By: Julia Knope
The Rogers Communications Centre (RCC) is undergoing $3-million in upgrades to radio studios.
The Radio Television Arts (RTA) school of media will be gaining five control rooms, two interview rooms, two announcement booths, a multimedia room and a multifunctional common area.
“All of the radio stuff was hidden behind doors. It’s a lot more visible,” Haswell said. “The windows were frosted, you couldn’t see inside. We opened that up. We want to showcase the technology and people doing stuff,” said RTA Production and facilities manager Shawn Haswell.
The upgrades are a donation from The Slaight Family Foundation, dubbing the new additions as The Allan Slaight Radio Institute.
Not only are the facilities being upgraded for more hands-on experience and entrepreneurial opportunities, but new student awards will be offered as well.
The new layout will also showcase RTA’s SpiritLive, an online radio show that streams audio and video footage. According to Haswell, SpiritLive will be “the first thing you see” when walking through the RTA facilities.
“It’s going to be really great,” he said.
Haswell noted that the “big, open” common area will be another helpful space which will be provide an environment for students to complete school work, independent projects and even showcase “intimate” live performances.
Melissa Scicluna, an RTA student, doesn’t mind the construction. “I’m sure it will be amazing,” Scicluna said. “It’s important to accommodate more students and more programs. Space is already limited.”
The construction was projected to be completed by Aug. 31, but is not expected to finish until mid fall semester, according to Haswell.
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