Students in Humber Polytechnic’s Global Summer School (GSS) Introduction to Podcasting course were recently treated to an insider’s view of the fast-paced world of Canadian broadcast journalism at the CBC newsroom in Toronto.
Led by David Common, host of Metro Morning, the group toured CBC’s 10 storey, 160,000-square metre building, which serves as the main broadcast and master control centre for the CBC’s English-language television and radio services. The behind-the-scenes visit offered students firsthand exposure to key elements of professional journalism, from sound mixing and script writing to live reporting and studio production.
Learning from the pros — live and on air
Students stepped right onto the set of CBC News to watch anchor Chris Glover deliver the day’s top stories live on television. Next, they were in a nearby studio where World Report host Marcia Young recorded her radio segment. While surrounded by a crowd of wide-eyed students, both journalists remained focused. Young even offered practical tips on voice projection, reading news copy, and navigating the pressures of live media.
While staff and journalists worked behind the scenes, Common shared his career insights, including a moment when both backup recording systems failed, forcing him to improvise live for ten minutes - highlighting the importance of adaptability in journalism.
“It was a genuinely eye-opening experience,” said Rayham Bengougou, a visiting student from Liverpool John Moores University in the United Kingdom. “Seeing live broadcasting made me realize how many roles exist in a newsroom. If I can’t be a writer, I could work behind the scenes in production.”
A real-time lesson in breaking news
In the CBC control room, students witnessed a breaking news event unfold in real time. The team responded with calm urgency, navigating an emotionally difficult story with professionalism, while the group was visually shaken by what they heard.
“Seeing the control room took me aback,” said Joe Jones, also from Liverpool John Moores. “Everything was happening in the moment. People were reacting to real news, and I realized I want to be part of something like this. I’m seriously thinking about working in Toronto after I graduate.”
Stepping into the spotlight
The visit concluded with a stop on the set of The National, CBC’s flagship evening newscast. There, students took turns at the iconic anchor desk, imagining what it would feel like to deliver Canada’s top stories to a national audience.
With fresh insights, professional advice, and a deeper appreciation for the craft of journalism, the podcasting students left inspired and more prepared to produce and record their own podcasts back at Humber.
Humber’s Global Summer School is a unique opportunity to earn academic credit in just three weeks during July while collaborating with peers from around the world and gaining hands-on experience outside the classroom. Find out more by visiting the Global Summer School website.
Becoming a Podcaster: Introduction to Podcasting is one of several GSS courses offered through Humber’s Faculty of Media, Creative Arts, and Design.