This session addresses techniques writing and producing stories for radio and TV.

1. Writing for Media
Session #5, Part #1
“Reporting w/ Audio and Video”
UCSD Extension Spring 2012

2. Radio Journalism
• BBC (generated globally in diff. languages)
• Voice of America (govt. run)
• NPR (National Public Radio)
• Satellite radio (SiriusXM)
• Local radio news: KFI, KSDO, KFMB, XTRA
• Web (podcasts freed us from radio, iTunes)

3. Advantages of Audio
• Easy to produce
• Take a story beyond text
• Give sources a “voice” (literally!)
• Allows listeners to see with their mind
• Allows audience to multitask (while listen)
• Mobile journalism (smartphones, tablets)

4. Writing to be Heard
• Titles before names
• No abbreviations, except FBI, UN, CIA
• Numbers and stats rounded off
• Personalize (second person -- “you”)
• Avoid symbols (“4-dollars”)
• Phonetic spelling for difficult words/names

5. Writing to Hear (cont.)
• Avoid third-person pronouns
• Avoid apposition (confusing)
• Avoid extended title descriptions
• Write in present tense (immediacy)
• Avoid dependent clauses at sentence
beginning (use: subject, verb, object)

6. Recording Audio
• Sounds is everything!
• Find quiet place for recording
• Get used to the sound of your voice
• Listen before you record (any noise?)
• Practice your speaking voice (clarity)
• Add personality to your voice

7. Editing Audio
• Multiple tracks (mixing sounds)
• Beginnings and endings (intros)
• Standard constructions and techniques
• Audacity (PC)
• Garageband (Mac)

8. Ethics of Audio
• Get permission to record somebody
• Learn to be silent when interviewing
• Use music sparingly
• Don’t coach interviewee (no script)
• Don’t interrupt interviewee

9. Audio Slideshow
• Telling a story with pictures
• Create natural sequence
• Best quality photos
• Writing a script to match picture sequence
• Ambient sounds and/or music

10. Video Story Telling
• Story idea
• Keep it simple
• Who is involved?
• Central idea
• Location
• Timing

11. Shooting the Video
• Plan and think
• Framing
• Headroom
• Holding the camera (tripod)
• Camera angles
• Shoot a lot and carry a pen and notebook

12. Editing Video
• Create storyboards to outline
• Simplify transitions
• Use cutaways (variety)
• Establishing shots
• Pacing
• Sound! (high quality, good mic)

13. Questions...