GH Students Compete in VJ Search
Another MuchMusic VJ competition is in progress. MuchMusic’s VJ Search 2.0 is the fourth competition of its kind. This time around, the competition has attracted thousands of competitors.
Akim Burke and Patrick Dennis Jr., both Guelph-Humber students, are participants in the competition. They are currently in the Media Studies program, both specializing in journalism with a shared interest of making a career for themselves in the broadcasting industry.
Dennis talked about his career inspirations and about why he wants to be a MuchMusic VJ.
“I want to do broadcasting, so it kind of fits,” he said. “I can’t say it’s been a dream. It’s been more like something I’ve always seen myself doing. I’ve always been in love with music, and since I’m not really talented at singing and that sort of thing, I figured why not? It’s a chance to get involved in the music industry.”
Burke has similar career aspirations. He said he would like to be a host of a television show or be on the radio.
In terms of making it in the industry, Burke says participating in the VJ competition has its benefits. Even if he loses the competition, Burke considers any publicity to be good publicity.
“If I don’t get it, I won’t be too upset,” said Burke. “It could also turn out for a way for me to get some exposure in a sense. I just put it out there and then hope for the best.”
Humber Director of Broadcast Media Jerry Chomyn has a different take on it. Chomyn said the VJ competition is less of a way for students to make it in the industry than it is a marketing tactic for MuchMusic.
“First and foremost, it’s a promotion for the TV station,” said Chomyn. “Is it exciting for the students? Of course it is! Is there a chance that they could get a job with MuchMusic? Yeah, of course. Does it ensure that they’re going to be stars in the broadcast industry? No, not at all. Just winning the competition is meaningless; it means you won a contest.”
However, Chomyn said if students work hard and seek an education in broadcasting, they may just make it in the industry.
“If the person that wins the VJ search has the education, has the presence, has the drive and has the determination, they will become good broadcasters,” Chomyn said.
Dennis agrees education has some bearing on how far students go in the industry. In terms of the VJ competition, Dennis said studying media might give him the upper hand.
“The fact that the school is so media driven… You kind of understand how the media works, and because you’re being taught, you know how to apply it,” he said.
MuchMusic VJ competitor and former University of Toronto student Natalie Voutari says that aside from education, a person who is successful in the industry must have other qualities. She believes a job in the industry requires personality, experience, a great presence, and most of all, a passion for broadcasting.
However, Voutari says those who do not make it at first should not feel disappointed. “I’m going to use failure as a stepping stone to success,” Voutari said.
Akim and Burke said they would not be too upset if they lost, even though it would be a great victory to win. Burke was asked how he would celebrate if he won.
“I would do my Lotto 649 dance,” Burke laughed.
As it has turned out for both Burke and Dennis, the MuchMusic VJ competition has ended. They were not chosen to be in the finals.
Chomyn says there are other better ways to go about getting involved in the broadcasting industry other than simply participating in a competition.
“If a student really wants to do themselves good in broadcasting, go to an A Channel, go to a Barrie station,” Chomyn said. “Demonstrate you have the ability to attract viewers and listeners. That will get noticed by the industry a lot more than winning a contest.”