Algonquin College’s financial woes have placed dozens of programs on the chopping block, and educators and students in their media department are worried the future of broadcasting will suffer for it.
Jessica Bilson, a part-time instructor with the Ottawa campus’ Radio and Podcasting course, says the announcement that they would be among the 37 courses that will not accept new students starting in the fall semester came as a major shock to not only her fellow educators but also interested young students in Eastern Ontario, who will have less opportunity to learn about the business.
Even with the growth of podcasting and other options in recent years, Bilson says the enthusiasm was still there with the students who were enrolling in the program to get the quality education and training that leaves graduates ready to deliver results in the field of broadcasting, whether in major markets or smaller, community-driven radio and television.
Hope is not lost even as the college’s Board of Governors lays down its decision on the course cuts this week, as Bilson says a student-led campaign to save the broadcasting course has been picking up steam.
She adds that there is also serious concern about the two stations that operate out of Algonquin College, CKDJ 107.9 and the AIR AM 1700, and what the fate of the two frequencies will be in a saturated Ottawa-area market should the course be cut.
(written by Kasey Egan)