Radio, Television and Broadcast News - Broadcast News

Traits, skills and aptitudes

Those in the broadcast field are innovative, social, and methodical.

You need:

• curiosity
• initiative, persistence and resourcefulness
• objectivity and integrity
• creativity
• an accurate memory
• communication and interview skills
• research and critical thinking skills
• physical and emotional stamina to cope with the pressures of competitive, fast-paced work
• solid news judgment
• an interest in people and current events.

You should enjoy finding new approaches to stories, dealing with people, generating interest in news stories, and compiling information methodically. You will also need composure and poise on camera or the microphone. 

Practicum, co-op and work integrated learning opportunities

In your final semester, you will complete a four-week practicum placement with an approved media-related employer. 

Credential

Upon successfully completing this program, you will receive a SAIT in Radio, Television and Broadcast News diploma with a major in Broadcast News.

Program length

2 years

Accepts international applicants - not-PGWP eligible

This program is open to international applicants; however, program availability may be limited. This program does not meet the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program. 

Not eligible for CAJG

This program is not eligible for the Canada Alberta Job Grant. 

Related careers

Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.

Potential careers (NOC):

• Editors (51110)
• Authors and writers (except technical) (51111)
• Technical writers (51112)
• Journalists (51113)
• Managers, Publishing, Motion Pictures, Broadcasting and Performing Arts (50011)
• Announcers and other broadcasters (52114)

Admission requirements - Applicants educated in Canada

Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and meet all the following requirements or equivalents:

• at least 60% in English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2.

SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta.

Admission requirements - Applicants educated outside of Canada

All applicants who were educated outside of Canada must demonstrate English language proficiency and provide proof they meet the program admission requirements with an international document assessment. Find accepted educational documents and assessment options. 

SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.

Application process

When applying in the application portal, select Radio, Television and Broadcast News. You will be able to select Broadcast News as your major during the application process.

Program outline

The Radio, Television, Broadcast News - Broadcast News diploma requires 60 credits (21 courses) to complete.

The program spans two years, with two semesters each year.

Required courses

You must take all of the following courses to complete this program.

Required courses - General core

• COMP 267 - Introduction to Digital Productivity Applications and Web Design 1.5 Credits
• JOUR 206 - Writing Fundamentals for Media 3 Credits
• LDSH 239 - Leadership in Broadcasting 1.5 Credits
• PRDT 217 - Audio Video Production 3 Credits
• PRES 209 - Speech and Presentation 3 Credits

Required courses - Broadcast news core

• AUDI 200 - Technical Operations for Broadcast News I 3 Credits
• AUDI 300 - Technical Operations for Broadcast News II 3 Credits
• AUDI 350 - Technical Operations for Broadcast News III 3 Credits
• JOUR 207 - Introduction to Broadcast News 3 Credits
• JOUR 253 - Broadcast News for Digital I 3 Credits
• JOUR 267 - Broadcast News for Radio I 3 Credits
• JOUR 270 - Broadcast News for Television I 3 Credits
• JOUR 273 - Field Reporting I 3 Credits
• JOUR 303 - Broadcast News for Digital II 3 Credits
• JOUR 317 - Broadcast News for Radio II 3 Credits
• JOUR 320 - Broadcast News for Television II 3 Credits
• JOUR 323 - Field Reporting II 3 Credits
• JOUR 353 - Broadcast News for Digital III 3 Credits
• JOUR 367 - Broadcast News for Radio III 3 Credits
• JOUR 370 - Broadcast News for Television III 3 Credits
• PROJ 371 - Broadcast News Capstone 3 Credits

Suggested schedule of study

Progression

You must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better each semester and pass the prerequisite courses to progress through the program.

To qualify for graduation, you must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.

Review our grading and progression procedure > 

Books and supplies

Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.

This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.

Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore’s website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date. Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn’t receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you’re in luck; no textbook purchase is required this term.

Advanced Digital Technology program advising

For any questions or to set up an advising appointment, please contact our School for Advanced Digital Technology.

Phone: 403.284.8543
Email: sadt.advising@sait.ca 

Program outcomes

Broadcast News major

1. Apply communication skills effectively and appropriately within the Radio, Television and Digital on-line world.
2. Demonstrate professional behaviours that reflect the expectations of the industries.
3. Interact professionally within the work environment.
4. Manage technical and administrative activities which support the organization.
5. Plan, design, or work through projects or tasks from start to finish using well-defined objectives and outcomes.
6. Demonstrate an ability to use computer software and hardware related to the creation of television, radio and on-line productions.
7. Continuously assess personal strengths and areas for development to set personal learning goals.
8. Use appropriate leadership skills to move quickly toward conflict resolution, and compromise to allow the team to move forward.
9. Demonstrate the ability to critique process and product.

Radio major

1. Apply communication skills effectively and appropriately within the Radio industry.
2. Demonstrate professional behaviours that reflect the expectations of the Radio industry.
3. Interact professionally within the work environment.
4. Manage technical and administrative activities which support the organization.
5. Plan, design, or work through projects or tasks from start to finish using well-defined objectives and outcomes.
6. Demonstrate an ability to use computer software and hardware related to the creation of Radio productions.
7. Demonstrate the ability to create effective scripts; including client interaction, creative meetings, research and editing skills.  
8. Demonstrate technical ability to voice, edit, mix and produce effective commercials and features.
9. Continuously assess personal strengths and areas for development to set personal learning goals.

Television major

1. Apply communication skills effectively and appropriately within the Television industry.
2. Demonstrate professional behaviours that reflect the expectations of the Television industry.
3. Interact professionally within the work environment.
4. Manage technical and administrative activities which support the organization.
5. Plan, design, or work through projects or tasks from start to finish using well-defined objectives and outcomes.
6. Demonstrate an ability to use computer software and hardware related to the creation of television/video productions.
7. Demonstrate the ability to move a script into production including production meetings, location scouting, budgets, facilities, equipment and personal.
8. Continuously assess personal strengths and areas for development to set personal learning goals.
9. Use appropriate leadership skills to move quickly toward conflict resolution, and compromise to allow the team to move forward.
10. Demonstrate the ability to critique process and product.