | Sales and Promotions 1
Description: Students will be introduced to the crucial role that advertising sales plays in the financial health and stability of a radio station. This includes how to build the foundation of a business relationship, exploring the relationship between sales and promotions, and how to prospect for quality clients. Students will examine the abilities, strengths, and weaknesses of data analytics used to measure audience size in various markets and identify how those numbers affect advertising contracts. |
| OHS1320 | Safety in the Workplace
Description: This course focuses on developing awareness and skills for the student to safely manage and conduct him or herself within a variety of employment settings. Through the units of the course, participants will have the opportunity to enhance their understanding and knowledge of general Health and Safety guidelines, including WHMIS, Fire Safety and Workplace Violence. The unit on Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act will instruct the student on the requirements for Accessible Customer Service and Integrated Accessibility Standard Regulations. General information on Safe Driving, Privacy of Information and Hand Washing will be addressed as well. The course also provides participants with critical information regarding their insurance coverage (WSIB or other) while employed. As well as guidelines to follow in the event of an injury. Participants will receive a printable Record of Completion upon successful conclusion of this course, in order to demonstrate awareness of safe working practices to their employers. |
|
Electives: General Education
Student must complete a minimum of 42 Hours | |
| Level 4 | |
| BRT2240 | Podcasting and Feature Production
Description: This course gives students a chance to use skills they've acquired over 3 semesters to take a deep dive into long form podcasting and documentary writing. Students will create compelling content, from start to finish, that stands out in an increasingly competitive field. Whether they're looking to inform, market, or entertain an audience, students will be taught how to combine their multi-track editing skills with their researching, announcing and writing skills to produce work that attracts an audience. |
| BRT2255 | Radio Lab 2
Description: Building on skills acquired in Radio Lab 1, each student will focus on selected roles while rotating through assigned operational positions on CJIQ and Conestoga College's streaming station. They will fill industry matched roles as part of the daily operations of the radio station(s). Those include, but are not limited to, Morning Show Host, Music Director, Producer, News Anchor, Sports Reporter. This course offers students more time to focus on a specific skill, such as announcing or music programming. |
| BUSS2010 | Sales and Promotions 2
Description: Applying both theoretical and practical experience gained in Sales & Promotions 1, students will develop an effective campaign idea, and create and present a custom client proposal to a local business. Students will be able to dissect and analyze a client's marketing budget and make recommendations based on those findings. They will also develop and present a promotional campaign that is focused on increasing audience size, and time spent listening. |
| ENTR2070 | Media Freelancing and Entrepreneurship
Description: In this course, students are introduced to the importance of initiative, creativity, delivery and business acumen in taking their own journalistic projects from idea to public view. Pitching ideas, pricing and valuing one's own work, establishing one's brand, building business relationships, and the financial aspects of running a small business are all important parts of freelancing, independent production and contract work in today's media environment. Students learn how to market their skills and talents outside of traditional employer-employee relationships. |
| FPLT2276 | Field Placement (Broadcast Radio)
Description: This course prepares students and facilitates a placement experience with a company/agency which has been approved by the program. Students will review employability skills in class and then practise these skills as they take an active role in securing a placement. Students will refine self-marketing techniques to establish cohesive branding of themselves at a professional level. Engaging in the work environment of a professionally relevant company/agency will allow students to apply their education and skills contributing to their mutual benefit. Appropriate workplace behaviour and etiquette is expected as students use this opportunity to expand their network of industry contacts and effectively market their personal brand. Through this experience, students can cultivate confidence, escalate awareness of industry practices, add to their resume & portfolio, and contribute to their own career success. |
Program Outcomes
- 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.
Program Advisory Committees
The College appoints Program Advisory Committee members for diploma, degree, certificate and apprenticeship programs. Committees are composed of employers, practitioners and recent program graduates. College representatives (students, faculty, and administrators) are resource persons. Each committee advises the Board on the development of new programs, the monitoring of existing programs and community acceptance of programs.For a list of the current members, please visit our Program Advisory Committees.
Program Handbook
Apply Now
Domestic students should apply online at www.ontariocolleges.ca or by phone at 1-888-892-2228. OntarioColleges.ca 60 Corporate Court Guelph, Ontario Canada N1G 5J3. Detailed steps on the application process may help you to apply.International students should apply online using the Ontario Colleges.ca International applicant portal. Please note that not all programs are open to international students; check the list of open programs on our International Student Programs web page before applying.
Disclaimer
The College reserves the right to alter information including requirements and fees and to cancel at any time a program, course, or program major or option; to change the location and/or term in which a program or course is offered; to change the program curriculum as necessary to meet current competencies in the job market or for budgetary reasons; or to withdraw an offer of admission both prior to and after its acceptance by an applicant or student because of insufficient applications or registrations, over-acceptance of offers of admission, budgetary constraints, or for other such reasons. In the event the College exercises such a right, the College’s sole liability will be the return of monies paid by the applicant or student to the College.
Students actively registered in cohort delivered programs who take longer than the designed program length of time to complete their studies are accountable for completing any new or additional courses that may result due to changes in the program of study. Unless otherwise stated, students registered in non-cohort delivered programs must complete the program of study within seven years of being admitted to the program.
| Start Date | Campus | Status** |
|---|---|---|
| SEP, 2021 | Kitchener - Doon | Open |
Program status for international students
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