Radio Television Journalism

Overview

The media industry is a fast-paced, dynamic field that encompasses many creative and technical professions, including Radio-television journalists, dedicated to the production of a wide range of multimedia content. 

This program equips you with the skillset to research, develop and present content for broadcast on radio, television, podcasts, live-streaming platforms and the web.  In year 2, you have the opportunity to focus on Television Production, Radio Performance and Studio Production or Journalism.

In this program, you:

• Explore the ins-and-outs of the media industry by learning how to produce content in a real-world, deadline-driven environment. 
• Develop your storytelling and writing skills, produce scripts, practice on-air presentation skills and apply media ethics to your work.
• Learn in a professional studio environment, outfitted with the latest technology and equipment. 
• Develop skills in podcasting and live streaming, as well as other current and emerging areas of industry.
• Apply the skills you learn by operating the campus radio station (CCKC), live-streaming events, working on TV specials and producing a weekly TV news show.
• Learn from industry experts and guest speakers who are brought into the classroom to deliver specialized training.

You graduate with a portfolio of work that positions you for success, and experiences and contacts that are your edge to successful entry into this competitive line of work.

Student projects

Work experience

• Field experience is a mandatory credit course, providing you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills outside of the classroom.
  • Opportunities are typically unpaid and last approximately 5 weeks.
• This program is eligible for a cooperative education (co-op) credit course between year one and two.
  • Co-op provides an opportunity for paid, full-time employment in a field related to your program.
  • Co-op takes place in third term between year one and two and must be a minimum of 12 weeks and 420 hours.
  • Our co-op program follows Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL) guidelines.
• Transportation, accommodations and other costs related to work experience are your responsibility.
• For more information, visit work experience opportunities.

September 2026

Campus	Full time/part time	Delivery	Availability
Ivany Campus Dartmouth	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available

Admission requirements

• High School Graduation Diploma or equivalent.
  • International students – High school diploma equivalency and English language requirements vary by country. View document and language requirements by country
• You’re required to take part in a virtual interview for admission into this program. You’ll be contacted by email to schedule your virtual interview once your application has been received and reviewed. View Radio Television Journalism virtual interview information
• If you don't respond to your invitation, or if you miss a scheduled interview, your application is cancelled.

Tuition

Tuition amounts are for the 2025-26 academic year. Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional.

Tuition, fees and program costs

In addition to annual tuition, there are program costs (books, tools, etc.) and student fees for College services, health and dental plans, your student association and parking.

View detailed program fees page(s). Please note that amounts on these pages are meant for planning purposes only. They don't represent final amounts owing.

• Radio Television Journalism - Year 1

Career options

• There are a variety of career options for graduates of this program, including with:
  • Radio and television stations
  • Podcast production companies
  • Magazines, newspapers and online news sites
  • Documentary production companies
  • Digital audio editing for TV, film or video games
  • Related industries, including advertising, audio-visual production, live streaming and public relations
  • You may also start your own business venture in audio or video production

Freelance work and entrepreneurial opportunities are also fast-growing areas in this sector, so you may also choose to start your own business venture in audio or video production.

Future study options

• Continue your studies at university – This program includes courses that count towards a university degree. Learn more about having your diploma count towards a university degree

Courses may include

These are some of the courses offered in this program. It is not a complete list and courses are subject to change in advance of the academic year.

Recognizing prior learning / transfer credits
If you have previous learning (course, employment, etc...) that's relevant to your program, you may be able to apply to earn credit. Not all programs are eligible. Learn about our recognizing prior learning (RPL) process.

RTVJ 2000 - Journalism I
This course introduces students to journalism fundamentals including the role of journalists in a democracy, media ethics, principles of fairness and accuracy, critical thinking, research and story development. Students will develop basic news gathering skills through a mix of in-class and real world assignments.

RTVJ 2001 - Studio Practice I
This course introduces students to the structure and processes associated with live productions. Students apply the skills and knowledge from courses that run simultaneously in a real work studio environment.

RTVJ 2002 - Studio Practice II
In this course, students will apply technical and editorial skills to manage live studio productions in real time. Students work in a professional studio environment, assume specific roles in a production team, create content and present to a live audience.

RTVJ 2010 - Television Operations I
This introductory course is designed to provide the learner with theoretical knowledge and practical training on how a television studio operates. Using lectures, demonstrations, assignments, workshops and studio productions learners will learn operational techniques, with emphasis on production within the campus studios. Learners will learn television production terminology, equipment, operational practices and personnel responsibilities. All learners in this course will produce a 10 minute studio interview as a final project.

RTVJ 2030 - Radio I
This course will introduce students to the main components of radio programming; studio equipment, basic radio show programming and formatics, and radio audio production. Students will learn about the role of each piece of radio studio equipment and it's function.

RTVJ 2040 - Digital Tools I
The purpose of this course is to provide the learner with an introduction to some of the basic digital tools relevant to radio, television and journalism. Learners will work with mobile devices to gather, optimize, and publish content. Learners will be introduced to creating graphics and editing video on a desktop computer. An emphasis will be placed on developing a logical workflow that focuses on the practical uses of these tools in the fields of radio, television and journalism.

RTVJ 2050 - Mechanics of Media Writing
This course provides students with an opportunity to build writing skills essential for success in the media industry. Students practice specific media writing in classroom and computer lab settings and identify areas for personal improvement. Students also develop skills to evaluate and review media writing assignments and apply them to web, TV and radio writing in the form of interview transcriptions, reporter scripts and stories and promotional pieces.

RTVJ 2100 - Journalism II
This course builds on foundational knowledge already acquired. It will enhance understanding of journalism fundamentals including the role of journalists in a democracy, media ethics, principles of fairness and accuracy, critical thinking, research and story development. Students develop more advanced newsgathering skills through a mix of in-class and real world assignments.

RTVJ 2200 - Television Operations II
This course is designed to provide students with theoretical knowledge and practical training on how a television studio operates. Using lectures, demonstrations, assignments, workshops and studio productions, students will learn operational techniques, with emphasis on production.

RTVJ 2300 - Electronic News Gathering and Electronic Field Production
This course introduces the learner to single camera production procedures including news gathering with traditional production equipment and mobile journalism equipment. In addition, learners will learn about on-location, multi-camera productions. Learners will be required to participate in multi-camera mobile productions either on campus or on location with designated industry partners.

RTVJ 2400 - Digital Tools II
The purpose of this course is to build on the understanding and skills developed in Digital Tools l. Learners will work with desktop computer applications, including nonlinear editing software, and be introduced to the concepts and skills involved in motion graphics creation. This course provides a foundation in basic concepts fundamental to working with video in a desktop environment.

RTVJ 2500 - Work Experience I
This industry internship will provide the learners with an opportunity to apply skills and knowledge learned in the classroom. It provides an excellent opportunity to learn new skills, to network for future employment and obtain additional valuable program related knowledge.

RTVJ 2600 - Radio Production Techniques I
This course is designed to teach the learner various methods of audio gathering, mixing and production techniques required for their first radio productions both ‘live’ on-air and in the Production Studio. Learners will learn the foundation fundamentals of producing their own ‘live’ Radio shows as well as creating Show Promos and PSA’s from concept outline to finished audio. Selected learner Radio shows, Promos and PSA’s will be examined along with their role in the overall sound and success of a radio station's operation.

RTVJ 2700 - Sound and Audio Process
This course is designed to instruct the learner in the theoretical basics of sound creation along with recording sound for radio playback and for post-production digital manipulation. In order to excel in this process, a thorough understanding of the complete signal chain of audio recording and reproduction is necessary for effective post production for both Radio and for Audio Production for the web and video. Prominently featured will be the analysis of how sound is created, the Human Hearing Audio Spectrum, studio microphones and the critical role of the audio interface for digital recording. This course explores the basics of sound, the three types of popular audio microphones and the basic theory of Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) recording.

RTVJ 2800 - Commercial Writing
This course is designed to teach the basic fundamentals required for creative commercial writing for the radio medium. Analysis of both 'Lytle' and 'Schwartz' commercial writing techniques will be fully explored and applied to commercial radio advertisement campaigns. There will be weekly commercial writing assignments. Writing fundamentals will feature various creative formats used in commercial radio ad campaigns. Proper formatting techniques will also be applied. This course encourages each learner’s unique creative characteristics to surface and actively promotes individuality and imagination.

SAFE 1000 - Introduction to WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems)
This course offers learners basic overview of WHMIS principles and establishes a solid foundation to support workplace-specific training on the safe storage and handling of controlled/hazardous products. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive basic WHMIS certification.

SAFE 1001 - Introduction to NS OH&S Act
This course offers students an introduction to the Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Act of Nova Scotia, which is required by any person employed in a Nova Scotia workplace. This is a generic, introductory course that provides basic knowledge of the Act for students and is considered to be the basis from which more specific training can be given.