About the Show:

Join in the conversation with the Innis Herald Masthead as they discuss life studying at University of Toronto, share favourite song recommendations, articles and short stories from the Innis Herald’s issues. 

Latest Episode:

Behind the Scenes:

When I first started my role as the Online Editor at the Innis Herald in April of 2021, I was overcome with a sense of excitement. It was my first time working for a newspaper as apart of the masthead. The minute I gained access to the website, I made it my goal to transform it into something special, more than just a plain website that has a bunch of articles on it.

The podcast was an idea I proposed after being on a high of producing another podcast over the summer for the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association. I knew it would require hard and extra work, but I managed to convince them that the podcast was what the Innis Herald needed to gain new contributors. The Innis Herald is a small newspaper, that operates within an already small college. It competes with bigger student newspapers on campus such as The Varsity, who also have their own slew of audio content.

Due to the pandemic, the Innis Herald experienced a hit in the “sale” of their printed copies. We do not pay students to read our newspaper, but that does not mean that students actually pick them up at the news stands. Even though U of T was reopening for in person education, the number of printed copies reduced each issue for the entire year; from 500 to 300 as to alleviate cost and waste.

In addition to the fact that many students these days do not read physical newspapers, either as personal preference or due to inaccessibility, it seemed having more online content seemed to be the best to encourage website engagement.

Thus, the podcast was born. Albeit laborious at the beginning to gain the confidence and support from the Editor in Chief, yet worthwhile when granted the green light back in January.

Production:

The team was made up of three individuals: Josie our Social Media Coordinator, Stephanie, my Junior Online Editor, and myself as the lead producer. Each of us hosted a particular segment of the podcast, and were deeply involved in the creation of its structure, style and features.

As for the actual post-production, that work was split between Stephanie who was in charge of special effects, and music, and I, who cleaned up the raw audio and compiled the segments into individual files for easier integration.

Together we created a trailer and the first episode of the podcast as the pilot for this new venture in March. Later in August, I hired two new Podcast Producers, Marty Hewitt and Huipeng Lee. Both of which are experienced video and podcast producers and editors. Which made the process of producing content that much easier.

For the 2022-2023 school year, we produced nine episodes, discussing student resources, student life, and particular issues such as environmental issues, mental health and racism. All showing off the talents of our contributors.

Now as our final episode launches later this summer, our new Podcast Director Marty, will be taking over, keeping this brand new venture alive. It was an honour and a pleasure to have started this new show. As well as securing its future by partnering with CIUT FM. Radio to gain access to their professional podcasting studio, Audition editing software and distribution or free.