By: Tyler Follet
The radiobroadcasting and journalism programs have decided to collaborate this year in a way unlike any other before it.
Students in each program are preparing themselves for the era of media convergence, with the journalism students producing material to air on CKDJ.
“It’s one of the first times we’ve ever given up the content to another program, to hear your stories,” explained professor and radiobroadcasting program coordinator Dan Pihlainen.
The radiobroadcasting program has worked with other programs before, but has never fully given up their airwaves and production, while providing their expertise.
“This is the first time we’ve given up control from that aspect of things,” said Pihlainen.
Radio is unfamiliar territory for the journalism students, building excitement for the first production.
The preliminary lineup for the first show – which is yet to be named – is October 21.
Material that will be airing will be based on stories students are working for on the Algonquin Times and Glue magazine.
What finally led to the collaboration was finding a good fit in two programs with some of the most unusual schedules.
After discussing it for the past few years, the time was finally right.
“Obviously the college isn’t a bunch of silos, in that we will all end up working together at some point,” said Pihlainen.
Experiencing another form of media firsthand is one of the main benefits for the programs, with students expressing an interest in years past.
“It’s just nice to have experience with as many different kinds experiences as possible, be viewed as versatile,” explained Brian Else, recent graduate of the radiobroadcasting program.
Else credits the variety of media he worked with in his time at the school, which the collaboration will only enhance.
“The job market really requires you to have all your bases covered,” said Else.
The sentiment is echoed among current students, who are recognizing the possibilities the collaboration represents, and taking advantage of the opportunities.
One student who has a bit of a leg up on his peers in this respect is Chris Mines.
Mines was a first-year journalism student last year, before he switched to the radio-broadcasting program this year.
“Honestly, this should have happened a long time ago,” said Mines, regarding the similarities of the programs. “It’s such a natural fit, they go hand in hand.”
Mines recalls seeing students with an interest in radio, but lacking an opportunity.
“I’ve come across people who want to do radio or journalism but just didn’t have the experience in one,” explained Mines.