Journalism is ideal for someone who knows a little bit about a lot of things, without necessarily being an expert in any of them. But there are some characteristics all good journalists have in common, as Algonquin's Journalism-Print program co-coordinator and Professor Joe Banks explains.

"They have to have a great deal of curiosity, a fanatical dedication to accuracy and integrity, and they have a love of the written word," Banks says of aspiring journalists. "And they are people who like to talk to, and work with, people."

Algonquin's Journalism program has been around for more than 30 years, almost as long as the college has been in existence. It has had a profound influence on the news media in Ottawa and beyond. Some of Canada's top news reporters have completed at least part of Algonquin's program including CBC's Washington bureau chief Neil Macdonald, and CJOH's Leigh Chapple. Both of Ottawa's daily newspapers boast of Algonquin Journalism alumni, as do most of Ottawa Valley's community newspapers.

What sets Algonquin's program apart from other schools? The program teaches students to be complete journalists to be comfortable reporting for all news platforms. At the same time as covering core journalistic skills - how to write factually, interviewing people and how to filter information - the program also teaches photojournalism, page layout, online reporting and writing. These skills give Algonquin grads more employment opportunities because they allow them to work anywhere in a news room, which is particularly valuable at smaller papers with limited resources. Since the best way to learn this range of skills is by applying them in a working environment, the curriculum is centered on the Algonquin Times, the college's award-winning community newspaper staffed and produced entirely by journalism students. Buttressing the Times program is a magazine component which allows students to write for a city-wide magazine titled 'Glue.' The magazine focuses on general topics of interest to the city's student population. Further, webcitybeat.com allows students to produce stories for an online publication..

Students work for the paper for a full year; and the magazine for one term, not only honing their skills but also accumulating clippings for their resumes. By the time they move on to their work placement, students generally have an idea of what area of the journalism industry interests them.
"The program allows people to get their feet wet in a little bit of everything in hopes of figuring out which best suits them," says 1998 graduate and Peterborough Examiner copy editor Steve Ladurantaye. He moved from junior reporter to managing editor at three community newspapers following graduation.

Nevil Hunt, a 2000 graduate and reporter-photographer for Ottawa Region Media Group and teacher in the program feels the ability to choose careers across a broad spectrum "is the single greatest advantage of the program."

The program also appeals to those seeking re-training. Every year, the program accepts "direct entry" students into second year without prerequisites. This option is available to any university graduate seeking a change in career or to complement their qualifications. As well, an articulation agreement between the college and the University of Ottawa enables Algonquin graduates to obtain a Journalism degree in two years, and U of O students to gain their diploma, allowing students from both institutes the chance to complete a diploma and degree in journalism in four years.

Online skills have become a vital new component of the program as traditional media expands into new delivery. Successful applicants can be assured they will receive leading-edge training today and into the future.