Field Trip to the CBC

On Saturday, September 21/2013 @ 11:45A.M., Professor John Northcott led Humber Lakeshore Journalism students, including myself on a tour inside the Canadian Broadcasting Centre. At a cost of $350 million, this thirteen storey 160,000 square metre facility is located in the heart of downtown Toronto at 250 Front Street West, the home of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Contained inside and upstairs are offices, various labs, an integrated newsroom and multiple studios used for local, regional, English and French services / productions. Only a two minute walk from the CN Tower, MTCC (Metro Toronto Convention Centre), and now Ripley’s Aquarium, the CBC’s broadcasting centre attracts both local Torontonians and international tourism. Constructed by Architect Philip Johnson from John Burgee Architects and completed in 1992, the structure draws in worldwide attention for its innovative design.

Our tour group met and checked in at the security desk in what is known as the Barbara Frum Atrium. Named after Canada’s honoured and most celebrated journalists, the Atrium extends the entirety of the first ten stories. It is used mainly for special broadcasts, federal election coverage, and other important live events. With easy access to the main entrances on the first floor the Atrium plays host to the CBC Museum. Exhibits include vintage sound and tape equipment, puppets from Sesame Street, and the original Mr. Dressup tree. The museum appeals to and is enjoyable for people of all ages including elders and families with young children.

CBC currently airs a morning news program called the World Report. The 10 minute program features local anchor David Common. It airs hourly from 5A.M. to 8A.M. on weekdays, and 6A.M. to 9A.M. on weekends. The program focuses on today’s most crucial and important international issues. Essentially, the World Report informs viewers of what is happening abroad in other countries, issues that may not be broadcasted on their local news.

Toronto, alike Vancouver and Halifax now has a newly fully integrated broadcast centre for staff from all media platforms to work together as one unit. This includes television/cable, internet and of course radio. CBC workers like to think of themselves as ‘professional news gatherers’ as opposed to being labeled specifically to just one platform. In terms of news content, this now nation-wide concept proves to work best.

After some additional research, I learned more about CBC’s ‘Media Production Services’. This fully integrated production facility offers and abundance of technical resources. CBC provides its clients with all the staff required in order to produce the best show or program possible. The studio offers a high quality HD environment, top of the line cameras, and any audio or lighting equipment needed. With competitive rates, they pride themselves on providing the best possible media production service. To conclude, the CBC’s Canadian Broadcasting Centre in Toronto is one of North America’s most technologically advanced news and media centres. Including the entire staff, this is due to CBC’s phenomenal Barbara Frum Atrium and Museum, the World Report, the Integrated News Room and multiple world –class studios that produce today’s most important and most popular productions.

CBC Studios

Studio 40 is located on the 10th floor and Canada’s largest multi-camera studio.

Studio 41 and 42 are both located on the 10th floor and home to The Mercer Report.

Studio 43 and 65 are both located on the 6th floor and home to George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight.

Studio 50 is CBC’s national news studio, and home to The National.

Studio 73 is located on the 5th floor equipped with a large green screen.

SOURCES / WORKS CITED

1. Online Website: www.cbc.ca/facilities/index.html

Wednesday, October 9/2013

2. Online Website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Broadcasting_Centre

Wednesday, October 9/2013