Thinking About Radio? Choose It!

Radio has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My dad used to drive me to school every morning back in elementary, and we had the ritual of listening to 630 CHED every time. We would hang out and wait in the car, listening to the morning news. And only when it was done, was I allowed to walk into school. This was my first introduction to the power radio can have over people.

As I got older, I started listening more to Edmonton’s FM stations. Instantly I was pulled into what sounded like the most fun work environment possible… 91.7 The Bounce, and specifically the Pepper & Dylan Show’s in the morning. Hearing these two guys interact every day, it just sounded like a few best friends hanging out, enjoying each other’s company, and telling stories. Alongside the two of them, there was a third voice. Much more calming, and composed. A bit of a breath of reality. Lamya was from my memory not only on-air, but also in charge of news and traffic. Weirdly even in all the chaos of the morning show, Lamya always stood out to me as a great radio personality.

I fast forward many years, proudly listening to local radio I may add, and I find myself a year out of high school and no solid plans for what I want to do with my life. Fortunately, the world of radio was opened for me, and I instantly fell in love. A friend of mine had taken NAIT’s RATV program right out of school and invited me to be a part of his after-hours radio show. I remember how nervous I was the first time being in the on-air studio, thinking for sure I was going to make a mistake and sound dumb. But once that red light turned on, it all felt so natural and easy. I knew pretty much after that first show, that this was what I wanted to take.

So my time comes to officially enroll at NAIT for the RATV program, and I decide to come to the open house. I walk through the radio building with a little bit of confidence because I was familiar with my surroundings. I eventually make my way downstairs to the TV side of things, where I’m greeted by an instantly recognizable voice… it was none other than Lamya. A voice I hadn’t heard in years, but she instantly brought me back to those mornings driving to school. Again I thought to myself, the power radio has over people. After spending the afternoon touring around campus and talking to Lamya, I knew this was the program for me and went home and signed up immediately.

So now that I am in NAIT’s RATV program, currently in my third semester of radio, here’s why I say to choose it. Radio is such a unique program and industry. Yes, I am learning how to be on-air and put together a show. But RATV is so much more than that… I also learn how to do audio production, write commercial scripts, sell ads for a station, run social media accounts, and so much more. Genuinely I think there is something for everyone in this program. The instructors are fantastic, and beyond knowledgeable. And the people you meet here will become some of your best friends and future associates in the industry. So if you were like me growing up, and always interested in radio. This is your sign to try it. Check out the next NAIT open house, come meet some great people, and choose one of the best programs on campus. I promise you won’t regret it.

Jonathan Velasquez – Unsplash 

Comments