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Loyalist Prepares Students for Emerging Media Trends

December 09, 2009

     

 I learned very early in my career that being skilled in more than one specific area is a definite bonus in the land of career opportunities,” said Ryan Snoddon, Weather Specialist for CBC-TV, Newfoundland and Labrador and a 2004 graduate of the Broadcast Journalism program at Loyalist College.  Ryan stopped by Loyalist to speak with Media Studies students on his way home to Pefferlaw, Ontario for the holidays.

 

Ryan Snodden, Weather Specialist for CBC-TV, Newfoundland and Labrador and a 2004 graduate of the Broadcast Journalism program at Loyalist

Ryan Snodden, Weather Specialist for CBC-TV, Newfoundland and Labrador and a 2004 graduate of the Broadcast Journalism program at Loyalist

 

“While I was a student at the college I worked part-time at Quinte Broadcasting in Belleville and then went on to the WOLF in Peterborough. The stations liked the fact that I could read the news, DJ behind the board and write copy. In February of 2007 I was offered the weather position at CHEX Television. By then I knew that although I enjoyed and was trained to work in all broadcast journalism formats, in my heart I wanted to be in front of the camera. When the chance came in 2008 to join CBC as their weather expert I packed my bags without a moment’s hesitation and I was on my way to St. John’s, Newfoundland. What greater place to go when you’re a weather person — hurricanes, coastal storms and phenomenal snowfalls — all right there for the telling.

“Media has become an intricate web in which the fields overlap, merge and often support each other. My position is the weather specialist, yet I also do a daily blog and weekly radio spots to heighten awareness and keep people engaged.  You have to be able to adapt to each situation. This fall the College launched the Journalism three-year advanced diploma — combining Online, Print and Broadcast Journalism. That’s a great direction to move in. You don’t often have the luxury of saying ‘this is what I do’ anymore. If you can step in and comfortably assume a role not normally filled by you — helping your co-workers stay on track — it will be noticed.”

Students drawn to the media field, yet unsure of where they are best suited within the industry, are encouraged to consider Media Experience — an accelerated certificate program which starts in January. Students get a taste of the range of the media options offered at Loyalist, gaining experience in animation, creating podcasts, producing radio spots, writing news features, shooting television segments and developing DVDs. It is experience-based — courses are taught in modules, enabling students to complete a project by the end of each one. Graduates can either accept a place in one of Loyalist’s Media Studies programs in the fall or enter the workforce with an understanding of the media industry. Those who continue into one of the diploma media programs will graduate with the additional advantage of a foundation in all of the media options. 

For information about the Media Experience certificate and Media Studies diploma programs call (613) 969-1913, ext. 2204.

 

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