Using Audio at Newspapers

September 1, 2010Jennifer Brannock Cox

Why Use Audio?

• To convey emotion

• Helps readers envision the scene

• Conveys the source’s voice – literally

• Adds drama and authenticity

Journalistic Sound

• More serious in nature

– Avoid sound effects, music

• Not over-produced, much simpler

• Tells a story

• Short and sweet – like a newspaper article

What to Record

• Natural sound:– Human background noise• Cheering, crowd mummers, snoring

– Scenery noise• Footsteps, music, wind

• Sound bites:– Quotes from sources & pieces of interviews– Parts of a speech or panel discussion

Podcast Worthy?

• A city council meeting?

• A protest?

• A beach clean-up?

• A feature on dog parks?

Examples

• Health Caring podcast

• Roller Derby

• Hamas Threats

Tips• Write a preliminary script so you know what

to listen for– What story do you hope to convey?

• Look for descriptive sound bites with background information

• Gather plenty of background noise – You’re probably not going to use much, but it’s

always better to have it than to not• Refine the script

Script-Writing Tips

• Use ear-catching words– “Slashing prices” rather than “reducing prices”

• Avoid long words that are hard to digest or words the listener will have to pause to understand

• Write short sentences with one purpose– NO: Oscar went to the store, and he bought a pound of

cheese.– YES: Oscar went to the store. He bought a pound of

cheese.By Jonathan Halls: http://www.podcastersportal.com/ScriptingAPodcast.htm

Script-Writing Tips

• Be care you are not muffling your phrases– “Concern is rising over attacks on tourists.”– “Concern is rising over a tax on tourists.”

• Use a serif font, and lower-case letters• Double-space• Practice reading aloud and make notes for

where you want to change your tone

By Jonathan Halls: http://www.podcastersportal.com/ScriptingAPodcast.htm

For Tuesday

• Come with an audio interview to edit in lab• No readings• No lecture Tuesday – we’ll discuss editing in

lab• Have a great weekend!