"Our Experience with BCIT Students in our newsroom in Vancouver...is that the people who are coming out of BCIT are able to fit into our newsroom immediately."
Passion for Broadcast and Journalism Communication
Broadcast and Media Communications programs were initiated through
the combined efforts of the British Columbia Association of
Broadcasters and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. The need for
trained personnel continues in radio and television, broadcast
journalism and related areas.
The educational emphasis is upon
versatility. A graduate may find employment in a variety of occupations
within broadcasting and associated industries. Students enrol in one of
three programs: Radio, Television or Broadcast Journalism.
The Broadcast Journalism Program
The Broadcast Journalism Diploma of Technology prepares you for a
career as a reporter, newscaster, producer, video journalist and
writer/researcher for radio, television, websites and production
companies. Beginning in the second semester, you will be broadcasting
on our FM radio station Evolution 107.9 FM (and around the world on Evolution1079.com) and on BCIT Magazine on local cable television.
Our focus is hands-on training with a lot of one-on-one coaching from a
team of instructors with many years of experience in news, sports,
documentary and other information programing in private and public
media.
BCIT's Broadcast and Media Communications department is affiliated with:
The British Columbia Association of Broadcasters (BCAB)
The Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB)
The Radio-Television News Directors Association (RTNDA)
Canadian Women in Communications (CWC)
The Broadcast Educators Association of Canada (BEAC)
For further information you can contact us at: Tel: 604-432-8863, Fax: 604-432-1792, or e-mail: broadcast@bcit.ca.
program entry
The Broadcast Journalism Program is competitive so carefully consider the requirements below and apply early.
All applicants for any Broadcast and Media Communications program must successfully complete an entrance examination that evaluates English literacy, current events awareness, general knowledge, and broadcast industry awareness. Applicants must successfully complete the exam prior to being considered for selection. Proficiency in keyboarding and applied computer skills is essential for program success. Applicants should apply early in the calendar year and ensure their application is complete with all required documentation in order to be considered.
Applications must include a short essay (approximately 500 - 1000 words) detailing personal history, career goals and reasons for choosing broadcasting as a career. The application must also contain all pertinent documents, letters of reference, recommendations, school and university/college transcripts and details of related experience. The Radio and Broadcast Journalism programs require applicants to successfully complete a vocal audition as part of the entrance process.
Applicants are encouraged to attend information seminars which are held on the last Monday of August and the first Monday of each month during the school year (September to June) at 1730 in the Broadcast Centre, Building SE10 on the Burnaby campus. (When the first Monday of a month is a holiday, the meeting is held on the second Monday.)
All applications may be enhanced through BCIT Broadcast and Media part-time studies, varied field experience, and post-secondary education.
The prospective applicant is expected to have high proficiency in oral and written English. Previous studies in political science, history, psychology, business, law, computer science and other humanities, as well as an up-to-date awareness of current events, will prove valuable.
Re-admission Requirements
Where a student fails a term in the Broadcast and Media Communications program, and where that failure requires the student to leave the program, the following conditions will apply for re-admission:
The student must apply for re-admission with application to the Admissions department. An additional application fee must be paid.
Courses previously taken at BCIT do not automatically qualify for course credit. BCIT reserves the right to require the applicant to re-take any course within the program. This may include courses that have already been successfully completed, and/or courses where transfer credit may have been previously granted.
Re-admission is conditional upon space availability. Where more applicants apply than there are seats available, BCIT reserves the right to select those applicants deemed to have the best chance for success in their chosen program.
BC provincial exams
For programs beginning in August 2007 or later which require Grade 12 Math and Science courses, BCIT will not require the applicant to write the provincial exam. Provincial exam marks will still be required for English 12, Communications 12, and Technical and Professional Communications 12.
Apply to program
Early submission of applications is strongly encouraged. Formal review of applications will take place beginning each January. Broadcast and Media Communications programs fill early, so it is in the applicant's best interest to submit an application and supporting documentation as early as possible. Sections in the Broadcast and Media Communications generally close applications in early spring. Applications submitted after the closing date will not be accepted.
Candidates who wish to apply to this program must declare their option/specialization at the time of application.
Indicate your 'first choice program' as Broadcast and Media Communications and Broadcast Journalism as the option.
Oct. 1 of the previous year until the program fills. Applications are considered for a specific intake.
costs & supplies
Tuition fees
Please see the Fees, Payments and Refunds section of the website for more information on full-time tuition fees.
Books and supplies
Student spending above and beyond tuition depends largely on individual preferences and practices. The following estimates provide a range of spending:
Your in-class experience at BCIT's Broadcast Journalism program provides a foundation like no other school. You will be on the air in Vancouver and via the web, around the world.
Your stories will be broadcast on our FM radio station, Evolution 107.9
and on local cable television. You will learn and develop the skills and
knowledge necessary to work effectively in a radio or television
newsroom (or related broadcast industry). This will involve producing
audio and video stories in groups and on your own using cameras and
non-linear editing, digital audio software and other systems to
communicate effectively with your listeners and your viewers.
You will
create stories with digital photographs and will put newscasts
together from a national real-time news feed with your colleagues'
stories from the field. You will also have the opportunity to go to news conferences and produce
your own news stories and features.
Program matrix
Level 1 (15 weeks)
Credits
BCST 1100
Industry Operations
Provides a fundamental understanding of operation of the broadcast industry, its foundations in the Broadcast Act, regulatory agencies, rules and regulations, audience measurement, music licensing, educational broadcasting, broadcast standards, associations and unions.
Introduces the student to the basic principles of radio and television news gathering and dissemination. The course will give students a grounding in the systems, issues, and policies of the broadcast news industry and will prepare them for the more detailed and involved aspects of the succeeding news course. Some focus will be on reporting on municipal government activities.
Introduces basic concepts of voice usage, announcing techniques and news reading skills. Stress is placed on daily practice, and students receive both individual and group coaching.
Introduces Broadcast Journalism students to radio broadcasting equipment and production techniques. The course is designed to give the student a basic understanding of the operational side of radio broadcasting. Practical work complements classroom instruction.
Trains and prepares students to write radio and television news copy. Two hours per week are devoted to lecture and basic writing theory. Two hours are directed at in-class writing and rewriting practice for both media. The course relies heavily on in-class practice and critique.
Examines the language of pictures and their use to convey information. Topics include the history of pictorial communication, social context, the relationship between picture-making technologies, picture communication and picture use in television news. The course objective is conceptual stimulation rather than "button pushing." While some familiarity with 35mm photography is assumed, there are ample opportunities to learn the basics.
Develops skills in word processing, spreadsheets, and databases using MS Windows-based software. Also includes the use of Internet features such as WWW, search engines, news groups, Web chat and integration with other business applications.
This course emphasizes both business and industry skills. The course will focus on writing for broadcast journalism-writing for the ear, focusing ideas, organizing short features, and writing a script treatment. In addition, you will develop your ability to work effectively as part of a team to accomplish work-related communication tasks. The course will provide practice in grammar and mechanics as needed.
Presents the influential concepts of both micro and macroeconomics and, in a student-based learning environment, assists you in applying these notions to your career. A professional economist will work with you in discovering the laws of supply and demand, consumer decision-making, producer profit maximization, competition and monopoly regulation in microeconomics. Use of fiscal, monetary and exchange rate policy to influence unemployment, inflation and economic growth is also covered. Familiarization with spreadsheets is strongly recommended for those intending to register in the Internet delivery section.
Trains a broadcast journalist to function within the Canadian judicial system. This course explains the inner workings and the various levels of courts, and familiarizes students with Canadian criminal law and the laws of libel and slander.
Presents a four-week practical exercise to complete first year. Radio students operate campus radio station CFML, 24-hours-a-day, during this period. Television students produce a news magazine program and apply electronic news-gathering techniques. Broadcast Journalism students work both with Radio students in providing news coverage on CFML and with Television students in covering television news stories. Prerequisites: Journalism - None; Radio - BCST 2210, BCST 2211; Television: - BCST 2220.
Introduces the world of new media and its relationship to a rapidly expanding number of applications in radio, television, audio and video productions, online news and information, webpage design, photo manipulation, streaming media, etc.
Involves the student in identifying, researching and gathering of news material in an organized manner. The student is introduced to beat and filing systems, the courts, the police, organized labour, business, and politics. Prerequisites: BCST 1130
Presents the first opportunity for students to work in a newsroom environment, on- or off-campus. The class is divided into small groups for personal instruction on operating newsroom equipment. This is followed by several weeks of practice where students gather, write, compile and read newscasts as well as hone their ability to use newsroom equipment. Prerequisites: BCST 1134 and BCST 1130
Teaches the process by which a story idea is transformed into a television news story, how to gather visual materials that tell the story, to write a script that works with the visuals, and to edit visuals together with script to create a comprehensible television news story. Some attention is given to newscast make-up and presentation. Prerequisites: BCST 1130 and BCST 1134
This course introduces students to the elements of radio documentary production. During the semester students will work on researching, interviewing, writing, sound-gathering techniques and producing effective proposals. They will assess effective long-form productions. Students will produce a number of small assignments and work with a partner to produce a final six to seven minute final radio documentary. Prerequisite: Level 1 of Broadcast Journalism.
This course is designed to build on the skills learned and practiced in the News Writing course in Level 1 (BCST 1134). Students will continue to improve their use of industry standard writing for television, radio and online sites with an emphasis on news. The focus is on effective communication using proper format, style and structure. This course is a lab in which students work, to deadline to produce news and information assignments. Prerequisites: BCST 1134
Acquaints the student with the structure of the Canadian federal and provincial governments. It also provides an opportunity to research political issues and interact with other students on current issues.
Begins structured newsroom operations. Students are divided into groups to operate the student radio station and the two newsroom labs. Some students are also given off-campus assignments to give them experience as beat reporters at courthouses, city and municipal halls, and police headquarters. Students are given frequent individual and class performance critiques. Prerequisites: BCST 2232
Allows students to bring ideas for news stories to class where these ideas are produced to fit the formats of television news. While most of the emphasis will be on ENG production, occasional stories may warrant the use of studio and graphic facilities. Stories are incorporated into news programs that are produced in conjunction with the Television program. Prerequisites: BCST 2233
Provides students with a good understanding of labour unions and the management structure. This course explains the structure of unions as well as the labour laws of BC and Canada. The second part of the course explores the complexities of business, finance and the stock market.
Allows students to locate industry positions to observe, practise, work and learn in actual industry situations. This real-world experience complements the training and experience received in the past two years, providing final preparation for assuming paid positions as a start to broadcast careers. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all Level 1, 2, 3 and 4A courses.
Prepares students for specialized reporting on public affairs and consumer research. The student is taught specific research and interviewing techniques, and is expected to complete a major investigative project. Prerequisites: BCST 2235
Presents an advanced course in newsroom operations. Students continue to practise the skills of reporting, writing and announcing, and work in the field as well as operating the student radio station and the news labs. The major thrust of this course is to identify student weaknesses and to assist students in strengthening their performance for entry into the industry. Prerequisites: BCST 3332
Continues from the third-term television news lab. While the format for both courses is the same, the standards of evaluation in the fourth term are raised to reflect the expectations of professional broadcast journalism. Prerequisites: BCST 3333
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if
they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's
Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
program details
The heart of our program is a passion for broadcast and journalism communication. In the first semester, you will be in classes to cover a common
understanding of industry standards in reporting, writing, announcing,
visual skills and effective analysis of news and information
programming on radio, television and online. Hands-on training with
broadcast equipment begins as well. You also will study economics for
journalists and enhance your computer skills.
In the second semester, you will move into more team work to hone your
skills in these areas. You also will study media law and produce
long-form audio documentaries. New Media technologies and techniques exist in all programs. A digital
focus co-exists with analog technology, as both are found extensively
in industry.
Additional Information
Alterations in course offerings and
hours may occur because of adaptation to changing industry conditions
and demands. Some classes and practicums operate around the clock and
on weekends to emulate industry situations.
Program length
Two years, full-time running from September to May each year.
graduating & jobs
With your Broadcast Journalism diploma, you will be a graduate of one
of the most well-respected broadcast journalism schools in Canada.
Job Opportunities
Graduates are employed throughout BC,
Canada and the world, wherever radio, television, cable facilities and
audio and video production operations exist. Graduates find employment
in entry-level positions including: radio on-air host, commercial
copywriter, audio producer, sales/marketing/promotion representative,
music programmer, video editor, ENG/EFP camera operator, production
assistant, researcher, news and sports reporters, freelance producer,
scriptwriter and media relations positions.
Broadcast Journalism Careers
Prepares students for careers as reporters, producers, editors and
newscasters in radio, television and related media fields. Training
includes basic news broadcasting skills and academic courses. News
writing, audio and video editing, research, reporting and announcing
are combined with a substantial background in politics, economics and
other applicable subjects. Regular newsroom and field reporting
operations develop students' experience in news judgment, reporting and
presentation. Full digital news generation and management systems are
utilized to provide practical experience.
Graduate employment outcomes
The following link takes you to graduate outcome survey results containing mostly labour market results from the 2005-2007 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2004-2006 Graduates. Note: The survey results will be displayed in a separate browser window. To view these results, you need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.
Connie’s first broadcast job was in Edmonton, Alberta working as a
reporter for CFCW Radio. She then worked as a television reporter,
anchor and producer at ITV in Edmonton, CKVU in Vancouver (now Citytv)
and CBC TV in Vancouver where she won awards for producing
documentaries and election programing. Connie is vice-president of the
Broadcast Educators Association of Canada and a judge for the Canadian
Association of Journalists and the RTNDA. She is a recipient of a Jack
Webster Foundation Fellowship and the BEAC John Ansell Distinguished
Service Award. Connie is a graduate of Carleton University in Ottawa
with a B.A. (honours) in Political Science and a Bachelor of Journalism
(honours) and holds an M.A. in Communications from Leicester University
in the U.K.
Bill Amos
Bill started his broadcast career doing overnight radio news in
Montreal. After reporting on Rene Levesque and the first Quebec
referendum at CJAD and CFCF Radio, he moved to the CBC, where he
reported and anchored on radio and television - first in Montreal and
then in Vancouver. Bill holds a B.A in English Literature from McGill
University and has been on BCIT's Broadcast Journalism faculty since
1989. He has produced a documentary on Online News in Canada and has
done some part-time acting on the Vancouver stage.
George Orr
George’s career in Broadcast Journalism started when he graduated
from this program in 1979. Following several years' reporting for CKNW
radio news, he moved into TV News, working first at CITY TV (then
called CKVU), then at BCTV and CBC, as a reporter and producer. In
conjunction with his teaching work, he has produced one documentary for
broadcast, "Against the Current", which won a Jack Webster Journalism
award. He is also in production on several others.
Mary Kay Thurston
Mary Kay Thurston is a graduate of the BCIT Television program. She
began teaching Broadcast Journalism in 1986 after working as a
writer-producer at Vancouver's CKVU Television. Over the years she has
worked as a freelance photographer, as well as a news editor for
CBC-TV, Global-TV, and ATV in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Other career
highlights include serving as Western Director and Vice President of
the Broadcast Educators Assn of Canada and being the recipient of the
Jack Webster Foundation Fellowship and BEAC Michael Monty National
Excellence in Teaching Award. Of all her achievements, Mary Kay is most
proud of the BCIT High Flight scholarship she has established in
tribute to her husband Mike, who lost his life in a helicopter accident
in 2001.
Christine German
Christine began her television career after graduating from the
Broadcast Journalism program at BCIT. Since then she has developed a
vast repertoire of experience through various freelance engagements
with CBC Sports, CBC Radio Vancouver, Force Four Productions, Channel 4
in the UK and as a full-time producer for TVNW Media Group (a Vancouver
based production company). Christine's background is primarily in
sports production where she has worked as a producer, host and
play-by-play commentator for the past eight years. A few career
highlights include three years as the series producer and host for the
triathlon world cup series TV show, play-by-play for various track
events on TSN and two trips to the Olympic games, as a sport media
liaison in 2000 (Sydney) and as an on-site colour-commentator in 2004
(Athens). In 2005 Christine made the switch from full-time production
to full-time teaching when she joined the faculty at BCIT. While
continuing to work as a freelance host and producer, Christine’s enjoys
her time spent working with students as they too embark on an exciting
career in broadcasting.
Advisory Committee
Wayne Williams - Chairperson, Executive Producer, CBC TV
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As BCIT strives to keep our programs current, programs and courses are subject to change without notice.
BCIT was a great place for me. I met amazing people and walked away
from my two-year experience with the skills I needed to work in the
Broadcast industry. I have great memories of my time spent there, and
highly recommend it to anyone interested in a Broadcast career. Tamara Taggert TV personality and Broadcast grad
BCIT was a great place for me. I met amazing people and walked away
from my two-year experience with the skills I needed to work in the
Broadcast industry. I have great memories of my time spent there, and
highly recommend it to anyone interested in a Broadcast career.