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This program will be delivered in a blended format for the Winter 2021 term. The majority of courses will take place online, with certain labs and hands-on learning scheduled on campus. Learn more
Overview
Train to be an on-air radio personality, video content producer or journalist through this program that spans multiple media platforms. Learn through courses in writing and reporting, video and audio production, scriptwriting and more.
The Radio, Television and Broadcast News (RTBN) program is divided into three options: Radio, Television or Broadcast News. Students choose the option that best fits their individual skills and interests, in preparation for a challenging, creative and exciting career in the media.
The RTBN program involves two years of full-time study. Each of the program’s two years is divided into two semesters. There is a single intake each year, with classes commencing in September and finishing in late April. A four-week industry practicum is available in the fourth semester.
| Radio Major | Radio students gain valuable industry experience by operating SAIT’s campus radio station (accessible worldwide at radio.sait.ca). Students progress from mastering audio basics to advanced digital multi-track production, perform duties in the sales and promotions departments, and rotate through station positions including on-air personality, creative director, and production manager. Students also receive training in music directing, traffic management, and news and sports delivery, to round out this exciting and worthwhile career path. |
| Television Major | Television students learn the fundamentals of writing, directing, producing, and editing through live production and assembling pre-recorded video and audio elements. A strong emphasis is placed on hands-on learning and innovation in both single and multi-camera environments. Students work in teams to produce information and news programs, live event programming (such as sports), variety programs, documentaries, commercials, and public service announcements. Students also become familiar with the technical aspects of television media by working with broadcast-quality equipment such as High Definition cameras, switchers, digital audio consoles, graphics work stations, servers and computer-based editing systems. |
| Broadcast News Major | Broadcast News (BN) students learn how to research and objectively present a story. They receive extensive, hands-on training. The program provides realistic experiences behind and in front of the camera and microphone. Students are trained to work effectively in both the radio and television environment. BN students learn the importance of meeting deadlines while maintaining respect for journalistic integrity. Students take on many roles in our newsroom, including reporter, producer, line-up editor, news and sports anchor, and weather reporter. |
Credentials
Upon successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT diploma in Radio, Television and Broadcast News.
Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue job opportunities in broadcast, cable and film production. Potential positions include:
- on-air personality
- producer
- editor
- production assistant
- reporter
Related careers include:
- communications specialist
$41,000
Tuition and fees per year*
Broadcast News Major
Year 1: $5,933
Year 2: $5,933
Year 1 (International): $20,750
Year 2 (International): $18,983
Radio Major
Year 1: $6,404
Year 2: $5,697
Year 1 (International): $20,750
Year 2 (International): $18,100
Television Major
Year 1: $5,933
Year 2: $5,933
Year 1 (International): $20,750
Year 2 (International): $18,983 /div>
Year 1: TBA
Year 2: TBA
Year 1 (International): $19,826 (+fees TBD)
Year 2 (International): $18,332 (+fees TBD)
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change
Full costs
Tuition and financial aid
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
When can you apply?
- Applications for fall 2021 open Oct. 7, 2020 and are accepted until the program start date.
| Term | Program start |
|---|---|
| Fall 2021 | Sept. 7, 2021 |
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Admission Requirements
Admission and Selection
- Fall 2021 start: applications are open Oct. 7, 2020 until the program start date but are subject to change.
Admission Requirements
- At least 60% in English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2 or equivalents.
- All applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada.
Direct Entry: Four Step Process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Apply to Radio, Television and Broadcast News and submit your transcripts and/or anticipated final grades.
- Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Find out how to monitor your application status after you apply.
Communication during selection
Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications.
We recommend you add ict.mediastudents@sait.ca to your safe senders list or you risk missing critical email messages.
Courses
Program Outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
Broadcast News Major
First Year
Semester 1
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| COMP-267 | MS Office and Web Design Basics | 1.5 |
| JOUR-206 | Writing Fundamentals for Media | 3.0 |
| JOUR-207 | Introduction to Broadcast News | 3.0 |
| LDSH-239 | Leadership in Broadcasting | 1.5 |
| PRDT-217 | Audio Video Production | 3.0 |
| PRES-209 | Speech and Presentation | 3.0 |
| Semester 1 Total - Broadcast News Major | 15.0 | |
Semester 2
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| AUDI-200 | Technical Operations for Broadcast News I | 3.0 |
| JOUR-253 | Broadcast News for Digital I | 3.0 |
| JOUR-267 | Broadcast News for Radio I | 3.0 |
| JOUR-270 | Broadcast News for Television I | 3.0 |
| JOUR-273 | Field Reporting I | 3.0 |
| Semester 2 Total - Broadcast News Major | 15.0 | |
| First Year Total - Broadcast News Major |
30.0 | |
Second Year
Semester 3
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| AUDI-300 | Technical Operations for Broadcast News II | 3.0 |
| JOUR-303 | Broadcast News for Digital II | 3.0 |
| JOUR-317 | Broadcast News for Radio II | 3.0 |
| JOUR-320 | Broadcast News for Television II | 3.0 |
| JOUR-323 | Field Reporting II | 3.0 |
| Semester 3 Total - Broadcast News Major | 15.0 | |
Semester 4
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| AUDI-350 | Technical Operations for Broadcast News III | 3.0 |
| JOUR-353 | Broadcast News for Digital III | 3.0 |
| JOUR-367 | Broadcast News for Radio III | 3.0 |
| JOUR-370 | Broadcast News for Television III | 3.0 |
| PROJ-371 | Broadcast News Capstone | 3.0 |
| Semester 4 Total - Broadcast News Major | 15.0 | |
| Second Year Total - Broadcast News Major | 30.0 | |
| Program Total - Broadcast News Major | 60.0 | |
Radio Major
First Year
Semester 1
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| AUDI-203 | Introduction to Radio | 3.0 |
| COMP-267 | MS Office and Web Design Basics | 1.5 |
| JOUR-206 | Writing Fundamentals for Media | 3.0 |
| LDSH-239 | Leadership in Broadcasting | 1.5 |
| PRDT-217 | Audio Video Production | 3.0 |
| PRES-209 | Speech and Presentation | 3.0 |
| Semester 1 Total - Radio Major | 15.0 | |
Semester 2
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ADVR-254 | Radio Advertising I | 1.5 |
| AUDI-251 | Radio Operations I | 6.0 |
| AUDI-252 | Radio Production I | 3.0 |
| COMP-269 | Social Media in Broadcasting | 1.5 |
| JOUR-262 | Radio Broadcast News I | 1.5 |
| PRES-225 | Stage Production II | 3.0 |
| SCPT-250 | Radio Scriptwriting I | 1.5 |
| Semester 2 Total - Radio Major | 18.0 | |
| First Year Total - Radio Major |
33.0 | |
Second Year
Semester 3
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ADVR-304 | Radio Advertising II | 3.0 |
| AUDI-322 | Radio Production II | 3.0 |
| AUDI-324 | Radio Operations II | 3.0 |
| JOUR-312 | Radio Broadcast News II | 1.5 |
| PRES-322 | Radio Announcing I | 3.0 |
| SCPT-300 | Radio Scriptwriting II | 1.5 |
| Semester 3 Total - Radio Major | 15.0 | |
Semester 4
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ADVR-354 | Radio Advertising III | 1.5 |
| AUDI-372 | Radio Production III | 1.5 |
| AUDI-374 | Radio Operations III | 3.0 |
| JOUR-362 | Radio Broadcast News III | 1.5 |
| PRAC-397 | Radio Practicum | 1.5 |
| PRES-342 | Radio Announcing II | 3.0 |
| SCPT-350 | Radio Scriptwriting III | 1.5 |
| Semester 4 Total - Radio Major | 13.5 | |
| Second Year Total - Radio Major | 28.5 | |
| Program Total - Radio Major | 61.5 | |
Television Major
First Year
Semester 1
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| COMP-267 | MS Office and Web Design Basics | 1.5 |
| JOUR-206 | Writing Fundamentals for Media | 3.0 |
| LDSH-239 | Leadership in Broadcasting | 1.5 |
| PRDT-217 | Audio Video Production | 3.0 |
| PRES-209 | Speech and Presentation | 3.0 |
| VDEO-205 | Introduction to Television Production | 3.0 |
| Semester 1 Total - Television Major | 15.0 | |
Semester 2
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| VDEO-251 | Electronic News Gathering/Electronic Field Production Camera and Production | 3.0 |
| VDEO-253 | Producing for Television | 3.0 |
| VDEO-255 | Post Production | 3.0 |
| VDEO-257 | TV Production | 3.0 |
| WRIT-260 | Writing for Television | 3.0 |
| Semester 2 Total - Television Major | 15.0 | |
| First Year Total - Television Major |
30.0 | |
Second Year
Semester 3
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| VDEO-301 | TV Production II | 3.0 |
| VDEO-302 | Producing for Television II | 3.0 |
| VDEO-303 | Post-Production II | 3.0 |
| VDEO-304 | Electronic News Gathering/Electronic Field Production Camera and Production II | 3.0 |
| WRIT-310 | Writing for Television II | 3.0 |
| Semester 3 Total - Television Major | 15.0 | |
Semester 4
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| PRDT-351 | Television Project Management | 6.0 |
| PROJ-356 | Television Capstone | 1.5 |
| VDEO-353 | Post Production III | 3.0 |
| VDEO-354 | Remote Electronic News Gathering/Electronic Field Production III | 3.0 |
| WRIT-350 | Feature Writing for Television | 1.5 |
| Semester 4 Total - Television Major | 15.0 | |
| Second Year Total - Television Major | 30.0 | |
| Program Total - Television Major | 60.0 | |
Progression
Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Transfer Options
The opportunity to advance your education through transfer to, within or from SAIT is available with the following universities and colleges:
Broadcast News
- Athabasca University
- Royal Roads University
- University of Alberta
- University of Calgary
Radio
- Athabasca University
- Royal Roads University
- University of Alberta
- University of Calgary
Television Production
- Athabasca University
- Royal Roads University
- University of Alberta
- University of Calgary
To learn more, visit Transfer Options
Costs
2020/21 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | SAITSA fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broadcast News Major | |||||
| 1 | $4,711 | $682 | $288 | $252 | $5,933 |
| 2 | $ 4,711 | $682 | $288 | $252 | $ 5,933 |
| Radio Major | |||||
| 1 | $ 5,182 | $682 | $288 | $252 | $ 6,404 |
| 2 | $ 4,475 | $682 | $288 | $252 | $ 5,697 |
| Television Major | |||||
| 1 | $ 4,711 | $682 | $288 | $252 | $ 5,933 |
| 2 | $ 4,711 | $682 | $288 | $252 | $ 5,933 |
2020/21 International Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | SAITSA fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broadcast News Major | |||||
| 1 | $17,670 | $682 | $288 | $344 | $20,750 |
| 2 | $17,670 | $682 | $288 | $344 | $19,100 |
| Radio Major | |||||
| 1 | $19,437 | $682 | $288 | $344 | $20,750 |
| 2 | $16,787 | $682 | $288 | $344 | $ 18,100 |
| Television Major | |||||
| 1 | $17,670 | $682 | $288 | $344 | $20,750 |
| 2 | $ 17,670 | $682 | $288 | $344 | $18,983 |
2021/22 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
Check back for updates on the 2021/22 domestic tuition and fees.
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2021/22 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TBA | $- | $- | $- | TBA |
| 2 | TBA | $- | $- | $- | TBA |
2021/22 International Tuition and Fees*
Check back for updates on the 2021/22 fees and program total.
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2021/22 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $19,826 | $- | $- | $- | TBA |
| 2 | $18,322 | $- | $- | $- | TBA |
*Fees and tuition are based on a two-semester full course load structure. There may be additional fees for practicums and terms held outside this time frame.
SAIT Fees
Campus athletic and recreation Fee: $171.20
Universal transit pass (UPass): $310 - Check eligibility here.
Student support fee: $100
Student technology fee: $100
Health and Dental Fees
Domestic Students
- Health Plan: $122
- Dental Plan: $130
- For students with existing health and/or dental plans, please refer to the Saitsa website for information on opting out.
International Students
- Health and Dental Plan: $460
- For more information on Health and Dental Benefits for International students please contact the International Centre.
Books and supplies*
- Books and supplies are approximately $720 for the first year and $500 for the second year depending on the option taken.
- Laptop deposit - $400
Find out about tuition and financial aid.
* Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
Student Guidelines
Review the student guidelines to learn about the School of Information and Communications Technologies' expectations before you start your studies.
Fall 2020
Orientation
Orientation for new students will take place online on Sept. 3, 2020.
To find the time and platform, visit our orientation page.
Delivery
All classes for the first semester of this program will be delivered online for the Fall 2020 term due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health and safety guidelines.
The third semester for this program will be delivered in a blended format for the Fall 2020 term due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health and safety guidelines. The majority of courses will take place online, with certain labs and hands-on learning scheduled on campus.
How to register for classes
You'll follow an adjustable block registration process to enrol in your classes. Learn how to register on our registration and schedules page.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Preparation courses
To support your success, SAIT offers some short courses before classes start, including PREP 100: The SAIT Experience and ETHI 110: SAIT Ethical Practices.
Required textbooks
The booklist will be available about two weeks before classes start.
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 required this term.
Contact
Email: ICT.mediastudents@sait.ca
Academic Chair
Gerald Film, Academic Chair