My name is Alyssa Razavi Mastali and I’m going into my fourth year of studies at McGill with a major in political science and double minors in World Cinemas and Environment. I wanted to do this internship so that I could gain more hands-on experience working in video production and at a non-profit organization. My learning objectives were to gain valuable experience in the technical fields of video and digital production, especially within the mandates of a grassroots and non-profit organization. I wanted the opportunity to use multimedia as a form of furthering CKUT’s mandate of highlighting essential topics and perspective as an alternative to Montreal’s mainstream media outlets.
CKUT, a non-profit campus-community radio station affiliated with Ï㽶ÊÓƵ, broadcasts alternative music, news, and spoken word content to Montreal, its environs, and a global audience 24/7. Tune in at 90.3 MHz on the FM dial or online to access our vast archive of aired shows. Comprising numerous volunteers collaborating with coordinators, CKUT not only crafts innovative and insightful radio programs but also oversees station operations through a non-hierarchical collective management approach that involves volunteers in decision-making. Since its inception in 1987, CKUT has graced the FM airwaves, with origins tracing back to Ï㽶ÊÓƵ's radio club established in 1921.
My responsibilities were to be trained, familiarize, and utilize CKUT’s camera systems, audio equipment, and editing software’s. I was responsible for coming with projects and collaborating with staff, volunteers, hosts, and guests to plan, produce, and edit a video. I was responsible for collaborating with the Production Department on the pre-production, production, and post-production of video content published by the station.
Definitely one of the biggest highlights has been getting to familiarize myself with the station, and getting the chance to contribute and learn from different departments. My favourite experience so far has been filming a punk group from New York live at the music studio. We were inspired by some of the past video at the station and we also got a free concert! While my main responsibilities involve video and multimedia, I’ve been able to have a multitude of new experiences and unexpected skills. The station is quite small but there’s always something happening, whether it’s a regular host coming in to record their show, a live band performance, and everyone’s always working on something interesting. I’ve been able to familiarize myself with recording equipment and was able to help produce station ads. In the basement, we have two recording studios and an expansive music library filled with records and CDs, some decades old, others sent recently by individuals. As my internship is continuing with CKUT until the end of the summer, and possibly even beyond after that, I’m looking forward to work with the spoken word department to do multimedia news pieces. There are many radio hosts that have worked with the station for years and formed long connections, and their shows have interesting histories. Archival footage is very easily acceptable and recorded, making CKUT filled with many hidden treasure of history. It has been amazing to be able to view and work with community members who have had massive impacts on the Montreal local community.
In terms of challenges, I’ve been able to already work on a few projects, but I think the challenge is enforcing structure. Especially since I’m working a newer role at the station, I am working on creating a routine and schedule with my supervisor so that I’m better grounded and organized in my work. There’s some exciting opportunities and collaborations coming up, and I can’t wait to settle in even more.
Working at CKUT this summer had a huge impact on me. In fact, I plan on continuing to work at CKUT and assist in multimedia as a volunteer during the school year. I’ve been able to find roots in the Montreal community and connect with creatives and individuals who I can continue to learn a lot from.
I’m extremely grateful for the funding I was able to receive as it allowed to have this opportunity. The funds covered my costs of living for the whole summer, as well as transportation and food. Without it I wouldn’t have been able. I was able to work with a wonderful group of people at the station, learn critical technical skills, and make connections that are going to extend beyond just the summer.
