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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 and traffic management 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
Tuition and fees per year*
Broadcast News Major
Year 1: $6,373
Year 2: $6,373
Year 1 (International): $21,159
Year 2 (International): $20,240
Radio Major
Year 1: $6,877
Year 2: $6,121
Year 1 (International): $21,159
Year 2 (International): $20,240
Television Major
Year 1: $6,374
Year 2: $6,374
Year 1 (International): $21,159
Year 2 (International): $20,240
*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 are accepted until the program start date but are subject to change.
- Applications for fall 2022 open Oct. 6, 2021.
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year end date |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2021 | Sept. 7, 2021 | April 29, 2022 |
| Fall 2022 | Sept. 6, 2022 | April 28, 2023 |
Radio, Television and Broadcast News Diploma
Students in SAIT's Radio, Television and Broadcast News Diploma develop hands-on experience in writing, directing, lighting, camera, video and audio production. This program employs a combination of field and theory applications to ensure students are job ready upon graduation.
Admission Requirements
Admission and Selection
Applications are accepted until the program start date but are subject to change.
- Fall 2022 start: applications are open Oct. 6, 2021.
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 | Introduction to Digital Productivity Applications and Web Design | 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 | Introduction to Digital Productivity Applications and Web Design | 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 | Introduction to Digital Productivity Applications and Web Design | 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
2021/22 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | SAITSA fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broadcast News Major | |||||
| 1 | $5,040 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $6,373 |
| 2 | $5,040 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $6,373 |
| Radio Major | |||||
| 1 | $5,544 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $6,877 |
| 2 | $4,788 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $6,121 |
| Television Major | |||||
| 1 | $5,040 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $6,373 |
| 2 | $5,040 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $6,373 |
2021/22 International Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | SAITSA fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broadcast News Major | |||||
| 1 | $19,826 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $21,159 |
| 2 | $18,907 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $20,240 |
| Radio Major | |||||
| 1 | $19,826 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $21,159 |
| 2 | $18,907 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $20,240 |
| Television Major | |||||
| 1 | $19,826 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $21,159 |
| 2 | $18,907 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $20,240 |
*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: $183.20
Universal transit pass (UPass): $310 - Check eligibility here.
Student support fee: $150
Student technology fee: $150
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: $252
- For more information on Health and Dental Benefits for International students please contact the International Centre.
Books and supplies*
- Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.
- For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a device that meets the standard hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
- 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.
Fall 2021
Orientation
Your program orientation will take place Aug. 31 online. Check your schedule in mySAIT for the time and location details.
Learn more about your orientation.
How to register for classes
You'll follow a fixed 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 additional information on our computers and laptops page.
All computers must meet the following minimum specifications:
PC Specifications
- Processor: i7
- RAM: 32GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Video card: Nvidia Quadro T1000
- Screen size: 15"
- Screen resolution: 1920 x 1080
- OS version: Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
- Other software: Antivirus/Malware protection
- Approximate price (CAD): $3,000
- Suggested model: Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 3
Students must also supply the following peripherals and software:
Preparation courses
To support your success, you’ll be automatically registered in two short courses to prepare you for the academic year:
PERS 050: Student Rights and Responsibilities
This course is designed to introduce you to student rights and responsibilities at SAIT. You will learn about SAIT's rich and diverse community, become familiar with guidelines and procedures that create a safe, respectful learning experience for you, and gain practical tips for how you can engage in the SAIT community in a positive and responsible way. PRES-050 must be completed within 30 days from the start of the semester.
PREP 100: The SAIT Experience
Get tips and insider information on time management, exam preparation, effective notetaking and more through this free, online short course for new students. Plus, learn about discussion boards, online communication and submitting assignments online. Course completion is recommended by the end of your first semester.
Both courses can be accessed through Brightspace D2Lbefore the first day of classes.
Required textbooks
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.
Contact
403.284.8453
Academic Chair
Gerald Flim, Academic Chair
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
Next steps for accepted students
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.