Re-imagining Mohawk College’s radio program

Blonde woman talking into a radio microphone while typing on a keyboard.

The radio program is back at Mohawk College with a new-and-improved look after pausing admissions in September 2020. The college announced the launch of the reimagined Broadcast – Radio and Creative Content program, after a thorough examination of ways to improve the program and prepare students to meet industry needs.

By Katrina Rathie '22 (Journalism)

The announcement came at the start of 2022, along with a re-branding of CIOI-FM and its online station, Ignite Radio. 101.5 The Hawk is now INDI 101-5, with the station featuring student programming on weekdays. This new structure gives students in the program an opportunity to work and produce content in a real radio station environment.

“The Radio & Creative Content program has been updated to address the way the industry has changed and to help students meet the modern demands of the industry by putting them in real-life situations on both of Mohawk College’s radio stations,” said Sam Cook, the program coordinator and professor in a Mohawk College media release. “Whether students want to be an on-air radio personality, a podcaster, content creator, entrepreneur or voice talent, this two-year diploma program will give them the skills necessary to succeed in the media industry.”

 

 

Students will gain expertise in the broadcasting field by incorporating podcasting, social media content creation, announcing and sales. The program also teaches skills like how to schedule music and do voiceover work. Changes to the program reflect a need to adapt to new trends and meet expectations from employers in the industry. The new curriculum will help better equip students when they apply for jobs post-graduation.

 

"We are excited about the changes that have been made to the program and we can’t wait to have a new first-semester class back with us,” said Alison Horton, VP, Academic in a media release. “Radio continues to be a vibrant, fast-moving industry with many exciting career opportunities. We’re confident our revised program will provide Mohawk students with the training they need to thrive in this exciting, always evolving medium.”

First-year students in the program will begin their studies in September 2022.

 

This originally appeared in the Spring 2022 online InTouch magazine. 
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