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Mark Dixon and Savant Ross found their career path in the Broadcasting – Radio and Contemporary Media program at Durham College

Graduate Spotlight: Mark Dixon and Savant Ross

The Broadcasting – Radio and Contemporary Media program at Durham College (DC) was a perfect fit for Mark Dixon and Savant Ross.

Though they discovered the program at different times in their lives – Mark changing careers as a mature student and Savant coming directly from high school – they both found everything they were looking for at DC.

As they prepare for Fall Convocation, the soon-to-be graduates spoke to us about their time at DC, everything they’ve learned and what the future has in store for them.

Why did you decide on DC?

Mark Dixon: It was a big decision to go back to school as a mature student. I had been working in a totally unrelated field for over 20 years, but I kept thinking about making a change and was always interested in the world of media and broadcasting. However, it never seemed like the right time, or there was always a reason or excuse to not switch careers. Like many people, I had time to think about my life during the pandemic. During the shutdown, I was working from home at a job that was not enjoyable or fulfilling, and decided it was finally time to try something different. I researched schools, and I liked the Broadcasting program at Durham College the best.

What was your DC experience like?  

Savant Ross: Broadcasting was really fun! I started my program at Durham College in September of 2022 and wasn’t 100% sure what to expect. Coming from high school and doing virtual learning for the most part, I was ready to finally return to an actual classroom environment and get the hands-on experience I’d been waiting for. In my two years at DC, I’ve learned so many valuable things about the field of media and further improved on certain areas that I was already familiar with, like camera/radio equipment and video editing software. I even met some classmates who turned out to be really good friends of mine (you guys know who you are). Even though my time at Durham was short, I was still able to experience a lot of new things.

How did DC help prepare you for your career or the next step on your academic path?

Mark: What I really liked about the program at Durham College was the variety. Many programs at other colleges focus on one specific part of media, like television or radio. At DC, we were introduced to many roles in radio, television, podcasting, newspapers and social media. We had a chance to study writing for various formats, video editing, camera work, audio recording, marketing, and more. The ability to try various positions both behind the scenes and on air was beneficial in figuring out what I enjoyed the most and what kind of jobs I may want in the future. These days it also helps to have a wide variety of skills to offer to a potential employer.

Savant: I entered DC with the hope of preparing myself for a career in sports media. Being able to do weekly newscasts for DC Broadcasting, and putting together live shows specifically aimed at sports recaps and topics is something that will benefit me in the long run. I’ve also learned about professional photography and video capture, which are two things I wasn’t too familiar with and haven’t considered as a career. But after two years of creating on camera news stories, short documentaries, and exploring various methods of photography, I can confidently say that Broadcasting has shown me so many ways that content and professional media is created. During my field placement, I was able to work for a radio station and on a movie set as a PA (Production Assistant). Because of the knowledge I already had from my Broadcasting program at Durham, I was already familiar with some of the things that were going on while filming was taking place.

Would you recommend the Broadcasting – Radio and Contemporary Media program?

Mark: If you are interested in broadcasting and media, the program at Durham College provides a great overview of all the possibilities and allows you to try your hand at many different skills.

Savant: I would say go for it! You’ll definitely learn a skill or two that you were not expecting to learn, and have fun. The two years may seem short but you will learn a lot more than you think.

What do you love most about DC?

Mark: I appreciated that our professors had so much experience working in a wide range of media. They have worked for some of the top radio stations, television networks, and newspapers in Canada. I loved hearing their personal stories about working in the industry. It added a valuable perspective to our lessons. It was a fun learning environment as well, which was a huge bonus. I also loved working with some great classmates. We had a chance to work together on some very cool projects, including documentaries, podcasts, tv shows and a live radio show on DC’s Riot Radio. It was intimidating to return to school at an older age, but everyone was welcoming and supportive. It turns out I was able to learn a lot from my younger classmates as well! It’s beneficial to have different life experiences and viewpoints.

Savant: What I enjoyed most about my time at DC is how beginner-friendly everything is. It really doesn’t matter if you’ve never used a camera before or if you are a pro. This program really is the best for anyone looking to get their foot in the door in the world of any type of media. I also love how easily accessible everything is. The MAD media loans office is always a few steps away from most of my classes if I need any camera or audio equipment.

What are your future goals?

Mark: As I am about to graduate, I am open to a wide range of media jobs. I hope to work behind the scenes in radio, television or podcasting and help create content about interesting subjects, with a focus on entertainment or human-interest stories. I also have a personal goal of starting my own podcast for fun and experience.

Savant: I hope to work for a major sports network like ESPN, Sportsnet, TSN, etc., and be able to have my own show where highlights, big news across leagues, and other topics are covered. I believe my time at Durham have opened doors for me in that field.

What would you like to share with current students or new graduates about the broadcast industry?

Savant: There’s a place for everyone in Broadcasting or any type of media, and as long as you love your job it’ll never feel like work to you!

Every year, DC celebrates thousands of career-ready graduates. Read more grad stories about how DC has helped them thrive.

Prioritizing Indigenization inside and outside the classroom

For Durham College’s (DC) Faculty of Media, Art & Design (MAD), actively embedding Indigenous perspectives and knowledge directly into program curriculum is critical to fostering a learning environment that honours and reflects the voices of Indigenous communities.

“Our goal is to provide students with opportunities to engage with Indigenous perspectives in a meaningful way,” says Barry Waite, Executive Dean, Faculty of MAD, DC. “Whether through podcasting, international collaborations, or coursework, we want to ensure students gain a deep understanding of Indigenous viewpoints and experiences, and how to share these stories responsibly.”

One way is through Enactus DC, where students recently produced a podcast series, Founder’s Drive, aimed at highlighting the stories of young Indigenous entrepreneurs. This project, celebrated at the Enactus Canada Regional Exposition, not only amplifies Indigenous voices but also inspires students by showcasing the potential of social entrepreneurship in Indigenous communities.

Navraj Sandhar, a recent graduate from DC’s Journalism and Creative Writing program, was the project lead for season two of Founder’s Drive, and said it was an eye-opening journey in many ways. “The Indigenous focus of this season intrigued me from the very beginning. I had the privilege of learning directly from community leaders during our trips to Akwesasne territory and the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto,” he said. “Each conversation taught me more about Indigenous ways of thinking and learning, like how entrepreneurship can be used as a tool for preserving traditions, supporting the community, and creating something that lasts for future generations.”

Looking forward to its next Faculty Lead Classroom Abroad (FLCA) trip this fall, Waite reflected on DC’s FLCA trip to Guatemala last October, where students worked alongside Mayan youth to create and share stories about Indigenous rights in Canada and Guatemala. “The trip not only broadened students’ worldviews but also allowed them to witness firsthand the importance of storytelling in Indigenous cultures,” he adds.

Additionally, first-year students in DC’s Broadcasting – Radio and Contemporary Media program take the course Indigenous Perspectives in Contemporary Media, which addresses the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, particularly around the role of media. This is further complemented by the Journalism – Mass Media program, where students explore impactful storytelling with Indigenous communities through elective courses.

“Indigenous content isn’t just an addition to our programs,” Waite says. “It’s an essential part of preparing students to be culturally aware and socially responsible communicators.  It also reflects our commitment to meeting Recommendation 86 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission that calls on media schools to provide robust education about the experience of Indigenous peoples in Canada.”

These initiatives within DC’s Faculty of MAD contribute to the college’s broader mission to equip students with the tools to engage with reconciliation efforts meaningfully, and as storytellers, ensuring that Indigenous voices are not only heard but also respected and amplified.

Durham College is dedicated to advancing truth and reconciliation by weaving Indigenous knowledge and perspectives into the fabric of our campus. Explore this content collection to learn about the resources, supports and opportunities that are available on campus.

Photo Credit: Founders Drive