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The National Institue of Broadcasting, takes advantage of people wanting to get into Broadcasting with the promise that they can fast track you into the broadcasting industry or get you into voice work. This is not true, they are not even regonized in the entertainment industry. They are in it to take money and can't do anything for you regarding work
They charge over 1000.00 a month and you can not write this off as they are not a real school.
There is a woman named Susan there who will not hire any teachers who actually work in the industry now, only people who are not working in the industry any longer. For example actors who did not make it, radio people who maybe work for little radio stations and they only do it because radio dosen't pay much. NIB tells you that they are major radio personalities. They will name drop to you and if you do not know the biz, you will fall for it.
They screen people to make sure you don't know any better, and if they feel you may catch on to their scam, because you are in the industry... Susan moves in to quickly get you out.
No one in the Broadcasting Industry will hire you because you took the course, in fact they tell you to stay away from them.
Some people realize it too late, after they have already paid and are giving NIB as a reference.. only then do they realize they have just embarassed themselves.. because of the response they get from places they are applying to.
Don't be scamed by them. All of their instructors or "Directors" as Susan calls them, are people who can not find work in the industry. Even the instructors don't tell people they work there.
This lady Susan is a little strange and very ingnorant if you don't agree to join as soon as she wants you to. She can actually become verbally abusive.
Stay Away from
NIB - NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF BROADCASTING
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Mickieblake: 2010-02-21: Promises of Placement
"Mickieblake" is a disgruntled job applicant who misused the Complaints Board to defame and slander the National Institute of Broadcasting and its teaching directors. The question is asked of the website's managers: Why is her complaint not accompanied by her real name and address?
Evidence strongly suggests that this despicable attack was the work of a woman who described herself as an " international casting director" seeking a teaching position with our company. She said that she thought highly of NIB and in the past had referred many students to us for voice training. Though she was obviously not qualified for the position she was seeking, she was treated courteously by our CEO and truthfully told there were no teaching positions open at that particular time.
The National Institute of Broadcasting was established in 1962. We are a private college, licensed by the Ministry of Education. We believe NIB to be Canada's oldest and most respected broadcasting school. Contrary to Mickieblake's venomous lies, our tuition fees are tax deductible. All our instructors are broadcasting professionals working in the field. They are also university educated, Ministry of Education qualified and Actra members. With the exception of one instructor (3 years) all have been with NIB for fifteen to twenty-five years.
NIB issues a challenge to the cowardly Mickieblake: Let's see you step up on Complaints Board and back your lies with your real name. Our lawyers are waiting.
The National Institute of Broadcasting
nibtv@bellnet.ca
I'm going to have to go against what The National Institute of Broadcasting has submitted above. I attended this school in 2007 (no, I am not explaining who I am, because I do love the teachers, and because if I ever return to Toronto I would love to stop in and say hi to some of the staff without being yelled out of the studio) and must agree with most of the comment posted by "Mickieblake." I had attended one of their "screening tests" which was held three months prior to my school attendance, and was absolutely thrilled with the amount of feedback I had received over how my voice was ("Mike" the guy who had received fame by imitating Muhammad Ali through calling a baseball stadium saying "Ali" wanted someone to hit a home run back in the day). I received my acceptance call asap and soon enough I packed my bags and moved to Toronto. The school is about the size of a normal small town radio station, which really is nice (it's a decent sized school for a small class each semester for radio/TV). I had attended the full course (which was three months) and trust me: it was very expensive for only three months' work, but like they say (and I quote) "a resume is everything, and if you don't have school you won't get looked at as quickly" which is very true. My class was around 9 and they were very kind to everyone. Unfortunately, you learned very quickly that they literally sent everybody that was able to speak somewhat fluently an acceptance phone call/letter and said they were allowed to come. I had a student in my class that literally blew up and screamed at everyone (I'm sure NiB now knows which class I am referring to) and constantly would disrupt the class by yelling out random gossip as well hatred toward the teachers. She was not sent home, and another girl who lived in Toronto was sent packing because this mean-spirited girl belitted her so much that she quit. Anyway, I'm getting sidetracked here.
The National Institute of Broadcasting was founded in 1962 (as stated above) but has since undergone an owner switcheroo (the owner who knew so much in radio had passed away, and his son Tony had kept it). The current owner (I think Tony's still the owner) has a slight attitude issue that is in short supply. One time I had gone to the bathroom before noon and when I opened the door he had tossed a plastic vodka bottle into the garbage real quick thinking I hadn't noticed (I peeked in after because I thought he was doing drugs). My entire class had always thought he was drunk some days when he was in the school (he never taught classes and I also don't think he's ever been on the air). Nevertheless, he was a nice man unless someone got on his bad side, then he'd just be sarcastically mean (he also had a permanent attitude that he didn't care). Again, not making anything of this up in the slightest.
The teachers were really great teachers, though they did zip through classes as quick as a fiddle (just like in radio, another great quote by NiB... "Get in, do your bit, then get out"). They did teach as much as they could and did as they were told, and if you had an issue most of the time you could address them. Don't get me wrong, because I LOVE my NiB teachers to death (Peter, Reneta, and "Radio ROB"!) and I highly respect them all, but I do believe they would lie about working at NiB. The surrounding area of Toronto KNOWS who NiB are because (again, not lying) they accept everyone and send all that complete the course into the working class world with three audition demo's of their choice (sports announcer audio, radio DJ demo, TV newscasting demo, and I can't remember the other ones). Myself, I chose the Radio DJ, Commercial, and TV Newscasting demo. First off, Richard (NiB's audio engineer) is an awesome guy and was fun to talk with and gets along easily with anyone, but the Radio DJ demo I had received was very upsetting. Upon hearing it in NiB's studio at "graduation" (they play everyone's audio demo before handing them to you), I was very pleased with the production value in it. Upon taking it back to my apartment and listening to it without background noises like quiet background chatter (and without listening to it through a muffled speaker that had an output like an AM radio station), I noticed that Richard had cut/edited/pasted my voice in so many tiny different places to cut my demo down to around 2 minutes. I consider the audio work produced to be embarrassing. I don't have many complaints about the TV newscasting demo production, though I disliked how it was recorded via a tape that was used and reused and reused some more (visual quality wasn't the greatest upon editing as a result).
I'd also like to address another major issue I had with the school (chances are they'll know who I am if they ever read this again)... My stay at NiB was slightly extended thanks to a bank loan requiring school be 6 months or greater in order for me to have money (which NiB had no problem allowing me to stay one day extra a week for 3 extra months in order to get my money and keep me happy... They gave me an "Internet Internship" where I would be interning on their "MediaTalks" Internet radio website, then be critiqued the next day by a teacher who listened to some "bits" I recorded him. The critiquing never happened after the first week of interning, and only Susan would be listening in at the front desk to my show (I just had to throw in a few random bits of anything and they wouldn't care). ONTOP of that, they had a problem student in a class that attended adjacent to my class that started the month I was finishing, and he was kicked out of school. Susan (she's a kind lady, but can raise up a temper quick if you slander the school's name or say something insulting... She also looks similar to Princess Leia!) had told me that if I could teach him what I was taught during my school stay DURING MY "INTERN" SHOW, that it would be greatly appreciated ("His mother really wants him out of the house and doing something actively, and he loves voice work)... Let me tell you! I had heard how this guy acted in class, and one day he came to school to be taught by me with his head completely shaved (eyebrows as well). The way he spoke to me made me feel my life was in danger, so I locked both doors entering the production room (where I was), and all that separated him and I was a window between the recording room and my room. It was for an hour or two (can't remember) every Wednesday, which gave me an hour or two of actual "on-air" work. Still, it really does look good to be on Internet radio as well actual studio work. Whatever you can stick on your resume... Stick it on there!
For the PRO'S on this school: NiB does actually simulate a real radio station after practicing and working away at your speech. They have you write AND deliver news/entertainment/sports segments (RECORD EVERYTHING YOU WRITE; never know when it'll be a great memory of your first times during "crunch time!"). They also allow one person each hour (rotating class members each hour) behind the helm! You can bring in your own mp3 player or use their classic cd player systems (which were and in some cases still used in radio) and even computers to play and cross fade music. I was developing "Station ID's" and fun little "MediaTalks" intro's when I was there. I was hoping to enter a bit of production after completing school as well. Class is very fun (as long as you have awesome classmates which is general in each school), and you do learn and develop speech and voice techniques!
There is so much information I want to put on here, but I've already written a book on here, so here are the main issues you need to know:
1. Do not attend unless you know you have a decent voice (don't ever listen to what your friends or family say about your voice, because most people that enter NiB's doors enter with extremely high hopes)
2. The teachers are AWESOME, but they have a LOT to teach in 3 months' time. They will touch base on everything a two-year broadcasting school term touches on (without the whole theory and history in radio, which is not as important), so have fun in class but at the same time pay close attention and learn as much as you can.
3. If you have access to a soundboard (aka a church, youthgroup, friend's house), LEARN TO USE IT! When I attended NiB they used older 90's soundboards, but judging by their updated website's photos they have newer ones... It's never too early nor to late to learn how to use one, and it helps all the more before you enter into school (though in radio, it's not needed because you mainly only use "channels" on the soundboard, as in your mic, your guest's mic, a telephone that's wired to the board, a computer input audio, and a few others.
4. If you live in a small town, USE IT TO YOUR ADVANTAGE. NiB clearly states during the first week of class that unless you know someone extremely high that can vouch for you in the radio industry, "You will have to start small and work your way to the top. A small town radio station is the only way to start." Send in a resume along with a cover letter stating you're looking to attend school in a few months/year away, and ask if they'd take you under their wing. You never know if they'll take you until you try.
5. The teachers are there to do their jobs, and not put up with bullcrap. The radio industry is full of great people, and even if what "Mickieblake" says is true (that they were only small time radio that lied about their history), they are still GREAT people and know what they're talking about. The #1 way to move up in a station is by meeting people and being nice. I have only the utmost highest respect for the teachers in that school, but the administrative support really is lacking (yes, I am talking about Tony and (slightly) about Susan). Richard, again, is a rocking dude, but don't waste his time. Great guy, but before finishing your term there and receiving your demo... LISTEN TO IT thoroughly! If you have someone you know in radio, let them listen to it. NiB administration do not care as much about your demo (they won't do an absolutely horrid job; they know a little better than that, but some of the little things they do can add up pretty quick to a bust).
6. Again... If you plan on staying in Toronto and doing something with your NiB certification, be sure to pick up as much free on-air time as possible! Look on the website Milkman Unlimited (NiB will tell you about the site later on in your course) and keep your eyes open for anything "free radio" (aka Omni radio) post online to find radio personalities. ANYTHING acting/voice related, be sure to put on your resume (unless it's a grade 6 ballet or play... Something more up-to-speed if you're putting in plays).
7. To gain the best of your brand new certification, move out of Toronto. If you have never had any experience in radio, move. ASAP. Move to a small town that has a radio station (or plan to commute) and see if you can find any work. I am doing you a favor.
8. On the air... ALWAYS refer to the "audience" (people listening to the radio) as one person. That is the number one rule National Institute of Broadcasting (as well any radio station/talk show) teach.
I am sorry if I have insulted Susan or Richard in any of this book I've written on here, because the teachers (as well Susan and Richard) are AWESOME people! Long story short: The school term is too short. Especially $7, 500 for only THREE MONTHS OF SCHOOL. Unless you are looking to further your radio career by attending various schools (which Jim Carrey did do; "he attended NiB!" ...And at least 5 other schools, which they don't talk about there), do not enter unless you have money to spend (because it's expensive... I went there because I was hoping school would get me to a big time radio station quickly).
By the way; I am working at a radio station! Not because or NiB though... I was working at one before I attended, and returned here after attending NiB. The one thing I don't regret in NiB is meeting the teachers and classmates (except one student who was very mean). I had an absolute blast in the school, but it wasn't worth attending other than the fact I moved to Toronto and experienced life.
Hey Bart,
Yeah I know who you are, and thanks for posting this. I came across it soon after it was written, but didn't feel it was appropriate to respond until now.
You will notice that there are no complaints about editing/production pre 2010 on this or any other board, but a few after that time.
The reason for this, is that Susan thought it would be a good idea for her and the lady at the front desk to produce the commercials post 2010. I tried to fight this, but i wasn't the one writing the cheques. so post that time I was simply a "recordist". Not a producer.
Everyone's heart was in the right place at NIB for the students, and everyone there had their own talents. Unfortunately, some individuals eventually tried to take on roles that they simply weren't meant for.
Thank you for your kind words, and for shining a light on what was going on there at the time.
Also, I want to shout out Tony Dickens. The school was going in a really positive direction when he was at the helm.
Richard
Correction. 2009 when my production wings were clipped. June 2009.
If anyone can be of help, I would appreciate it.
I payed a large sum, but didn't make the complete payment back in July . I was supposed to start a week later, but I fell ill. I walked into the office weeks after the start date and asked for a money return, and the lady said:" I cannot do this." So, I said: " Fine, I will leave the amount and pay the outstanding amount before classes this up-coming February."
The received a call notifying me that the school will close. No further information was provided. I got in touch with the co-ordinator for refunds and sent the copy of the signed check with the amount payed. The lady told me she will give this check to the Universities and Colleges office, and I will be notified of a decision for a refund.
I just received a letter that they will not refund the amount because according to the dates I was supposed to have completed the program. I no longer have a contact number for the studio. I want a return on my money.
Can anyone advise of another course of action?
Certified by the government or not, in general stay away from small private education facilities. Many are out for you dollar more than providing an education. If you are in Toronto think about going to The National Screen Centre and Ryerson first. Check out the CFTPA, Ontario New Media and Telefilm Canada's Producer / Production Manager Intern programs. Look into the D.G.C.'s training programs and The Ontario College of Art & Design. Not ALL private education facilities. In BC look at The Vancouver Film School and the above mentioned Intern/Appren. programs. I went to one of The N.I.B.'s info sessions, just for interest, and with in the first minute knew what they were all about. They don't even have anyone from CityTV working for them and City is were the bottom like industry pros's start out. The teaching staff reads like a list of ' Failed Who's Who Worker's of Canad'. It doesn't matter how high tech the gear is, if the teacher doesn't have the talent then you're not going to learn anything. I prof. Produce TV & have done so for 30 years. Places like this give legit media education centres a bad name.
NIB closed around 2010. There's a yoga studio there now.
2011.
National Institute of Broadcasting went out of business a few years back.
Wow I can't believe what I'm reading. I attend NIB back in 1999 and I was able to find work in radio and have been working in radio since 2000 when I graduated in the United States. I am now a voice artist primarily with my own business. I agree with Artbal540 I had a wonderful experience and I got to know the original owner and Tony as well. I was the second student to pass there final on the first try and scored a perfect mark. I remember Peter's reaction and what he said to me and I never forgot it.. If anyone knows what Peter's last name was or if he's still living in Toronto or what happened to the instructors. I would love to get in contact with Peter mainly I would appreciate it very much! I owe my career to NIB. Thank you!
Peters last name is Mellor. He asked me for a reference letter to get a radio job in Australia i believe. wherever it was, he was successful in acquiring the job. I miss that old scoundrel. Good luck finding him.
I attended NiB in the late 90's as well. I can vouch for many the comments about Tony, and can vouch for almost ALL of the positive comments about the school, the teachers and the training overall.
There as NEVER a promise to get us work. There was NEVER a promise to get us interviews. Indeed, we were told again and again how competitive the business is, how it's undergoing rapid change, and how many times you might send demos out and get either rejections or no call-backs whatsoever.
NiB's goal was to PREPARE you, not just for the possible job, but for the process.
Was it expensive? Yeah. However, I've seen OTHER licensed private career colleges with similar tuition, and often even MORE expensive - no matter what the program. None of those career colleges guarantee you anything either.
So, the short version:
- nobody can make promises
- all private career colleges charge what they want - if I sign on the dotted line, I've agreed to it
- NiB delivered on the goals of the program I paid for
- I'll never look at ANY training as having been a bad thing
I graduated from the NIB when I first arrived in Canada (from the UK) in 1994. The first thing I did was sign up with them. Since that time, I have worked with several TV and documentary production companies, including National Geographic TV, The History Channel, the BBC, and A&E (on and off camera). I now do voice work for independent documentary and film companies. I recently landed a role as an MI5 agent in a forthcoming independent movie titled 'Replican, ' and will be soon appearing in a trailer for a proposed Canadian TV police drama. The NIB never promised me any radio or TV work, but the did help out by preparing my demo tape and giving my lists of leads to send my work to. I enjoyed my time there, and the instructors were all very professional. I am sorry to hear that they are now closed. BTW, Jim Carrey was also a graduate from the NIB back in the 1980s.
Bill Gibbons (wgibbons@shaw.ca)
Hello My Name Is Derrick Goddard and I went to your school back in 2003 and I was wondering if you might have a copy of my certificate. Just because I am try to get a job in my field and the would like to see proof of my schooling but I am unable to find my certificate. So if you are able to find it I was hopping that you would be able to send it to me.
My email is derrick.john.goddard@gmail.com. Please let me know other way cause if you are not able to find my certificate then I will just go back to school and get another certificate
Thank You Derrick
I attended in 1990. Great experience. Fine teachers. One of them was CHUM Radio’s Jungle Jay Nelson. A radio legend. I did well with the course and passed with a good mark. Because of this course and training I got a very good job in the public service sector and was in public relations. Hired on the spot. During labor disputes in the Union in which I was part, I was asked to do the radio commercials for which I did. I got two auditions from prominent automobile companies for their commercials as well. At training at NIB I was taught that getting asked for an audition was an honor because you had something that impressed the major company who would consider your voice.
Well. I’ve since retired and am enjoying a nice pension from a job where I was hired on the spot due to my vocal and public relations skills which I credit a big part to my training at NIB. Timing, eye contact, , out going skills etc. My niece is now with TSN. She attended another prominent institution buy made the roster of full time. As the years went by in my career, I realized that a school can only aim you in the right direction. It’s up to you to fly out of the nest. I’ve had no complaints.
I don't remember the actual year that I attended the course. It was in the 1980's. I passed it and although it didn't get me a job as an announcer I worked part time at a radio station in Oshawa, Ontario. I have no complaints at all about NIB. My dream was always to be an announcer on a radio station. I actually built an FM radio broadcaster and transmitted music and my voice for a time until I was shut down by the authorities. My story in a now-defunct Oshawa newspaper was my demise. I admit that it was fun. Today I still 'broadcast' but it's done legally. I do it on the internet with regular listeners. I still wish that I could be on a 'real' radio station even at my age. You can hear me on www.oshawarocks.com. I am live each Saturday starting at 11am and the archives are always up. The phone number 24 hours a day is [protected]. Len Jeffrey.