Students from Portage Collegiate Institute’s PCI Channel 1 visited Golden West Broadcasting on June 18 in Portage la Prairie as part of the “PCI Channel 1 Takeover” event.
The group toured CFRY 920AM, Country 93.1, and Mix 96.5 studios, gaining insight into how local radio stations operate alongside their work with PortageOnline.
PCI Channel 1 has been a student-led initiative for more than five years, producing video content that ranges from live sports broadcasts and community interviews to monthly newscasts and school event coverage.
The program involves students in hosting, video production, graphic design, and technical roles.
Four years of growth and hands-on learning
Jeremy Robinson, a grade 12 student, notes he has been involved with PCI Channel 1 throughout high school.
“It’s been really fun,” he says, reflecting on his time working on news episodes, live streams, and events like the flag ceremonies.
Jeremy adds that the experience has given him valuable behind-the-scenes knowledge.
“It’s been really nice to see more of what’s going on behind the scenes... this time actually showed a lot more stuff in more detail.”
Looking ahead, Jeremy plans to take a year off to gain media work experience before studying media production at ACC.
Finding a niche in sports broadcasting
Cody Plett, also in grade 12, says his involvement began in grade 10 and centers on sports broadcasting.
“I’ve been into sports my whole life, so just being able to show that in a way was really fun,” he mentions.
Cody has hosted, done interviews, and worked alongside other students for colour commentary.
Although he plans to pursue a career in construction trades, Cody continues to keep sports commentary “as a fine little hobby.”
Reflecting on the radio station visit, he says, “It was really fun actually, to be able to come down and see all the insides of what you guys do and not just hear it on the radio, but even go out and do that interview is really fun.”
Embracing behind-the-scenes work and future goals
Grade 12 student Jovi Plett, who also graduates this year, says she enjoys the behind-the-scenes work of media production.
“I’m not a huge people person, but going out was also super fun and learning a lot of new things,” she remarks about the Golden West visit.
Jovi plans to attend Bible school in the fall and considers a future in sports entertainment.
She offers advice to younger students: “Definitely have fun. Make sure that you’re still getting all your stuff done because it comes down on you real fast… but also make sure to still live life, not as an adult yet because it’s coming fast. So live it to the fullest.”
Jovi continues, praising the close friendships formed through PCI Channel 1.
She also notes the support from teacher Shane Sobkowich, saying, “He got me to live stream the Portage Terriers and he got a lot of us really cool opportunities.”
The “PCI Channel 1 Takeover” is part of the ongoing effort to immerse students in real-world media production, helping prepare them for careers in communications, journalism, and media arts.
