This module introduces the key technical equipment and practices used in the creation of radio content for broadcast use. This will involve examining communication skills and audience engagement techniques, designed to reflect contemporary practice within the broadcast industry, such as the use of social media, podcasting and creating downloadable content for programming. You will engage in practical exercises to produce a live radio show in the radio studios and examine the mediums changing presence, challenging new concepts of audio and visual collaborations. There will be technical instruction in the use of the radio studios, Myriad, and Adobe Audition editing. You will keep an evaluative diary of your progress throughout the module which will be used as the supporting evidence for your final discussion.

ASSESSMENT ONE: LIVE RADIO SHOW

A Live 20-minute Radio Show in a negotiated style and format relevant to a targeted audience.

LOs (Learning Outcomes): 1-5 60%.

ASSESSMENT TWO: REFLECTIVE DISCUSSION

A 10-minute Reflective Discussion evaluating your learning and creative experience working on the Radio Show with a learning blog as supportive evidence.

LOs (Learning Outcomes): 1-5 40%.

Workshops will include a range of learning strategies such as presentations, discussions, debates, and small group related activities. You will be expected to take advantage of the extensive library facilities and on-line tutorials via Lynda.com and Box of Broadcasts (BoB). Guided Independent Study Activities to include independent practice, research, group meetings, independent study in support of your project work. TI (Technical Instruction) sessions will form part of your learning to support the practical application of your creative ideas.

1. DEMONSTRATE AN UNDERSTANDING OF RADIO PRODUCTION PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES THROUGH THE CREATION OF PROGRAMME CONTENTS.

2. RESEARCH, PLAN AND PRODUCE CREATIVE RADIO PRODUCTION CONTENT TO COMMUNICATE WITH LISTENING AUDIENCES.

3. CRITICALLY ANALYSE AND EVALUATE RADIO PRODUCTION PRACTICE THROUGH THE CREATION OF AUDIO CONTENT DISPLAYING AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE BENEFITS AND LIMITATIONS OF COMMUNICATING THROUGH SOUND.

4. REFLECT AND EVALUATE YOUR OWN PROGRESS AS A RADIO PRESENTER OR PRODUCER AND IDENTIFY SPECIFIC AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT, DEVELOPING AN AWARENESS OF INDIVIDUAL STRENGTHS DEMONSTRATED IN DIFFERENT OUTPUTS

5. APPLY PROFESSIONAL RADIO PRODUCTION COMMUNICATION SKILLS TO REACH A SPECIFIC DEMOGRAPHIC THROUGH AUDIO.

Smart Phones

Radio Studios

Myriad Playout System

Adobe Audition

Classroom with workstation

IT Lab

Portable sound equipment

Editing workstations and software for radio

Library and online resources

Audio playback facilities

The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.

Ahern, S. (2020) Making Radio, London: Routledge.

Coleman, J. F. (2021) Digital Innovations and the Production of Local Content in Community Radio, London: Routledge.

Collins, J. and Bee, A. (2021) The Radio Handbook, London: Routledge.

Lloyd, D. (2019) Radio Secrets, Gorleston: Rethink Press.

McLeish, R. and Link, J. (2018) Radio Production, 6th ed., London & New York: Focal.

Sauls, S. and Stark, C. (2019) Audio Production Worktext, 9th ed., London: Routledge.

See module handbook for a full listing of reading texts.

Radio is expanding and evolving, engaging audiences in new techniques, designed to reflect contemporary practice within the broadcast industry, such as the use of social media, podcasting and creating downloadable content for programming. You will listen and engage in practical exercises to produce a live radio show and explore its changing presence, experiment with innovative ideas, using a range of words and language to create content for multi-platform delivery. There will be technical instruction in the use of the radio studios, Myriad and Adobe Audition editing.