From my earliest days in an entry-level production role to producing, leading a newsroom, and later taking on executive responsibilities in media, I’ve had a front-row seat to journalism’s transformation. Now, as the academic chair of the School of Media at Seneca Polytechnic, I find myself reflecting on both the resilience of this field and the challenges it faces.

Back in the day — and I hate using that phrase — my job at Citytv was to bring audiences “a day in the life of Toronto.” In its heyday, the combined newsroom of CityNews (formerly CityPulse) and CP24 included more than 200 people. There were beat reporters, seasoned editors and producers, cameras and videographers working together with one purpose: to inform the public and hold power to account.

Today, those same newsrooms are shells of what they once were. Across Canada, journalism is shrinking — not because the need for it has lessened, but because the traditional business models that sustained it are collapsing. Yes, the process of creating content has become more efficient with enhanced technology, regardless, we are seeing fewer eyes on city halls, the courts, school boards, and corporate boardrooms. And the next generation of journalists often enters the field without the editorial infrastructure or mentorship we once took for granted.

Yet what hasn’t changed — and what must not be lost — is journalism’s purpose: to serve the public interest and strengthen democracy. Journalism remains the first rough draft of history. And in an age of misinformation, disinformation, and AI-generated content, that first draft matters more than ever.

At its best, journalism makes governments more accountable, citizens more informed, and our world more transparent. And while the platforms and technologies have evolved, the core skills of the journalist remain essential: critical thinking, ethical judgment, storytelling, interviewing, writing, and fact-checking.

This is where journalism education plays a crucial role.

Journalism schools are no longer just training grounds — they are incubators of civic literacy, ethical reasoning, and inclusive storytelling. In our classrooms, students don’t just learn to report; they learn to challenge assumptions, explore bias and representation, and understand the impact of their words. They’re taught to verify sources, navigate deepfakes, and consider the ethical weight of their reporting. They’re exposed to solutions journalism, advocacy, and the evolving definition of what journalism can and should be.

And while many institutions have shuttered their journalism programs in Canada, I’m happy to report that here at Seneca Polytechnic, we have not.

At Seneca, we continue to offer journalism and media training because we believe in its future. We are proud to still be here, at a time when students face fewer choices and limited options. We don’t say this to be opportunistic. We say it because we believe it’s part of the larger narrative — that investing in journalism is an investment in democracy, accountability, and informed citizenship.

Our graduates are not just reporters. They’re working in digital media, nonprofits, advocacy, public policy, research, and content strategy. The skills they’ve gained — writing, analysis, ethical communication — are among the most future-proof in any industry.

So yes, journalism is under attack — from political forces, public skepticism, and economic pressures. But it is not dead. It is adapting.

The post OP-ED: Journalism education still crucial appeared first on Broadcast Dialogue.

This year’s recipients for the Central Region include CityNews Toronto veteran Cynthia Mulligan; 580 CFRA Ottawa host Bill Carroll; Ken MacDonald, former Vice-President and General Manager of Discovery Channel Canada and former National VP, News and Information Programming, for Global TV; and Tina Cortese, Station Manager and News Director at 105.9 The Region (CFMS-FM) Markham, the former General Manager and VP of News Programming at Citytv.

In the West Region, CFJC Kamloops anchor Bill O’Donovan, who also spent 13 years with CTV Regina, is being recognized.

East Region honourees include Global National Atlantic correspondent Ross Lord; senior NTV St. John’s anchor Toni-Marie Wiseman; and long-serving NTV master control, director, and news cameraman Tony Barrington.

In the Prairies Region, late CBC Edmonton reporter Janice Johnston is being recognized posthumously, along with Global Calgary reporter Gil Tucker; Global Regina cameraman Adrian Raabar; CTV Regina assignment editor Nelson Bird; CTV Calgary video journalist Kevin Green; and CTV Lethbridge weather specialist Dory Rossiter.

National Lifetime Achievement Award recipients will be announced in October.

RTDNA Canada has also announced Regional Award winners for the Central Region, West Region, East Region and Prairies Region.

Regional winners will now compete with RTDNA Canada has announced its 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award honourees, recognizing lifetime contribution to the broadcast industry. those from other regions for the Best Canadian Local News Awards.

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The post RTDNA Canada names 2023 Regional Lifetime Achievement honourees appeared first on Broadcast Dialogue.

On this episode of Broadcast Dialogue – The Podcast, we talk with station manager and broadcast veteran Tina Cortese about the role of independent, local radio, the importance of diverse media voices, and why she’s hopeful about the future.

Read more about 105.9 The Region, here.

Subscribe Now – Free!

Broadcast Dialogue has been required reading in the Canadian broadcast media for 25 years. When you subscribe, you join a community of connected professionals from media and broadcast related sectors from across the country.

The Weekly Briefing from Broadcast Dialogue is delivered exclusively to subscribers by email every Thursday. It’s your link to critical industry news, timely people moves, and excellent career advancement opportunities.

Let’s get started right now.

The post Broadcast Dialogue – The Podcast: Tina Cortese on independent radio’s voice amid COVID-19 appeared first on Broadcast Dialogue.