Broadcast and Media Production (Multimedia Journalism Option)

Diploma Full-time School of Business + Media

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Overview

The Broadcast and Media Production (Multimedia Journalism Option) Diploma is a dynamic 2-year program that trains students in all aspects of storytelling for news, sports, and communications. Students gain hands-on experience producing compelling video, audio, and digital content.

You are curious and creative. You know what’s going on in the world, and you want to make a difference sharing stories that matter. Join BCIT’s Broadcast and Media Production (Multimedia Journalism Option) Diploma to take the first steps in your new career. From day one, you’ll be working as a hands-on journalist in news, sports, and current affairs. Students will be mentored by experienced faculty and connect with professionals in the field through multiple internship placements in the second year. Our emphasis on multi-platform production puts this program on the cutting edge of journalism schools across the country. Check out our student work on our BCIT News website.

About the program

Two years, full-time
Program runs from September to May
Prepares students for a range of journalism and media positions

To see more specifics on how BCIT’s unique training prepares you for a fast-paced journalism career, visit our Program Details page.

Work integrated learning

Every full-time diploma program has a practicum component where students spend time with an industry partner. Multimedia Journalism students will have the opportunity to gain experience working in news, sports, entertainment, post-production, communications, and PR.

Practicums are three to five weeks in duration. In addition to the practicum, students may have the opportunity to enter co-op in Term 4.

Who it’s for

This program was developed by industry professionals for people who have a strong curiosity about the world and want to develop critical thinking skills related to news, sports, and current affairs storytelling. You should also have strong written and oral communication skills.

If this sounds like you, apply today through our Entrance Requirements page.

What grads can do

There is always a strong demand for journalists who are skilled in producing multimedia content. Our graduates launch careers as writers, reporters, and producers across broadcast and digital media. They work in both daily coverage and long-form storytelling for news, sports, and communications.

Learn more about the career possibilities available to our graduates on the Graduating and Jobs page.

Entrance Requirements

Scheduled intakes

September each year.

Application processing

Applications are accepted during the following periods:

Opening (9:00 am)	Deadline (11:59 pm)
October 1st*	Domestic students: September 1st* International students: July 2nd*

*or next business day

Intake may fill before the deadline.

Entrance requirements

Applicants must meet all entrance requirements and will be accepted on a first-qualified basis as long as space remains.

English language proficiency: Category 2 – English Studies 12 (67%) or equivalent

Recommended for success

Attendance at one of the information sessions held each month of the school year at 5:30 pm in the Broadcast Centre, Building SE10 on the Burnaby campus or online
BCIT Broadcast and Media Communications Flexible Learning courses
Related industry experience
Previous post-secondary education, particularly in English, political science, or communications
Awareness of current events

International applicants

This program is available to international applicants.

Study permit: A valid BCIT study permit is required prior to starting the program.

Students enrolled in this program must complete the mandatory work component to qualify for graduation. A co-op work permit is required prior to starting the work component.

Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility: This program does not meet the eligible field of study requirement (CIP) and is therefore not eligible for students to apply for a PGWP.

(CIPC: 9.0402)

Apply to program

To submit your application:

Include proof of meeting all entrance requirements.
Convert all transcripts and supporting documents to PDF files.
Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.

Apply Now

Learn more about how to apply

myCommunication

Within two business days of submitting your completed application, BCIT will send a message to your personal and myBCIT email addresses. All correspondence regarding your application will be posted to your online myCommunication account at my.bcit.ca. We will send you an email when a new message is posted. It is important to watch for these emails or regularly check your account online.

You can expect to receive communication concerning the status of your application within four weeks.

Costs & Supplies

Bring your own device & additional equipment

Students are required to have their own laptop and additional equipment for recording, editing, and storing audio and other media. Please refer to the Bring Your Own Device Specifications [PDF] for requirements.

Tuition fees

Use our tuition estimator to find tuition and fees for this program.

For more information on full-time tuition and fees, visit:

Books & supplies

Student spending above and beyond tuition depends largely on individual preferences and practices. The following estimates provide a range of spending:

Term 1: $1,000
Term 2: $350
Term 3: $300
Term 4: $300

These are general estimated costs, subject to change.

Additional costs and supplies

Multimedia Journalism students may be required to provide additional resources to ensure they can participate in classes and deliver assignments to meet learning outcomes. These resources include:

Smartphone with a mobile plan
Audio recording apps
USB flash drives with sufficient storage space
2 TB external hard drive
SD memory card 1 TB min.

Vehicles

There are also additional vehicle costs associated with our labs. All students in the Multimedia Journalism option require access to a vehicle in order to cover stories off campus, particularly in second year. Students without access to a vehicle will need to arrange transportation or pursue stories entirely on campus.

Financial assistance

Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.

Courses

The hands-on experience of working in the media industry makes your training at BCIT completely one-of-a-kind. In your two years in the program, you’ll practice the everyday skills needed as a multimedia journalist and learn how to investigate original news stories, shoot and edit stories, produce documentaries, and more. We have a strong focus on digital journalism, including social media use for news, sports, and current affairs reporting.

September 2026 Cohort Matrix

The Broadcast and Online Journalism, Television & Video Production, and Radio Arts and Entertainment Diploma programs have undergone changes, effective for the September 2027 intake. If you began one of these programs prior to September 2027, please refer to the September 2026 Cohort Matrix for course information:

Program matrix

Term 1 (15 weeks)			Credits
	BCST 1130	Introduction to News Reporting Introduces the student to the basic principles of news gathering and production. The course will give students a grounding in the systems, issues, and practices of news reporting and will prepare them for the more detailed and involved aspects of the broadcast and online journalism industry. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	2.0
	BCST 1139	Visual Fundamentals for Journalists Visual Fundamentals is a hands-on, creative course that introduces students to the aesthetic and technical principles of visual storytelling. Students will explore both photography and video production throughout the course. In this class, students will develop an understanding of how to incorporate visual storytelling techniques in order to engage an audience across multiple platforms. Through assignments, they will apply mobile production techniques to create a variety of visual stories with an emphasis on the concepts of composition and sequencing. All content will be explored using the principles of journalism. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	2.0
	BCST 1410	Videography This course introduces students to the basic videography skills required to create high quality video content. Students will learn the technical aspects of shooting, such as camera settings, shot composition, lighting, and audio set-up. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	2.0
	BCST 1415	Video Editing This course teaches students how to edit video footage, still images and audio using professional editing software to create a variety video content. Students will also learn to produce basic video graphics and use some creative editing techniques. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	3.0
	BCST 1420	Performance and Presentation The course introduces students to vocal techniques used in performance and professional persuasive communication settings. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	2.0
	BCST 1425	Audio Production This course introduces the foundations of audio production, combining technical skills with storytelling. Students will learn audio recording, editing, and sound design, including soundboard operation, microphone techniques, and audio formats. By course end, they will be able to capture, mix, and export audio effectively. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	2.0
	BCST 1430	Media Writing The course explores how to write for a variety of media styles and formats. Students will learn research techniques, writing conventions and workflows. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	2.0
	BCST 1435	Storytelling Concepts This course introduces students to basic storytelling principles needed to create multimedia content. Students will learn to research and construct stories for a variety of genres and platforms. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	2.0
	BCST 1440	Reporter's Toolbox This course provides foundational knowledge of Canadian public and private systems needed for responsible news reporting. Students will explore topics in politics, business, health care, the legal system, and climate science. Course material will look at how these areas operate and intersect, as well as power dynamics that exist between them. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	2.0

Term 2 (15 weeks plus 4-week practicum)			Credits
	BCST 2140	Applied Learning Lab for Multimedia Journalism In this course, students are immersed in a multiplatform newsroom environment. Students will learn to function in a working environment across platforms with deadlines. They will incorporate industry ethical and legal standards in their work. Students will operate and file audio, video, and digital content to all BCIT Newsroom platforms. Students will work together to create television news content. Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of all level 1 courses. course outline	7.0
	BCST 2233	Television News and Video Journalism 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. Prerequisite(s): BCST 1101 and BCST 1012 and BCST 1130 course outline	2.0
	BCST 2234	Audio Storytelling 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 an audio documentary. Prerequisite(s): • Successful completion of all term 1 courses. course outline	2.0
	BCST 2237	Radio News Lab Presents the first opportunity for students to work in a newsroom environment. The class is divided into small groups for personal instruction on operating newsroom equipment. This is followed by several weeks of practice where students function as reporters and anchors, gathering information, filing news stories, writing, and reading newscasts while honing their ability to use newsroom equipment. Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of all term 1 courses. course outline	3.0
	BCST 2238	Multiplatform Writing 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. Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of all term 1 courses course outline	2.0
	BCST 2239	Digital Content Creation The course will introduce students to the foundations of digital content creation. Students will explore basic photo editing and creating graphics to communicate information. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	1.5
	BCST 2240	Digital Journalism This course is a broad exploration of Digital Journalism. Throughout the term, students will explore the current digital landscape, with a focus on design, social media, and online story delivery. Classes will be a mix of topical lectures/discussions and hands-on learning. Through course work, students will explore a variety of digital tools and platforms currently being used in industry. The course will also investigate the important topic of verification and look at tools to combat misinformation in the digital landscape. At the culmination of this course, students will bring together everything they have learned to create an in-depth, cross-platform multimedia story. Prerequisite(s): BCST 1139 and BCST 1130 course outline	2.0
	BCST 2415	Advanced Video Editing Building on the introductory video editing course, this course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the features and tools of professional video editing software. Students will explore advanced editing practices, including layering and blending techniques, incorporating green screen footage, multicamera editing, team project workﬂow, and more advanced effects and graphics building. Prerequisite(s): 50% in BCST 1415 course outline	3.0
	BCST 2500	Media Industry Fundamentals This course explores the role media plays in Canadian society. Students will learn relevant regulatory structures, regulations, and policies. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	2.0
	BLAW 2010	Media Law The course introduces students to law, ethics, and standards in Canadian media. Students will learn to identify and apply ethical media practices while analyzing and reducing legal risk. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	2.0
	COMM 1112	Media Relations Skills for Journalists In this course, students prepare for work in a media relations role for an organization. It relies on the concepts of mass media to address the role of media relations in organizations, and explains the development of a media relations plan in the context of both old and new media. This course also assesses the contemporary issues and topics surrounding media relations, while providing students with effective writing, communication, audience identification & demographics, branding, and interview strategies. Students will learn how to build an effective media relations plan, how to evaluate media relations within a broader corporate public relations plan, and apply concepts using tools and procedures used in interactions with the media. Prerequisite(s): BCST 1430 and BCST 1435 course outline	3.0

Term 3 (15 weeks)			Credits
	BCST 3233	Video Storytelling In this hands-on course, students research and produce their own video content using ethical storytelling principles. They also have opportunities to be on-air hosts and show producers. Students with a minimum average of 70% have the opportunity to participate in an industry placement as part of this course. Prerequisite(s): 50% in BCST 2233 and 50% in BCST 2140 course outline	5.0
	BCST 3237	Radio Newsroom In this hands-on course, students produce live and recorded content for a live stream. Activities include reporting from the field as well as hosting daily news, sports, and podcasts. Students with a minimum average of 70% have the opportunity to participate in an industry placement as part of this course. Prerequisite(s): 50% in BCST 2237 and 50% in BCST 2140 course outline	5.0
	BCST 3240	Digital Newsroom In this course, students will fill roles in an active daily Digital Newsroom. Participants will work in the field and the newsroom managing the BCIT News webpage and social media accounts. As a team, students will work to produce original content created specifically for a digital audience. Students with a minimum average of 70% have the opportunity to participate in an industry placement as part of this course. Prerequisite(s): 50% in BCST 2239 and 50% in BCST 2240 and 50% in BCST 2140 course outline	5.0
	BCST 3340	Investigative Journalism Building on the skills learned in Levels 1 and 2, students will work individually and in small groups to identify, research, pitch and produce original investigative multimedia news stories for online distribution. Students will apply equity, diversity, and inclusion principles when working with marginalized communities. They will also learn to use culturally sensitive and trauma-informed reporting practices. Prerequisite(s): BCST 2235 and BCST 2240 and BCST 1130 course outline	2.0
	MKTG 3150	Media Marketing and Branding This course introduces key marketing concepts, branding strategies, and consumer behavior principles. Students will analyze social media data and manage an online presence. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	3.0

Term 4 (15 weeks plus 5-week practicum)			Credits
	BCST 4431	Multiplatform Newsroom This advanced course in newsroom operations builds on the skills learned in the Term 3 lab courses (BCST 3233/ 3237/3240) and BCST 3340 (Investigative Journalism). In the course, students will gather, produce, and repurpose content for a variety of platforms within the BCIT student newsroom. Students will work independently and in teams to produce original audio, video, and digital content to deadline. Students function in various newsroom roles which may include Multiplatform Reporters, Hosts, and Producers. Prerequisite(s): BCST 3233 and BCST 3237 and BCST 3240 and BCST 3340 course outline	15.0
	BCST 4435	Journalism Practicum 2 In this course students apply learned skills in a relevant external fieldwork environment (industry). They spend four weeks working under the direction of a workplace mentor at a media related organization, where they may actively participate in the various aspects of day-to-day operations or specialize in specific areas of interest, related to the program. Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of all other Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 and Level 4 courses or Program Head's approval. course outline	7.0
	BCST 4436	Documentary Capstone This course provides student journalists in their final term with the opportunity to use the skills they have acquired during the previous three terms to produce a video documentary and accompanying digital article. The course builds on skills in journalism video production and critical thinking storytelling to enable the students to develop a concept, a pitch and a final documentary and multimedia digital story. The documentary is produced by a team and will be posted on the Broadcast and Online Journalism website. Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of all Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 courses in the Journalism program or Program Head's approval. course outline	7.0
	BUSA 4115	Media Business Concepts The course introduces students to basic business concepts relevant to the media. Student will learn about business structures, social and ethical responsibility, and financial considerations. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	3.0
	MDIA 4140	Digital Portfolio Web Design This course introduces students to the principles of web design. Students will learn all the skills necessary to construct and populate a personal portfolio website, using industry standard digital tools. Prerequisite(s): 50% in BCST 2239 and 50% in MKTG 3150 course outline	2.0

Total Credits:			102.5

Transfer credit

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

Your journalism training at BCIT is unlike any you’ll get anywhere else. From the beginning of your first week, you’ll be involved in learning skills and knowledge journalists and media professionals use every day. We have a very active professional industry advisory committee which helps us keep our program up to date and which mentors our second-year students in industry rotations throughout the year.

Through this program, you’ll develop interviewing skills and performance techniques, hone your writing, and learn how to deliver compelling news stories. All your courses and experience, including industry internships, are designed to give you the ability and confidence to start and succeed in your journalism career.

Program length

Two years, full-time.

Additional program options

Program delivery

In person: This program is delivered on campus.

Program location

Burnaby Campus
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, BC

Graduating & Jobs

With the practical career skills you’ll develop through this program, you’ll be prepared to begin an exciting career in a wide range of journalism positions. Some career opportunities in journalism include:

Video Journalist
Reporter
Sportscaster
Sports Play by Play
Writer/Editor
Researcher
Media Relations professional
On-Air Host
Producer
Feature Editor/Reporter
Digital Content Creator
Social Media Editor

Testimonials

“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.”
Ian Hanomansing, CBC News

“BCIT’s Broadcast and Online Journalism program provides a solid foundation for any aspiring journalist. In the years since graduating, I’ve been able to report on some of the most complex issues of our time for the world’s finest news organizations. BCIT helped pave the way.”
Imtiaz Tyab, Correspondent, CBS News

“After completing my degree, I enrolled in the BCIT Broadcast Journalism program. The wonderful instructors gave me the tools to hit the ground running and start building a career as a working journalist. Best of all, they helped place me as an intern at the CBC, where I have been able to fulfill a wide range of rolls over the years. I love what I do and I wouldn’t be here without BCIT.”
Renée Filippone, CBC Reporter & Executive Producer

Faculty, Advisors & Staff

Christine German
Program Head

Christine is the Program Head for the Broadcast and Online Journalism program at BCIT. Prior to becoming an instructor, Christine worked as a television producer for a variety of media organizations and production houses in Canada and the U.K. She has also worked as a host and play-by-play commentator, including at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games. Before becoming a journalist, Christine worked in sports media relations. She has a diploma in Broadcast Journalism from BCIT and a BA in English Literature from the University of Saskatchewan. As an instructor she specializes in television production, digital journalism, photography and all forms of writing.

Ian Foote
Instructor

Ian became a BCIT instructor after spending several years as an anchor and reporter in South Korea where he covered local news and geopolitical affairs in East Asia. Ian has spent most of his career working in radio and is excited to share his passion for audio storytelling with students today. Ian holds a BA from the University of the Fraser Valley and a diploma in Broadcast Journalism from BCIT. Before his on-air work, Ian assisted in curriculum development and delivery of a course aimed at helping students improve their English-language skills through news media studies. Ian has been acknowledged for his work in South Korea with an outstanding program award and a recognition of service from the Seoul Metropolitan Government.

Julia Foy
Instructor

Julia is an award-winning broadcast journalist with more than 35 years of experience in radio and television news. Since attending BCIT’s Broadcast Journalism program, she has worked at radio stations CKNW and CISL, and television stations CKVU, CTV and Global. Julia has received awards from the B.C. Association of Broadcasters, Radio Television and Digital News Directors Association and Jack Webster Foundation for excellence in TV News Reporting. Julia has been an instructor at BCIT since 1997. Julia completed the Provincial Instructors Diploma in 2015 and she is proud to offer students a strong combination of current experience and professional guidance.

Keanan Kipp
Instructor

Prior to teaching at BCIT, Keanan worked as a television writer and producer, including as a control room producer. While she enjoys the fast-paced environment of the control room, Keanan also loves getting out to field produce on location. Her instructional focus is on multi-platform storytelling. She teaches Television, Radio, and Digital courses in both years of the Broadcast and Online Journalism program. Keanan is a BCIT Broadcast Journalism graduate. She also has a BA in Visual Arts and French from Vancouver Island University and is working towards a Master’s degree in Disaster and Emergency Management at Royal Roads University.

Theresa Lalonde
Instructor

Theresa Lalonde started working for CBC Radio when she was a teenager, hosting CBC North’s Saturday Night Request show. She was also a reporter, producer and host in Ontario and Nova Scotia before joining the Vancouver newsroom in 2000. She’s worked for national radio programs, local radio, television and digital news, as well as the award-winning current affairs TV program “Our Vancouver” and the digital streaming show, “Planet Wonder”. Theresa also mentors new journalists on major projects and series. She was recently the coordinating producer for CBC Vancouver’s Indigenous Jr J School. Theresa joined the Professional Advisory Committee for the Broadcast and Online Journalism program in 2010 and began teaching in 2016.

Zack Singer
Instructor

Zack is an experienced videographer, photographer, and musician with a strong passion for storytelling. Zack co-founded a videography and digital media company and has traveled throughout Canada producing compelling content, often driving social media campaigns. This experience lends well to his role in the Broadcast and Online Journalism program, teaching students the technical skills behind the camera, in the video editing suite, and on digital media platforms. He loves to help others share their stories and hopes to inspire students to do the same. Zack’s goal is to give students the ability to creatively combine visuals and sound to make a moving, polished, and versatile final product. Zack is a BCIT Broadcast Journalism grad and has a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of British Columbia.

Jacob Hall
Assistant Instructor

Jacob is a Broadcast & Online Journalism graduate who also has a BA in Communications from Simon Fraser University. Jacob’s industry experience includes working as the lead videographer for Fitness World and freelancing as a videographer and photographer, before heading up the communications and marketing department for SFU’s NCAA athletics program. Jacob joined the faculty at BCIT in 2023, bringing a decade of experience in editing, shooting, and web design. With his keen eye for detail and passion for storytelling, Jacob guides students through the intricacies of video production, from conceptualization to post-production. Jacob also serves as the internship coordinator in the Broadcast and Online Journalism program, working closely with students to identify opportunities that align with their talents and aspirations.

Advisory committee

Chair – Bhupinder Hundal – Global BC
Laura Ballance – Laura Ballance Media Group
Brendan Batchelor – Sportsnet 650 Radio Vancouver Canucks Play-By-Play Broadcaster
Ethan Faber – CTV News
Renee Filippone – CBC News
Fiona Hopewell-Jensen – Global BC
Geena Jackson – Founder, Executive Producer, and Host of Bears’ Lair TV, Indigenous Business Advisor
Tina Lovgreen – TransLink
Steve Lus – CBC News
Joe Perkins – CHEK News
Blake Price – Sports Journalism, Play-by-Play and Podcasting
Scott Rintoul – Communications, Sports Journalism
Terry Schintz – City News 1130

Internship Opportunities

Students in the Multimedia Journalism Program complete three different industry internships during their second year of study. This means each student spends a total of 12 weeks with different industry partners and learning from those currently working in the field. It’s an excellent opportunity for students to make connections and try out the work they will get to tackle after graduation.

Our regular internship partners include a mix of television and radio newsrooms, sports organizations, media relations and PR companies, and video production houses.

CBC Vancouver
Global News
CTV Vancouver
CITY News
CKNW
The Discourse
CHEK TV (Victoria)
CKPG (Prince George)
CTV Victoria
Global Okanagan (Kelowna)
CBC Okanagan (Kelowna)
Radio NL (Kamloops)
CFJC (Kamloops)
Roll Focus Video Production
Sportsnet 650
SFU Athletics
Vancouver Whitecaps
Vancouver Giants
BC Lions
Canadian Esports Championship Series
Fraser Valley Bandits
ET Canada
Laura Ballance Media Group
Jelly Marketing and PR
Canadian Cancer Society
BC SPCA
Special Olympics
TransLink
Delta Police

We also partner with several established internship programs, such as:

CBC Toronto News and Network Talk Internships
CBC Joan Donaldson Internship
CBC Vancouver Summer Internship Program
The Botchford Project Media Mentorship Program

Contact Us

Judy Phipps
Administrative Assistant
Phone: 604-432-8863
Email: judy_phipps@bcit.ca

Christine German
Program Head
Phone: 604-432-8821
Email: christine_german@bcit.ca

Contact a Program Advisor with the BCIT program name in the subject line if you have a question about:

Program selection and program planning
Applying for transfer credit and advanced placement
Job placement and graduate outcomes
Student life

Questions or comments?

Programs and courses are subject to change without notice.