In today’s fast-paced digital age, where video streaming and podcasts dominate the media landscape, you might wonder if radio is still relevant. The answer is a resounding YES!

Radio continues to be a powerful medium, offering unique career opportunities for those passionate about storytelling, music and community engagement. If you’re considering a career in media, Durham College’s Broadcasting – Radio and Contemporary Media provides a gateway to an exciting and fulfilling profession.

For Durham College graduate Noah Lorusso, a reporter working with My Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), radio is the perfect medium to bring together is passion for storytelling, social media and connecting with communities every day. Lorusso, who graduated from the Broadcasting – Radio and Contemporary Media program in Spring 2023, not only provides up-to-the-minute local news coverage for stations in several Central Ontario communities including Peterborough, Brighton and Cobourg, but also puts his storytelling skills to work on social media, managing three of MBC’s top five TikTok feeds.

Lorusso started his career at MBC on a field placement that was part of the DC program.  He received a full-time job offer before the placement was even over and for the past year has been putting the skills he learned to work every day.

“One of the best things about the Durham College program is how it prepares you for every aspect of a career in broadcasting, with its strong focus on combining emerging technology with storytelling,” says Lorusso.  “Using social media and other tools to build engagement with audiences is woven into all aspects of the program, including its strong focus on multiplatform content.”

The Broadcasting – Radio and Contemporary Media diploma program is focused on preparing students for a variety of careers in radio, television and internet storytelling, including roles in audio and video production and editing, sound engineering, scriptwriting, marketing, sales, and digital media integration. Whether you’re interested in being behind the microphone or camera, or working behind the scenes the program covers every aspect of the industry. Plus, the program is introducing curriculum focused on Generative AI and other emerging technologies.

Students get a lot of hands-on experience over the two-year program, with the opportunity to create audio and video content, produce podcasts, report on community events and host their own radio shows. Many students take advantage of the opportunities at the college’s Media Hub and Riot Radio, managed by the Durham College Student Association.  This hands-on experience allows students to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom, develop their own unique style, and build a portfolio of work that showcases their talents.

What does Lorusso like most about his job?  “It’s connecting with communities,” he says. “Local radio stations often serve as hubs for news, culture, and entertainment, providing a platform for local artists, events and voices. I get to have a meaningful impact in the communities I cover by sharing stories that matter.”

He adds, “Radio stations that are succeeding are those successfully adapting to the digital age. With the rise of online streaming, podcasts, and social media integration, radio stations now have more avenues to reach their audiences. This adaptability ensures that radio remains a relevant and exciting career choice for those interested in media innovation.”

Learn more about the Broadcasting – Radio and Contemporary Media diploma program. Space is still available to start in September 2024.