Journalism - Television and Digital News TVN

Holland Code: A (Artistic)

What academic skills do I need to be successful in the program?

This list does not replace the admission requirements you must have for admission to the program. Please see the website for details.

General requirements

• This is a graduate certificate program meaning applicants need to be graduates with a college diploma in broadcasting or journalism or hold an equivalent combination of education (i.e. BA in Communications or Political Science) and experience.
• Applicants should have above average written and spoken English Language skills
• Basic computer skills required (Microsoft Office, email, Internet, checking student portal daily)

What personal qualities should someone interested in this career have?

• Self-confidence
• Initiative, curiosity, persistence, resourcefulness, objectivity, integrity, creativity and an accurate memory
• The ability to work with a wide variety of people
• Willingness to keep abreast of current events and developments.
• The ability to present facts and opinions, concisely, logically and coherently in a style free of grammatical and spelling errors
• Able to set priorities
• Strong interviewing skills
• Interest in and knowledge of current events
• Skilled at public speaking
• Composure and poise on camera or in front of a microphone
• Ability to work in a team
• Fluency in another language or some knowledge of the pronunciation of other languages Strong time management skills
• The ability to deal with stress

Useful background experience for this program would be

Interest in photography, drama or writing, and/or enjoy public speaking.

What kind of work could I do when I graduate?

Graduates of this program may go on to become a

News videographer, television journalist, producer, editor, director, or writer.

Places you may find yourself employed include

Public and private broadcasting, audio and video production studios, or audio/video production departments within companies.

Typical working conditions for this kind of work:

• Long, irregular hours
• Adhering to strict deadlines

Tasks a graduate may do in the workplace

• Obtain video footage of current news events
• Gather sound and video for news, current affairs programs and documentaries
• Conduct interviews using digital or tape recorders
• Write and edit their reports under the supervision of a news editor or director
• Assist in directing camera operators who are filming news events.
• Research and verify information found in documents and from meetings, interviews, conferences, court hearings, artistic performances, sporting events and press statements
• Interview, in person or by telephone, individuals involved in news events, witnesses, knowledgeable people and others whose activities are of public interest
• Go "live, on-location" to provide eyewitness coverage of some events
• Translate complex issues into concise, informative news stories
• Research and write articles or stories as assigned by editors or find stories on their initiative
• Write news stories that are accurate, fair and balanced
• Write critical reviews of literary or artistic works based on personal knowledge, judgment and experience
• Produce concise written copy from notes or tape recordings taken during interviews or press conferences
• Organize material into factual or analytical reports
• Maintain a presence on social networking sites (for example, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Flickr, blogs, forums) to post breaking news and ongoing developments and monitor sites for news and tips.

Helpful links for further research into this Fanshawe College program and career opportunity

• Ontario Association of Broadcasters (OAB)
• Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB)
• Canadian Broadcast Standards Council (CBSC)
• The Association of Electronic Journalists (RTDNACanada)  - Fanshawe was the first school to be recognized for excellence in Broadcast Media by this organization.
• Fanshawe’s library has prepared a subject guide for current students in this program. You may find the links and information provided very useful in learning more about this career.

Opportunities for further development or education

• Graduates may be able to transfer credits to a university degree program at Brock University

Last Modified: June 4, 2024