Broadcasting School struggles for students
One of the country’s best degree courses for aspiring journalists is struggling to recruit new students and has extended its application process.
New Zealand Broadcasting School (NZBS), based at Ara Institute of Canterbury, has launched the careers of some of Aotearoa’s best known broadcasters such as Newshub’s Mike McRoberts, TVNZ’s Mei Heron and Ben Boyce, of Jono and Ben fame.
At its peak the three Bachelor of Broadcasting Communications courses at NZBS attracted 75 firstyear students who went through a rigorous selection process, including an assessment and an interview in conjunction with media organisations.
The deadline for applications was in September but has been extended, with places still available for February’s intake. Ara is ‘‘confident the programme will run at capacity next year’’.
A document seen by The Press says the school is ‘‘struggling to fill its courses’’, ‘‘for the first time in its 40-year history’’.
‘‘Applications are still being accepted, months after the usual closing date,’’ it said. ‘‘The school has been ordered to, if necessary, admit anyone who meets the minimum standard requirement for entry and also consider anyone who doesn’t.’’
Ara did not respond to this claim.
Applicants can specialise in journalism, radio or screen/television production.
It is an accelerated three-year degree course, and students will spend two years on campus and six months in a paid professional placement.
‘‘The NZBS is looking ahead to a positive 2023, with 59 out of 73 available places accepted so far,’’ said a spokesperson for Ara.
‘‘Some learners who have been offered places are yet to respond and more offers are going out this week.’’
All Ara programmes ‘‘have strict entry criteria’’.
‘‘Students who meet the entry criteria are eligible to enrol and participate assuming there is sufficient capacity on the course.
‘‘A learner who does not meet all the stated entry criteria, but can provide alternative evidence that demonstrates their ability to succeed, may be granted special admission.’’
Traditionally the broadcast school has been supported by media industry organisations, such as TVNZ, NZME, Mediaworks, RNZ and Newshub.
They have ‘‘not been properly consulted’’ over the changes to the student admission process, it has been claimed.
‘‘Admission is now ‘first come, first served’ because, as applicant numbers decrease, the pressure on us to fill the courses remains,’’ the document said.
In July, the broadcasting school announced changes to the way its courses are run, after students told an external review about a culture of harassment, bullying and heavy drinking.