Facilities & Equipment

While in Western’s Master of Media in Journalism and Communication program, students spend a lot of time in the FIMS building on campus, practicing with the industry-standard equipment and mastering their media skills. With so much going on in the program, it’s great to know that most of the FIMS facilities and equipment are available to MMJC students 24/7. Take a peek at what’s available below.

Video: Filmed and produced by Shawn Cheatham, Media Studies PhD student.

The FIMS Broadcast Studio

The Broadcast Studio introduces students to high-definition technology. Doubling as a classroom, students get regular training and practice with broadcasting equipment. The Studio features cameras, lighting, a fully equipped control room and it can easily be converted into a newscast set for live broadcasts and public relations videos.

Computers in the Studio have Burli Newsroom Suite installed, allowing students to gather information, compose scripts and publish news to multiple platforms. The equipment is industry-standard, and guests are often interviewed in the Studio for news segments that appear later on CBC, TVO and BBC programs.

Students prepping for a newscast

Video Editing Suites

Attached to the Broadcast Studio are four edit suites. Each edit suite computer runs Avid Media Composer, which is an industry-standard film and video editing software. While in Western’s master’s program in journalism and communications, students receive extensive training on Avid. They are also instructed on Adobe Premiere.

Starting with an introduction to the software and how to use the basic editing tools, the program’s goal is for students to graduate with advanced video editing and production skills in strong, visual storytelling for both journalism and communications.

Audio Suites

Is radio or podcast hosting in your future? The Broadcast Studio features two audio suites running Adobe Audition. MMJC students have exclusive access to these suites, and there are many projects throughout the year where students will record voiceovers for video, radio and podcasting assignments. Western’s graduate program in journalism and communications is designed to give students exposure to all types of media, including professional audio production.

Student in the radio booth

Industry-Standard Portable Equipment

Throughout the program, students will gain practical experience outside of the classroom and in their communities to provide real field experience. To ensure our students can be successful, the MMJC program stocks a large variety of portable video and audio equipment that students have access to 24/7.

Students can borrow Sony cameras, Go Pro/DSLR cameras, MOJO cellphone camera grips, microphones, gimbals, sliders, digital audio recorders, tripods, lights and a variety of other tools to make each student’s project shine for their media portfolios.

Michael Marti, Communications Intern, City of London

❝ I feel lucky to have access to equipment that's more advanced than what some journalists use in their newsrooms. The learning curve is steep but rewarding.❞

Computer Labs

FIMS grad students, including MMJC students, have access to three computer labs that include both Mac and Windows computer stations. The computers provide access to a wide range of software products. Students can drop in to work on assignments when not in class.

In the largest computer lab, the tables and computers are set up in pods to allow collaborative work. Although this lab is regularly booked for class instruction, MMJC students are still welcome to drop in when it is not in use.

Students working in a computer lab

FIMS Graduate Library

The FIMS Graduate Library supports all FIMS graduate programs. The library provides access to electronic resources and houses non-circulating print collections, including books, comics and graphic novels, periodicals, course reserves, board games, and DVDs.

Equipment such as digital cameras, e-readers, and tablets are available for student use. The library also has a makerspace, Bibliotech, as well as meeting rooms for group projects, student meetings. There is also a quiet reading room with comfortable seating. The FIMS Graduate Library hosts workshops throughout the year covering a variety of relevant topics.

❝ MMJC facilities and equipment were world-class. They allowed me to experience what it's like for top professionals in the field and immensely helped me develop my skills. ❞

Social/Common Spaces

The FIMS and Nursing Building is home to the Faculty of Information & Media Studies. The design of the building puts a premium on seating and break-out space for students. When entering the building, there’s a large atrium that spans three floors with lots of workspace and natural light.

There is a private lounge area on the third floor specifically for FIMS grad students. It contains seating and a kitchenette with a microwave, sink, a large fridge and a separate meeting space reserved for student groups. You’ll be visiting FIMS a lot while studying in the MMJC program, so you might as well get comfortable!

Western’s master’s degree in communications and journalism prepares students for media careers ranging from broadcast journalism, written journalism, radio and podcast hosting, digital and content marketing and more. With regular use of the MMJC’s equipment and facilities, students will graduate with a well-rounded skill set for any media job. Are you ready to Start Your Story?

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