Hmws h Radio Booklet 01

8/13/2019 Hmws h Radio Booklet 01

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MDAH002 Writing and Producing for Radio

Faculty of Arts & HumanitiesSchool of Media, Film and Communication

Writing and Producing for RadioModule code MDAH002

30 Credits

Module Guide 2009/10

Module Leader:Gary Morrisroe ([email protected])
mailto:[email protected]


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MODULE TITLE:Writing and Producing for Radio(MDAH 002)

MODULE CO-ORDINATOR:Gary Morrisroe

Level :

3rd Year (Level H)

CREDIT VALUE:

30

Dept:Media Studies

Day/Time/Location(s)Monday 09:00 - 11:00 / FML 122/123

Aims of ModuleTo equip students with the skills required to devise, write and produce audio programming forradio (including magazine programmes, news, documentaries, live music programmes, and, inparticular, drama) and cross platform consumption (360 delivery). It will build upon theskills/approaches gained from attendance on the ANPR and/or Format Factual programmes inearlier years. It will familiarise students with the entire production process from the developmentof new programming, news broadcasts, Outside Broadcasts, podcasts, idents and web

publishing. It will build upon their creative, administrative, technical and interpersonal skills.With live broadcasts on Radio Hope (AM and the internet via http://radio.hope.ac.uk) students willgenerate an online portfolio of of their own unique productions

Learning Outcomes of the ModuleThis module will enable students to:

1. Understand the established and constantly evolving principles of the production process forradio/audio

2. Be able to analyse the content, construction and production requirements of radio drama,magazine, entertainment, feature and documentary programmes

3. Show their programme making skills and multi-platform awareness by producing factualradio/audio programmes to a set brief targeted to particular audiences

4. Be able to demonstrate a critical and practical understanding of approached to writing drama forradio (and appreciate how these can be applied across all platforms)

Summary Of Material to be Covered

Devising, developing, producing and presenting formatted radio programming

Writing a 15 minute original radio drama

News construction and broadcast

Webcasting and podcasting, cross platform delivery.

Develop an understanding of the use of sound effects and dialogue to maximisecomedic/dramatic impact

Build appreciation of UK's rich history of radio programming and introduce international audio

Development of a firm understanding of the essential principles of scriptwriting and liaison withthe 'BBC Writers room' and 'Northern Exposure' projects.

Generation and development of ideas

How to find suitable people and locations

Critical reflection upon practical approaches

Research methodologies

Assessment.

Programme Production. Pre-recorded and live broadcast/webcast material with supportingcross-platform delivery (50%).

Radio Drama Production. Devise, write and produce 15 minute radio drama (25%).

Reflective Critique.2,500 word critical assessment of radio production process/submission (forboth Drama and Programme Production) (25%).

Core Reading:

Crisell, A, (1986)Understanding Radio, Methuen.MacLoughlin S (2004) Writing for Radio: How to Write Plays, Features and Short Stories That GetYou on Air, Soundplay (ISBN: 095471220X)McLeish, R (2005)Radio Production, Focal Press (ISBN 0240519728)O'Donnell l., Benoit P., Hausman C., Messere F., (2003) Modern Radio Production: Production,Programming and Performance, Wadsworth (ISBN: 0534563961)


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Shingler M, Wieringa C, (1998)On Air: Methods and Meanings of Radio, Hodder Arnold, (ISBN:

0340652314 )Useful Titles:

Beaman J, (2000)Interviewing for Radio(Media Skills S.), Routledge,an imprint of Taylor & FrancisBooks Ltd, ISBN: 0415229103 Chantler P, Harris S (1997)Local Radio Journalism, Focal Press

Fleming, C (2002)The Radio Handbook, RoutledgeGoldman, G (1997), Adventures in the Screen Trade, AbacusGoldman, G (2000), Which Lie Did I Tell?: More Adventures in the Screen Trade, Bloomsbury Horstmann, R (1998)Writing for Radio, A&C Black

Kaye, M and Popperwell (1995), A, Making Radio, Broadcast BooksLamot, A (1994),Bird By Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life, Anchor Starkey G, (2004)Radio in Context, Palgrave Macmillan, (ISBN: 140390023X) McKee R (1999)Story: Substance, Structure, Style And The Principles Of Screenwriting, Methuen O'Donnell l., Benoit P., Hausman C., Messere F., (2003) Modern Radio Production: Production,Programming and Performance, Wadsworth Priestman, C (2002)Web Radio: Radio Production for Internet Streaming, Focal Press Shingler M, Wieringa C, (1998)On Air: Methods and Meanings of Radio, Hodder Arnold Trewin, J (2003)Presenting on TV and Radio, Focal Press

Websites:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio

www.resonancefm.com

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/arts/commissioning.shtml (excellent regarding writing saleable radiodrama and comedy)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/arts/afternoon_play.shtml Some Listening:

Adams, D, Hitch-Hikers Guide to the Galaxy, BBC Enterprises/WorldwideIannucci, A, Morris, C On The Hour, BBC Radio Collection, BBC Enterprises

BBC Radio 4 (92-95 FM):

Womans Hour (weekdays 10-11 am, Saturdays 4-5pm). Or listen online athttp://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/womanshour (good a rchive!)

You and Yours, (weekdays 12.04). Or listen to packages online athttp://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/youandyours

BBC 7 (digital only) http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbc7Recommended Podcast pages:http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/help/podcasting.shtmlhttp://www.resonancefm.com/podcasting.htmhttp://www.xfm.co.uk/Article.asp?id=211428
http://www.xfm.co.uk/Article.asp?id=211428http://www.resonancefm.com/podcasting.htmhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/help/podcasting.shtmlhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/bbc7http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/youandyourshttp://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/womanshourhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/arts/afternoon_play.shtmlhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/arts/commissioning.shtmlhttp://www.resonancefm.com/http://www.bbc.co.uk/radiohttp://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom


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SEMESTER 1: MUSIC/MAGAZINE PROGRAMMING

LIVE RADIO WEEK #1: Monday 30 Nov Thursday 3 Dec 2009 (inc.)

1) In GROUPS OF TWO you will produce and broadcast a 60 minuteMUSIC/MAGAZINE SHOW EACH DAY of this period on Radio

Hope (ie. 4 programmes). One show will be an OUTSIDE BROADCAST FROM THE CORNERSTONE FESTIVAL.

2) Produce and present live news bulletins (including weather) across the Live Radio Week using clips and copy from IRN (IndependentRadio News) and information from Hope Virtually Daily.

3) Compile a 10 minute PODCAST of the LIVE broadcast highlights from your INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTION to the radio week for

inclusion on iTunes via http://radio.hope.ac.uk (compressed mp3 along with RSS feed to be submitted more about this later)

GENERAL PROGRAMME CRITERIA

i) THE SHOW IS AVARIEDMAGAZINE PROGRAMME

ii) EACHOF YOUR 4 MUSIC/MAGAZINE PROGRAMMES WILL CONTAIN:

1 x 5 minute factual packages - ie. TWO PACKAGES will be produced INDIVIDUALLY byeach group member forthe WHOLE LIVE RADIO WEEK. (See package sp ecifications below)

2 x 30 second idents/jingles (one per group member). You can make more but 2 is minimum 6 maximum). Youmay wish to make stings or donuts for particular features to herald a quiz or the live session (see below) or to act

as a sound bed for a vocal section, for example. Unlike the packages, the same ids/jingles can be used every day -thus you are to produce a minimum ofone ident/jingle each for the entire Live Radio Week.

One in-studio LIVE MUSIC SESSION (artistes will be supplied for you courtesy of the BA Music pathway at the

Everton campus although you can find your own musicians if you wish).

2 x interviews (in ADDITION to chat with the live band). One interview must be in-studio and one via the phone line.The interviewees MUST NOT be fellow students.

iii) All music and pre-recorded material (packages, idents) are to be played through the RCS Playout system.NOTE: YOU MUST RECORD YOUR OWN OUTPUT SO YOU CAN COMPILE MATERIAL FOR YOUR 10 MINUTE PODCAST

SPECIFIC PROGRAMME CRITERIA

i) PRESENTATION / MUSIC:
http://radio.hope.ac.uk/


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ONE key presenter with in-studio input from other group member if/when appropriate (pay attention to delivery of

links up to lyrics and smooth segues between records and into feature items).

40% - 50% chat/features (the Live Music Session comes under the heading of features) and 50% - 60 % music.

Music playlist must be justified in terms of your key audience and be in keeping with the feel of your show. The

playlist and justification of its content is to be submitted as part of your 1,000 word critical report (this constitutes 1/3of your written work). More regarding written submission later)

ii) FEATURES

Packages (1 per show, 4 in total for the week)

o As you are in groups of 2 you are required to produce, INDIVIDUALLY, 2 radio packages for the Live RadioWeek #1. The packages will be a minimum of 5 minutes in duration and a maximum of 6 minutes. They will

be mini-documentaries on agreed topics (topics co-determined by the individual, group and tutor).o If you wish you can use one package (AND ONLY ONE) per show as a set up for either the in-studio

interview or the telephone interview.

o It is VITAL that each package exhibits the following:a) a contemporary peg whilst maintaining longevity of appeal (ie. must be relevant to todays

trends/issues and still be relevant/playable in three months time)b) at least THREE MAIN CONTRIBUTORS(vox pops do not count as main contributors)

c) creative use of audio textures (music, actuality/wildtrack), vox pops (juxtaposition of tones/views)d) creative approaches to scripting to elicit an active engagement from the listener

e) a multi-perspec tival assessment (ie. a balanced, unbiased investigation) of the agreed subjectarea via the use of contributors and the elements detailed above

Interviews (Two)

o In-studio. To demonstrate your research/organisational skills, on-air capability and interview technique you

must conduct a live interview in the studio with a invited guest minimum of 4 minutes.o Telephone. Similarly, you must conduct a live interview with a guest over the phone minimum 3 minutes.

15-30 Second Idents / Jingles

o Each member of your 2-person group must produce at least ONE IDENT/JINGLE. The jingles will reflect thenature/style of your show and will be 30 seconds in duration.


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NEWS BULLETINSIn Studio B you will construct and present bulletins with clips downloaded from the Independent Radio News web-service (http://www.irn.co.uk ) and information from Hope Virtually Daily either following or preceding one of the shows in the schedule (scheduleto be compiled once groups have been determined).

PODCASTSFrom you own personal R.O.T. (Recording of/off Transmission) which you will have made on the studio A PC, take 10 minutes of the bestLIVE output (not pre-recorded features such as packages etc) and convert these into a podcast-friendly mp3 (the specification for this willbe provided). You will also provide a small piece of XML coding called anRSS feed. This is what allows people to subscribe topodcasts and facilitates the automatic transfer of information about your audio (such as the title, duration, date etc.) from iTunes to yourPC and iPod/mp3 player.). You will make the RSS feed using the web-authoring software, Dreamweave r. Dont worry! This is very

simple this is not a web design course!

ONLINE PUBLISHINGYou will produce an online Home Page to accompany your radio programme including a link to your 10 min podcast.

The visual and textual (syntax) style of your home page must reflect theme/tone of your radio programme. The Home Page Additionalaudio material (such as extended interviews) along with accompanying images and user-generated content must be synergised by

engagingly written copy.

REFLECTIVE CRITIQUE 1

1,000 word written critical reflection MUST INCLUDE:

o justification for playlist

o how your packages met EACH OF THE CRITERIA detailed in the FEATURES section above.o using theory/quotes from set texts how successful were your news bulletins what you have learned.

o using theory/quotes from set texts how successful were your interviews what you have learned.
http://www.irn.co.uk/


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SPLIT OF MARKS FOR FOR SEMESTER ONE:MUSIC MAGAZINE PROGRAMME (worth 20% of total for the year):

Individual practical work:

o 2 Packages (40%) 20% each

o News Bulletins (15%)o Jingle/Iden t (5%)

Group practical work - ie. a group mark will be given for the following:

o Programme production (interview technique, seques, use of music/playlist) (20%)

o Final Podcast and Home Page (20%)

INDIVIDUAL WRITTEN WORK:

o 1,000 word Reflective Critique 1 [ie. 10% of course])

SUBMISSION DET AILS

ALL PRACTICAL AND WRITTEN WORK MUST BE SUBMITTED AS AN INDIVIDUAL PORTFOLIO TO THEARTS AND HUMANITIES FACULTY OFFICE BY 12:00 MIDDAY, FRIDAY 11 DECEMBER 2009

IMPORTANT!! All individual practical work (podcasts , idents, packages and one sample news bulletin) to be

submitted on ONE CD as a .wav files PLAYABLE ON STANDARD CD PLAYERS.

SEMESTER 2: SPEECH AND DRAMA PROGRAMMING

SUBMISSION CHECKLIST SEMESTER ONE (submission to FML 075 12:00, Fri 11 Dec 2009)

Individual work Group

2 x 5 min factual packages1 x ident/jingle (minimum)

1 x test HVD podcast

1 x news bulletin

(all submitted on an CD playable in standard CDplayers)

Reflective Critique (1,000 words) plus list ofcontribution to group production.

1 x final podcast and Home Page

Live Programme production (ie anything which is not

pre-recorded such as interview technique, seques,

use of music).

Equal amount of input per group member must be

proven with written list of what you individually havecontributed.


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LIVE RADIO WEEK #2: March 2010 - EXACT DATES TO BE CONFIRMED

1) InGROUPS OF TWO you will produce and broadcast a 60 minuteSPEECH BASED MAGAZINE SHOW EACH DAY of this period onRadio Hope (ie. 4 programmes).

2) Produce and present live news bulletins (including weather) across the Live Radio Week using clips and copy from IRN (IndependentRadio News) and information from Hope Virtually Daily.

3) Compile a 10 minute PODCAST of the LIVE broadcast highlights from your INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTION to the radio week forinclusion on iTunes via http://radio.hope.ac.uk (compressed mp3 along with RSS feed to be submitted more about this later)

AND

4) INDIVIDUAL LY write, DIRECT and PRODUCE a 15 minute RADIO DRAMA for broadcast during Live Radio Week #2. (actors will besupplied for you courtesy of the BA Drama and Theatre Studies course at the Everton campus although you can find your ownperformers if you wish).

GENERAL PROGRAMME CRITERIA

i) THE SHOW IS NOT TO BE THEMED IT IS AVARIEDMAGAZINE PROGRAMME (one show out of the 4 maybe themed but only inexceptional circumstances).

ii) EACHOF YOUR 4 SPEECH BASED MAGAZINE PROGRAMMES WILL CONTAIN THE FOLLOWING:

2 x 15-30 second idents (one each)

Live Acoustic set (the only full-length songs in the show) (sprinkled throughout the programme totalling a maximumof 15 minutes)

15 current affairs / issue driven panel discussion (see below for some sample ideas)

15 formatted light entertainment section (see below for some sample ideas)

2 x 6 Packages

SAMPLE IDEAS FOR ISSUES-DRIVEN AND LIGHT-ENTS SECTIONS:

Topical News driven in-studio discussion (a maximum of one phone-in guest can be part of the discussion ) withrelevant interviewees.
http://radio.hope.ac.uk/


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Academic Record (working title). This is an appropriation of BBC Radio 4s Desert Island Discs (http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4 /factual/des ertislanddiscs.shtml). Each day you will interview one member of Liverpool

Hope Universitys academic staff about their 5 favourite songs that have a connection with the discipline they teach.You play 1 minute of each song. Your guest, at the end, also states their two favourite books (with one related to

their discipline)

Faith and Hope. Theological discussion programme. (this will necessitate research into different faiths andpreparation in terms of acquisition of guests, questions and chairing the discussion. Each day significant figures

from the various religious communities in Liverpool (MUST NOT be students from Hope University) will enlighten thelistener with insights into their beliefs and lifestyles.

Unusual Liverpool (Liverpool Uncovered).

Panel Game Show. Devise and produce your own radio panel game show. To help with this listen to Radio 4sJust a Minute(http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/comedy/justaminute.shtml), The News Quiz (http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/comedy/newsquiz.shtml), Quoteunquote (

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/comedy/quoteunquote.shtml) , Im Sorry I Havent A Clue (http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/comedy/clue.shtml), Puzzle Panel (http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/comedy/puzzlepanel.shtml).

Examples may be beat the teacher (quiz about their subject area). Call my bluff but based around theirdisciplines (get academics in for this maybe with the odd student on the panels or maybe a student as the

captain of each team.

Poetry Slam! Published or near-published poets recite and discuss their work.

Book Review. Interview authors. Book buyers makeover. Interview with publicist whats the new genre? How towrite a bestseller. Self help books (Living by the Book: Two individuals for a week will attempt to stick to the

doctrine laid down by a particular lifestyle manual (such as Judith Veritys Quick Fix Your Life). Fab First lines.Writing the killer opening. Interview with authors and fans.

Business-related feature

Science-related section.

Package lead discussion. Using a five minute pre-recorded factual package to act as a springboard for a 10

minute discussion with at least three interviewees (one of which can be on the phone).

The Tuesday/Thursday Play. For two shows you can include 15 minute dramas as part of the programmingschedule (if they are broadcast standard to verified by tutor).

Live in-house band (different band every day as in the first semester)

All music is to be played through the RCS Playout system.

NOTE: YOU MUST RECORD YOUR OWN OUTPUT SO YOU CAN COMPILE MATERIAL FOR YOUR 10 MINUTE PODCAST

NEWS BULLETINS
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/comedy/puzzlepanel.shtmlhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/comedy/clue.shtmlhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/comedy/quoteunquote.shtmlhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/comedy/newsquiz.shtmlhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/factual/desertislanddiscs.shtml


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In Studio B you will construct and present bulletins with clips downloaded from the Independent Radio News web-service (http://www.irn.co.uk ) and information from Hope Virtually Daily either following or preceding one of the shows in the schedule (scheduleto be compiled once groups have been determined).

REFLECTIVE CRITIQUE 2

1,000 word written critical reflection MUST INCLUDE:

o using theory/quotes from set texts how successful were your interviews/features /packages what you havelearned.

o how your issue-driven and light-entertainment sections maintained audience interest and how the formats lentthemselves to repeatability.

o using theory/quotes from set texts how successful were your news bulletins what you have learned.

SPLIT OF MARKS FOR FOR SEMESTER TWO:

SPEECH-BASED PROGRAMME (worth 25% of whole year):

Individual practical work

o 1 x 5 package (25%)

o 1 x ident/jingle (minimum) (5%)o News bulletins (number to be determined) (10%)

Group work:

o Current affairs/iss ue-driven section (20%)

o Light-enterta inment section (20%)

o 1 x 10 podcast of highlights and Home Page (20%)

INDIVIDUAL WRITTEN WORK:

o 1,000 word Reflective Critique 2 [ie. 10% of course])

RADIO DRAMA (worth 25% of whole year)

Script synopsis and character breakdowns (10%)

Completed 15 script (50%) Completed 15 production (40%)

WRITTEN WORK:

500 wordREFLECTIVE CRITIQUE 3 [ie. 5% of course])

Referring to other examples of your chosen genre and quotes from practitioners/theorists, reflect upon the success of

your approach to script/narrative construction and the conversion of written word into action. How actuality/SFXwere used to enhance the diegesis and the difficulties encountered (and hopefully, overcome) in avoiding on thenose d ialogue.)
http://www.irn.co.uk/


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SUBMISSION DET AILS

ALL PRACTICAL AND WRITTEN WORK MUST BE SUBMITTED AS AN INDIVIDUAL PORTFOLIO TO THE

ARTS AND HUMANITIES FACULTY OFFICE BY 12:00 MIDDAY, DATE TBC

IMPORTANT!! All individual practical work (podcasts, idents, packages andO NEsample news bulletin) to besubmitted on ONE CD as a .wav files PLAYABLE ON STANDARD CD PLAYERS

SEMESTER 1 - SCHEDULE

SUBMISSION CHECKLIST SEMESTER TWO (submission to FML 075 12:00, DATE TBC)

Individual work Group

1 x 5 min package1 x ident/jingle (minimum)

1 x News bulletin

(all submitted on an CD playable in standard CDplayers)

Reflective Critique for Live show (1,000 words)________ ____________________

1 x 15 Radio Drama (Write and Produce)

Reflective Critique for own written Radio Drama (1,000words)

1 x final podcast and Home Page

Live Programme production (ie anything which is notpre-recorded interviews, issue-driven/light-ents

sections etc.).

Equal amount of input per group member must beproven with written list of what you individually have

contributed.

Session Out o f Class Activity SUBMISSION

DEADLINES

Week 1 Intro and Refresher.

Course overview of radio broadcast landscape and newsbulletin.

Make a 4 minute bulletin radioversion of Hope Virtually Daily


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SEMESTER 2 - SCHEDULE

Week 2 Podcasting, RSS Feeds & HVD Playback plusformatting refresher.

Prepare, in groups, programmeproposal (including detailedtreatment of packages)

Start production process forfirst package

HVD audio for Podcast

Week 3 Show Proposals and Programme Development. PLUSjingles, idents and refresher

Produce 30 jingle

Continue with first packageproduction

Programme ProposalPresentation

Week 4 RCS Programming. Jingle playback session Continue with production offirst package

Production on second packageshould be underway

30 second Jingle andweather donutsubmission deadline.

Week 5 Package playback/feedback session 1. Broadcast Lawand Editorial Policy

Continue with production of 2nd

package

Package 1 submission deadline.

Week 6 Reading week Continue with production of2nd package

Week 7 Web and multi-platform Journalism Continue with production of2nd package

Week 8 Political Administration Package 2 submissiondeadline

Week 9 Workshops and Rehearsal

Week 101-4 Dec

TUESDAY 4 FRIDAY 7 DECEMBER LIVE RADIO WEEK #1

Week 11 Debrief and FeedbackFRIDAY 11 DEC 12.00 MIDDAY SUBMIT ALL WORK

FOR SEMESTER 1

TO ARTS AND HUMANITIES FACULTY OFFICE


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Session Out o f Class Activity SUBMISSION

DEADLINES

Week 1 Intro to Semester two programme. SpeechProgramming / Writing and Producing Drama

Week 2 Narrative and Speech Programming / Idea Generation Prepare, in groups, programmeproposal (including detailedtreatment of light ent/issue-driven features)

Individual step-outlineWeek 3 Show/Drama Proposal Presentations and Drama

Development with writing workshops First draft of drama to be

completed

i) ProgrammeProposal Presentationii) individual step-

outlineWeek 4 Writing workshop and Introduction to Drama

Production. Advertisement refresher. Continue with 2

nddraft of

drama script

Submit first draft of 15min script

Week 5 Advertisement playback/feedback session. Live Eventpackages.

Continue with redrafting dramascript

Prepare proposal for LiveEvent package

Week 6 Reading week Finish final draft of dramascript

Week 7 Drama Production Begin production on dramascript

Submit final draft of 15min script

Week 8 Package playback/feedback. Submit package

Week 9 Workshops and Rehearsal

Week 10 LIVE RADIO WEEK #2 EXACT DATES TBC

Week 11 Debrief and Feedback DATE TBC 12.00 MIDDAY SUBMIT ALL WORK FOR

SEMESTER 2TO ARTS AND HUMANITIES FACULTY OFFICE


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Hmws h Radio Booklet 01

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