The Irish Academy of Public Relations has launched the world’s first Diploma in Online Radio Journalism.
The course was designed by Canadian broadcaster Norman Jack and will begin on 18 September at IrishAcademy.com.
The broadcaster who designed the course, Norman Jack said, “My goal was to compile a course that would cover all aspects of a radio journalist’s professional life. The Irish Academy saw the value of such a course, and we’ve compiled a 20-module diploma program that addresses the entire range of radio journalism from writing for radio, to interview styles and techniques, grammar, social media, voice training, production, freelancing, and more”.
As part of the course, each student will create an audio package for radio news which will be broadcast on Dublin City fm on the AM and FM wavelengths, and webcast around the world.
Norman added: “We want to ensure that our students receive a good grounding in all aspects of radio journalism. This course will prepare graduates for a career as a radio journalist, whether at a radio station newsroom, or as a freelance radio journalist or correspondent”.
Norman Jack has over 30 year’s experience in journalism. He started his career as a parliamentary correspondent for The Canadian Press and is currently presenting and editing the Morning News on CFRA Radio in Ottawa.
“We specialise in online communications training in journalism, marketing, pr and event management. Until now we have focused on print journalism but this new course opens up the world of radio journalism to students across the globe and they will be broadcast. Norm has designed a brilliant course and we are very excited about teaching it,” remarked Ellen Gunning, Director of The Irish Academy of Public relations at the launch today.
In this course, students learn how to write for radio news, how to conduct interviews, and discover how to train their voices for broadcast. The course reviews radio production methods and techniques, and teaches students how to use the technology.
“103.2 Dublin City fm is delighted to be partnering on this Online Radio Journalism Course. The station has been broadcasting for 22 years and is known for the diversity of its programming schedule which includes many multinational programmes,” commented Mick Hanley, CEO of Dublin City fm.