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Overview
So, you want to become a radio announcer or DJ? What about learning how to produce content for the next most-talked-about podcast? Or how to become a voice actor for animation and videos? The Radio, Television, and Broadcast News program’s Radio major is your ticket!
Gain valuable, hands-on experience by performing on SAIT’s Campus Radio Station, saitradio.com. You'll go on air as a radio personality, learn advanced multi-track digital audio production, and gain extensive, industry-level training in creative writing, promotional planning, and execution.
Graduates of the Radio program are on the air in Calgary and all over Canada as DJs, producers, writers and voice-over talent. Even Howard Stern hired a SAIT Radio grad to be the Imaging Director and Head Sound Designer for his two stations on Sirius XM!
This program involves two years of full-time study. Each of the program’s two years is divided into two semesters. Each year, there is a single intake, with classes commencing in September and finishing in late April. A four-week industry practicum is completed in the fourth semester.
The opportunity to advance your education by transferring into this program or gain credit for previous postsecondary courses may be available.
There may also be opportunities to further your education by transferring to another institution once you graduate.
Learn more about program and institution transfer options.
You will participate in a four-week practicum at a participating radio station in positions related to writing/advertising, production, or on-air.
Upon successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT diploma in Radio, Television and Broadcast News.
Careers and opportunities
Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.

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.
Services and workshopsCourses
The Radio, Television and Broadcast News - Radio diploma requires 61.5 credits (26 courses) to complete.
The program spans two years, with two semesters each year.
Course | Credits |
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This course introduces the learner to the fundamentals of radio advertising. Learners work independently on writing projects in conjunction with course work from AUDI 252, Radio Production I. Instruction is provided through individual tutorial sessions. Pre-requisites:
Corequsites:
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1.5 |
This course concentrates on client services and station profile enhancement. Learners participate as Account Executives (sales) and Creative Consultants (writers) servicing the client base of the SAIT Campus Radio station. In addition, learners create simple station promotions. Pre-requisites:
Corequsites:
|
3 |
This course concentrates on pinpointing precise client needs and creating advertising campaigns that best service the clients with an emphasis on the sales-creative team approach to revenue generation. Learners also execute the promotions planned in ADVR 304. Pre-requisites:
Corequsites:
|
1.5 |
This course is designed to introduce students to the radio industry. Through lecture, class discussion, research assignments, guest speakers, and so on, students will gain an understanding of the key elements of the business of radio. Specific topics include the organizational structure of the radio industry, on-air and programming elements, and radio advertising, marketing and promotion. |
3 |
This course provides learners with an understanding of radio station operations. Learners are instructed on and given assignments in program log creation, remote broadcasting, commercial production and on-air operations. Pre-requisites:
Corequsites:
|
6 |
This course provides audio equipment operations instruction designed specifically for Radio learners. Assignments are given on audio console operations, production techniques, audio patch bay theory and operations, field recording and newsroom equipment. Pre-requisites:
Corequsites:
|
3 |
This course provides advanced commercial, public service announcement, program and feature production instruction. Learners are also introduced to the theory and application of external production devices. Pre-requisites:
Corequsites:
|
3 |
Learners participate in all areas of station operation including using our computerized traffic system and computer-managed music library. Learners also design and produce a variety of programming material. Pre-requisites:
Corequsites:
|
3 |
This course provides advanced commercial, public service announcement, program and feature production instruction. Learners are also introduced to the theory and application of external production devices. Pre-requisites:
Corequsites:
|
1.5 |
Learners participate in all areas of station operation including using our computerized traffic system and computer-managed music library. Learners also design and produce a variety of programming material. Pre-requisites:
Corequsites:
|
3 |
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 |
This course introduces the learner to the fundamentals of Social Media as it is used in the electronic media. Learners work on and through a variety of social media projects that include, but are not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Web 2.0, with a focus on their proper use in broadcast settings. Instruction is provided through individual and group projects, lectures, tutorials, and hands-on application. Equivalents:
|
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 learners with the skills required for understanding the basic structure and content of radio news and sportscasts. Preparing, rewriting copy and deciding the lineup of a newscast is the main focus of this course. Emphasis is placed on the need for a clear, concise and literate writing style. Pre-requisites:
|
1.5 |
Learners prepare and deliver news and sportscasts for radio. These casts are broadcast on the campus radio station. Learners write and execute story ideas and produce a news feature. Pre-requisites:
Corequsites:
|
1.5 |
JOUR 362 provides further experience in preparing and delivering news, sports and farmcasts for radio. These casts are broadcast on the campus radio station. Pre-requisites:
Corequsites:
|
1.5 |
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 |
PRAC 397 is a four-week, experiential opportunity conducted on-site at a participating radio station. It is designed to provide learners with a sense of what working in the industry is really like. Practicums are completed in one of, or a combination of, writing/advertising, production, or on-air positions. Pre-requisites:
|
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:
|
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 |
The course covers the preparation and presentation of a dramatized stage script and expands learner appreciation of dramatic text. Learners are involved in onstage and backstage positions. Pre-requisites:
|
3 |
This course is designed to aid the learner in developing an individual voicing style suitable for on-air and commercial work. Focus will be placed on dramatic technique, on-air delivery, ad-libbing skills, and commercial voicing. Pre-requisites:
Corequsites:
|
3 |
This course is designed to help the learner achieve a level of presentation suitable for an introductory level job in industry. Focus will be placed on on-air announcing, commercial reading, dramatic reading, and feature reading. Pre-requisites:
Corequsites:
|
3 |
This course focuses on scriptwriting fundamentals for foreground features. The scripts written will be used in radio. Pre-requisites:
|
1.5 |
This course is structured around seminars and individual consultations in advanced scriptwriting. Learners will research and write scripts that meet creative and technical standards required for radio production. Pre-requisites:
Corequsites:
|
1.5 |
This course comprises individual consultation in advanced scriptwriting. Scripts developed by learners meet creative and technical standards required for radio production. Pre-requisites:
Corequsites:
|
1.5 |
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.
Review our grading and progression procedure >

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.
Available Open Studies coursesAdmission requirements
Applicants educated in Canada
Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and meet 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 out what educational documents are accepted and assessment options.
SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.

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.
Upgrade
English language proficiency
All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
Learn moreAvailable intakes
Fall 2024
Start dates:
- Domestic students: Open
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Application deadline: June 28, 2024
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- International students: Open
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Application deadline: May 29, 2024
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Costs
2023/24 tuition and fees
The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2023. They are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year.
Domestic students
Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees |
Additional fees |
Total per year |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | $5,940 | $1,570 | $7,510 |
2 | 2 | $5,130 | $1,570 | $6,700 |
Total cost:
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$14,210 |
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.

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

Ready to apply?
Follow our step-by-step guide to submitting a successful application.
Learn how to applyCommunication 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.
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
Prepare for a strong start and get the details you need to make a decision about your future. Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions, and provide information about:
School for Advanced Digital Technology Advising
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Phone - 403.284.8543
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Email - sadt.advising@sait.ca
International Student Advising
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Phone - 403.284.8852
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Email - international@sait.ca
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