Overview

Are you ready to step into the spotlight and make your mark in the world of media? The Radio, Television, and Broadcast News program's Broadcast News major is your gateway to an exciting career as a news or sports anchor.

Maybe you'd like to be a sideline host for Hockey Night in Canada? Or a content creator with your own YouTube channel, podcast or website? This program will help you get there.

Hands-on training for the real world

You'll receive extensive, hands-on training that equips you for the broadcast environment. We understand the importance of real-world experience, and you'll have plenty of it.

Journalistic integrity and deadline respect

Our curriculum emphasizes the core principles of broadcast journalism, instilling in you the value of journalistic integrity. You'll learn to craft compelling stories while upholding the highest ethical standards. You'll master the crucial skill of meeting deadlines.

Diverse roles in real-life simulations

Prepare to wear many hats! In our real-life simulations, you'll take on various roles that mirror the dynamic world of broadcast news.

Whether you're a reporter on the frontlines of breaking news, a producer orchestrating a live broadcast, a web editor shaping online content, a newscaster or sports anchor, a live reporter capturing events as they unfold or a weather presenter, you'll gain invaluable experience that sets you apart.

Challenging, creative, and career-ready

Our broadcasting program is designed to challenge your skills, stretch your creativity, and prepare you for a rewarding career in various media-related fields.

This program involves two years of full-time study, along with an industry practicum in your fourth semester.

You'll emerge with a solid content creation and broadcasting foundation, ready to make your mark in the industry.

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. 

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

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

Download program info

Careers and opportunities

Each year, SAIT conducts a survey between February and April to determine the employment rate, salary and satisfaction of our newest SAIT alumni. 

people icon 85% graduate employment rate

salary icon $42,000 average starting salary

Find out more about our graduate employment statistics >

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

Associated National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes: 51110, 51111, 51112, 51113, 50011, 52114.

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Career counselling and support

Unsure which career path is for you? SAIT offers career planning services to help you decide your future.

You can also get started by taking our online career finder quiz, which can help you narrow down your search based on your current skills and interests.

Finally, you can also head to Alberta alis for various tools and resources, including additional quizzes and labour market information to help you narrow down a career path.

Courses

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.

View classes by semester

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

General core

Course Credits

This course is an introduction to computer fundamentals with emphasis on skills training. Theoretical components include Internet technology and terminology. Practical skills include file management, basic skills in word processing, spreadsheet applications, and presentation applications. Web applications and webpage design skills will be developed.

1.5

The focus of this course is to develop and assess the writing skills essential for the broadcast industry. Topics include scriptwriting fundamentals, grammar, styles, script formats, research, and development of interview questions.

3

This course provides emerging and existing leaders the opportunity to explore the concept of leadership and to develop and improve their leadership skills. The participant gains an understanding of leadership, articulates a personal philosophy of leadership, and applies various leadership skills. Involvement is accomplished through assigned readings, discussion, role playing, experiential activity, use of multimedia, journal writing, and extracurricular project and leader shadowing.

1.5

Audio Video Production introduces learners to the basic tools and techniques of audio and video production. Learners develop production skills, forming the basis for advanced Radio, Television, and Broadcast News program elements. Through practical experience, learners explore digital audio production, audio/video editing, interview production, camera composition, single camera production techniques, and visual storytelling production and planning.

Equivalents:
  • VDEO 238
  • VDEO 240
3

Creative expression and the concepts of dramatic, mental and physical involvement in performance are key elements to a future broadcasting career. Students study the foundational elements of improvisation, movement, dramatic interpretation, voice production, articulation, enunciation and public speaking.

3

Broadcast news core

Course Credits

Learn the various roles in technical operations of broadcast news. Operate a camera, record audio components, edit in non-linear editing software and mix it all together to produce newscast

Pre-requisites:
  • PRDT 217
3

This intermediate course continues instruction in audio and video production and operations specifically for Broadcast News. Students are expected to create programs using production techniques, field and telephone recording, and newsroom equipment to a near 'air ready' level. Learners continue to build their skills in video production ENG (Electronic News Gathering) including camera and editing in the "television news" style.

Pre-requisites:
  • AUDI 200
3

This course provides instruction in audio and video production and operations designed specifically for Broadcast News learners. Assignments are given on program creation, production techniques, field and telephone recording, and newsroom equipment. Further, the broadcast news learner is introduced to the fundamentals of video production ENG (Electronic News Gathering) including camera and editing in the "television news" style.

Pre-requisites:
  • AUDI 200
  • AUDI 300
3

Introduction to Broadcast News introduces learners to the principles of broadcast journalism and the role of the broadcast industry. They will learn to examine current events, sources, critical news judgment and the basics of interviewing as they relate to potential roles in broadcasting. In addition, learners gain hands-on experience in producing a basic television news program.

3

Learn to research, fact-check and source information using digital tools. Write for online audiences. Using the latest digital technologies, develop interactive stories on multiple platforms (outside of mainstream media).

Pre-requisites:
  • JOUR 206
  • JOUR 207
3

Learn to write and rewrite copy for a radio newscast. Determine story lineups. Emphasis is on developing a clear, concise and literate writing style. Apply voiced reports, taped actualities, and sound during a simulated radio newsroom operation.

Pre-requisites:
  • JOUR 206
  • JOUR 207
3

Learn the basics of television news production. Write, create and deliver an on-air newscast. Develop oral presentation skills while participating in a simulation of presenting a news or sports show.

Pre-requisites:
  • JOUR 206
  • JOUR 207
3

Learn reporting basics: finding/assessing story ideas, developing sources, structuring a story for radio and television. Develop best practices for interviewing and writing news gathered in the field.

Pre-requisites:
  • JOUR 206
  • JOUR 207
3

This course advances journalistic skills including online writing, the use of digital tools and website management. Gathering/publishing news in the field on multiple platforms will help the learner sharpen news judgment and ethical awareness while building an online brand.

Pre-requisites:
  • JOUR 253
3

In this intermediate course learners continue to write and rewrite news, sports, and weather copy and determine the appropriate lineup of a newscast as part of the radio news lab simulation. The course material requires a clear, concise and literate writing style, and explains the importance of format and the use of voice reports, taped actualities, and sound for radio news, sports, and weather. Learners are actively involved with the radio students in radio simulation which includes on-air presentation of news, weather and sports. On-air presentation for radio is taught and critiqued.

Pre-requisites:
  • JOUR 267
3

This course prepares the learner to write and rewrite news, sports, and weather copy and decide the lineup of a newscast in preparation for the television news lab simulation. Lectures and class work deal with the basic responsibilities of the producer, and the news, weather, and sports anchors. Learners are actively involved in the production of short TV news programs. Oral interpretation of written text and on-air presentation for television is taught and critiqued.

Pre-requisites:
  • JOUR 270
3

This intermediate course continues beat and field reporting on a wide variety of topics and situations. The course emphasizes the ways in which broadcast journalists access and report on information. Intermediate skills in interviewing and writing for field reporting are highlighted.

Pre-requisites:
  • JOUR 273
3

In this course, learners actively participate in the daily running of the Newsroom through frequent updates and contributions to the web and a variety of social media platforms.

Pre-requisites:
  • JOUR 303
3

In this course, learners run all aspects of the radio newsroom in conjunction with the radio students in radio simulation. Components of this course may be used in the BN Capstone course. On-air presentation for radio is critiqued.

Pre-requisites:
  • JOUR 267
  • JOUR 317
3

In this course, learners complete all of the Broadcast News components for a longer format Television News program in cooperation with the Television students. Components of this course may be used in the BN Capstone course. On-air presentation for Television is critiqued.

Pre-requisites:
  • JOUR 320
3

In this course students will complete two distinct elements.  Students will plan and execute a small group project of their choice, demonstrating their applied learning.  Further, students will research and complete a 4-week practicum placement with an approved media-related employer.

Pre-requisites:
  • AUDI 300
  • JOUR 303
  • JOUR 317
  • JOUR 320
  • JOUR 323
3

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 > 

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Explore your options!

Some courses in this program are available through Open Studies. You can complete courses via Open Studies to get a head start on your education, reduce your course load once accepted into a credentialed program, or determine which career path best suits you before you fully commit. 

You may also take courses for general interest or personal and professional development.

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.

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.

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Academic Upgrading

Missing an admission requirement for this program? Upgrade your prior education to help you receive admission into one of SAIT's career programs.

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English language proficiency

All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.

Transfer agreements

At SAIT, we evaluate post-secondary credit you have previously earned and apply it to your SAIT credential. Explore our formal transfer agreements available for this program.

We can evaluate your prior education, even if we don't have a formal agreement in place.

Submit a transfer credit application

There are no formal transfer agreements currently in place for this program.

Transfer options for graduates

Build on the knowledge you’ve learned at SAIT. The opportunity to advance your education at an accredited post-secondary institution may be available.

🔗 Visit Transfer Alberta search tool for all transfer agreements in Alberta (including UCalgary, MRU and BVC).

If there are transfer agreements with other institutions outside of Alberta, nationally or internationally, they will be listed below.

Available intakes

There are no intakes currently scheduled for this program. Please check back for updates.

Costs

2024/25 tuition and fees

The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2024. 

Domestic students

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for domestic students is based on the recommended course load per year. 
Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
1 2 $5,400 $1,608 $7,008
2 2 $5,400 $1,608 $7,008
Total cost:
$14,016

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for international students is based on the recommended course load per year. 
Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
1 2 $21,180 $1,608 $22,788
2 2 $21,180 $1,608 $22,788
Total cost:
$45,576

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.

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Financial aid

Paying for your education may feel overwhelming, but we have resources and programs that can help, including information about payment options, student loans, grants and scholarships.

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.

Ready to apply?

Follow our step-by-step guide to submitting a successful application.

Learn how to apply

Communication during admission

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 the sadt.advising@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.

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Begin your application

Apply now using the online application portal. 

Ensure you have a valid Visa or Mastercard to pay the non-refundable application fee of $120 for domestic applicants or $175 for international applicants. 

Information sessions

Prepare for a strong start in your chosen program or get the details you need to decide your future path.

Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions and provide information about the following:

  • What sets SAIT apart
  • An introduction to the program and area of study
  • Admission requirements
  • Future career paths
  • Information on the earning potential and graduate employment rates.

Contact us

School for Advanced Digital Technology Advising

Phone
403.284.8543
Email
sadt.advising@sait.ca

International Student Advising

Phone
403.284.8852
Email
international@sait.ca
a view of the moutains and stream in between

Oki, Âba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.

SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.

We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.