Across the Pond and On the Air: My Radio Journalism Experience in Canada

 

About me 

I’m Nichola Hunter-Warburton, a recent MA Multimedia Journalism graduate from Bournemouth University. This summer, I had the opportunity to spend a month in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, as part of a voluntary work experience trip funded by the Turing Scheme. It was a month filled with stories, new friendships, cultural discovery and professional growth. Looking back, I can honestly say it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

Why I Chose This Path

I chose to study journalism at BU because I’ve always been passionate about storytelling and giving people a voice. I always knew that I wanted to undertake journalism overseas, so when I heard about the Turing Scheme, something clicked. I realised that stepping outside of my comfort zone could help me grow both personally and professionally. I wanted to explore a new culture, meet new people and see how journalism works in a different part of the world.

Finding the placement and Preparing to Go

I found the volunteering placement through my Principal Academic and BU’s Global Engagement team and applied to work with CJAM FM, a community radio station based at the University of Windsor. The station’s focus on grassroots journalism within arts and culture, music and community storytelling, something that really appealed to me. The Turing Scheme application process was surprisingly straightforward, and I felt supported throughout. The funding made the experience possible, covering my travel, accommodation and living costs. Without it, I wouldn’t have been able to take part.

First Days in Windsor

Arriving in Windsor was a bit of a whirlwind. I was jet-lagged, overwhelmed and standing in a supermarket aisle trying to choose from what felt like 50 types of cereal. But from the moment I landed, the CJAM team made me feel welcome. Two of the station managers picked me up from the airport, took me shopping and helped me settle into my Airbnb in an idyllic part of the city called Riverside, a peaceful neighbourhood with movie-like houses, wild turkeys and fireflies that lit up the night. (I must admit, I became slightly obsessed with the fireflies we don’t have anything like them in the UK, we need light-up insects!). After a day of sleep and getting settled I joined the CJAM staff at a local music venue called Circuit in Ford City, and sat in on one of their meetings, this was where I shared my ideas for radio journalism.

Life and work at CJAM

My placement at CJAM 99.1 FM was fun and hands-on from the start. In my first week I covered the Walkerville Art Walk, a weekend-long art event featuring vendors, workshops and street artists showing off their vibrant creations in the historic neighbourhood. With my mic in hand and a real eagerness to get involved, I spent the day interviewing attendees, organisers and local artists. I even joined in with some painting myself, adding a small blue, red and white heart to the community canvas as a nod to the UK. I also couldn’t resist buying a painting of a cat and sunflower, which reminded me of home. It was a fun and memorable event that gave me the chance to gather audio clips and conversations, ready for my first on-air radio show the following week.

Another highlight from my first week was welcoming Alejandro, director of the Arts Council Windsor & Region, into the CJAM FM radio studio for a pre-recorded on-air interview. We discussed a fantastic initiative that connects local artists with businesses, which tied in perfectly with my coverage of the Walkerville Art Walk. It was a brilliant opportunity to explore how creative communities collaborate, and it felt incredibly rewarding to host the conversation.

Hearing my interviews go live on CJAM FM the following week under the CJAM Interviews segment was a surreal and proud moment. After days of recording, editing and preparing, suddenly my voice and the voices of those I had interviewed were being shared across the airwaves. It felt like everything I had worked on was coming to life. What made it even more special was knowing that my family and friends back in the UK were able to tune in online and listen along. Their messages of support and excitement meant the world to me. It was a powerful reminder of how radio can connect people across borders, and how storytelling can travel far beyond the place it was recorded.

The following week, I visited Chapter Two Brewery in Windsor to attend the launch event for a new issue of Pagination, a community zine created through a collaboration between Windsor and Detroit public libraries. The publication showcases writers and poets from both sides of the river, celebrating creativity across borders. During the event, I recorded soundbites from attendees and poets, asking them to share the meanings behind their work. These conversations allowed me to connect more deeply with the artists and gave CJAM radio listeners a more personal insight into the stories behind the poetry.

I also interviewed the Mayor of Windsor at a Chamber of Commerce 150th anniversary event in Jackson Park, Windsor, about local business initiates and future plans for the city, which was surreal and nerve-wracking, however being surrounded by local media teams made me feel like I belonged, as they were all very welcoming and keen to share tips with me. Also the Mayor was so friendly!

One of the most memorable interviews I conducted during my time at CJAM FM was with a 92-year-old woman who came into the studio to speak with me. She shared her heartfelt ambition to compose an anthem for the University of Windsor, a dream she has carried with pride and determination. Her energy and enthusiasm were truly inspiring, and it was remarkable to see how passionate she remained about creativity and education, even in her nineties. Sitting across from her in the studio, I felt a deep sense of privilege to help share her story with the wider community. Her words were full of wisdom, humour and hope, and the conversation reminded me of the power of radio to amplify voices that might otherwise go unheard. It was a moment that stayed with me, and one that perfectly captured the spirit of storytelling that brought me to Canada in the first place.

A Day in Detroit

One of the most memorable days was a trip to Detroit with Eloisa, CJAM's program director. Crossing the border into the US via the tunnel was a stark contrast, even though it was such a short car journey. Customs were serious, and you could feel a shift in atmosphere, especially during such tense political times. But once through, Detroit offered a rich cultural experience, including its famous square-shaped pizza, which has a fascinating history.

We strolled around historic neighbourhoods, visited a vintage book fair and danced at the Concert of Colors, a free community music festival at the Detroit Institute of Arts. The energy was incredible. We nicknamed one artist as DJ “Labubu” because he was small but powerful, and we danced until late into the evening.

Cultural Differences and Personal Growth

Living in Canada for a month gave me a new perspective on both journalism and life in general. The pace felt different, the people were incredibly warm, and the community spirit was strong, the city was very relaxed and had more of a big-town vibe which reminded me of home, so the transition was fairly easy. I noticed how storytelling in Windsor often focused on collaboration and inclusion with its US neighbour, Detroit. It also made me reflect on my own cultural habits and how I approach journalism and people in general. I also feel that we need some of that Canadian warmth in the UK, failing that some more sun!

Moreover, I became more confident in adapting my communication style to different situations and people. I learned to listen more deeply, to ask better questions and to be open to unexpected stories. I also gained practical skills in interviewing, audio editing and producing content for radio.

Looking Ahead

This experience has confirmed that I want to pursue a career in journalism and has developed my passion for audio storytelling. Further, I feel more confident in my ability to work with people from different cultural backgrounds and to tell stories that matter. I also found it incredibly useful to link what I learned at university to real-world practice, and because of this I’ve developed skills that I can take with me into my future journalism career.

If I had to give myself advice before starting this journey, it would be to embrace every moment. Say yes to new experiences, even if they feel unfamiliar. Trust that you’ll find your place, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Final Reflections

My greatest achievement during this placement at CJAM 99.1 FM was stepping into a new country and telling stories that connected local people across two countries. I also realised that journalism is about more than just reporting facts. It’s about building relationships, understanding communities and sharing voices that might otherwise go unheard.

Being away from home was at times slightly challenging.  I missed my partner, my cat and the familiarity of my own home comforts. But the kindness and warmth of the people I met helped me settle in quickly. I was invited to games nights, lake walks, art and community events, all of these things made me feel like I belonged.

To any student considering a Turing placement abroad, I would say go for it. You’ll grow in ways you never expected. You’ll meet incredible people, learn about yourself and the world, and come away with memories that will stay with you forever.

I’m incredibly grateful to the CJAM team, the Turing Scheme and Bournemouth University for making this experience possible. It opened my mind, strengthened my passion for journalism and reminded me that no matter where you are in the world, people have stories worth telling.