2 Objectives 1. To demonstrate knowledge of broadcasting through script writing and production. 2. To understand the history and impact of radio broadcasting

2

ObjectivesObjectives

1. To demonstrate knowledge of broadcasting through script writing and production.

2. To understand the history and impact of radio broadcasting.

3. To evaluate the regulations and agencies which monitor broadcasting standards.

4. To distinguish between the different types of radio networks and programs.

5. To display knowledge of basic radio techniques and delivery skills.

3

What is Radio Broadcasting?What is Radio Broadcasting?

• Radio broadcasting- the distribution of information by way of audio or visual signals which is carried to a number of “listeners” who belong to a given network.

• Radio Broadcasting can be transmitted:– to public or private audiences– to local or national viewers– as a service or paid subscription

4

History of Radio BroadcastingHistory of Radio Broadcasting

1897. Electrical engineering professor William Gladson of the University of Arkansas is said to have constructed an experimental wireless transmitter.

1898. Notre Dame Professor, Jerome Green, sent a message the distance of about a mile, by wireless telegraphy.

1900. The Canadian-American physicist, Professor Reginald Aubrey Fessenden, transmitted speech using a spark-gap transmitter. His voice was the first ever to be transmitted by radio waves and heard

by another person.

5


1909. The word "broadcast" appeared in the Boston Globe in an article entitled "Experiment with Wireless".

1910. The world's first radio opera broadcast was disseminated to several listeners in New York using two microphones and a 500-watt transmitter.

1911. The first U. S. radio license was issued to George Hill Lewis of Cincinnati.

6


1912. Experimental station at the University of Minnesota attempted to air football games using a spark transmitter and regular telegraph signals.

1915. Weather and crop reports were broadcast from the University of Texas.

1918. The U. S. government acquired all wireless land stations except for a few high-powered stations.

1920. The first college radio station went on the

air.

7


1921. The first religious service was broadcast by the Calvary Episcopal Church in Pittsburgh.

1922. The Jersey Review broadcast a one-hour New Year's program from midnight to 1 a.m., sometimes considered the first commercial program. – AT&T enters the public broadcasting

arena.

8


1922. The first political debate is heard on the radio when two debaters from Washington, D.C. argued the topic of Daylight Savings Time and the listeners served as the judge.

1923. The AM broadcast band was opened. – The first Presidential message was

broadcast when President Calvin Coolidge delivered a message to a joint session of Congress. His voice was received over telephone wires.

9


1927. President Coolidge signed the Radio Act of 1927, ultimately creating the Federal Radio Commission regulatory agency. – The first International Broadcasting

License was issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

10

Types of BroadcastsTypes of Broadcasts

• News segments• Sports programming• Talk radio• Documentaries• Public service announcements• Commercials and advertisements• Music or additional programming

11


• News segments and programming– includes short, live updates, based on news

information

• Sports commentaries– includes a written or oral analysis of sports

highlights or full-length events

• Talk radio– consists of a specific segment or conversation

topic

– includes a host and listener or guest participation

12


• Documentaries– includes programming devoted to

covering a particular topic in great– includes a mixture of commentary and

sound pictures

13


• Public service announcements – consists of a non-commercial

advertisement used to modify public attitudes or awareness about specific issues

– are usually created by non-profit or government agencies

– includes 10, 30, 60 or 90 seconds segments

14


• Public service announcements – include the following type of campaigns:

• Got Milk? • The Incredible Edible Egg• Beef: It’s what’s for dinner

15


• Commercials and advertisements– are a form of paid promotion used to

attract attention to a product or business

– examples include:• Cache Valley cheese • Tyson chicken• Cummins harvester

16


• Music or additional programming– includes specialized segments, such

as:• music from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s• home improvement or lawn-care shows• kids programming• fundraisers• local hero highlights• weather or traffic reports

17

Broadcasting ChannelsBroadcasting Channels

• AM Radio

• FM Radio

• Sirius

• XM satellite radio

18

AM & FM AM & FM

• Both AM and FM signals transmit information using radio waves

• AM- Amplitude Modulation – transmits at set frequencies between

535 kHz and 1,605 kHz– is affected by physical interference, such

as lightning or machinery– consists of a lower frequency

19

AM & FMAM & FM

• FM- Frequency Modulation– transmits sound by adjusting the

frequency of the radio wave – consist of stations from 88 to 108 MHz– is the most popular form of radio

listening

20

XM & Sirius RadioXM & Sirius Radio

• Is a radio service sent via satellite to subscribers who have a corresponding receiver

• Is a digital satellite program which: – transmits more than 100 channels of specialized

radio programming

– is usually commercial free

– requires subscribers to pay a monthly service fee

– transmits to cars, homes, computers

and public locations

21

Benefits of Radio on AgricultureBenefits of Radio on Agriculture

• Increased number of agricultural Public Service Announcements

• Increased number of agricultural-based talk shows and service programs

• Enhanced coverage and marketing venues due to XM and Satellite programming

• Increased number of agriculture stations available to the common listener

22

23

Items needed for a Radio BroadcastItems needed for a Radio Broadcast

• Scripts

• Sound equipment

• Recording equipment

24

Radio ScriptsRadio Scripts

• Are a detailed outline, which include:– specific narration– required sound effects– precise length and timing of the segment

or advertisement

• Help with the following:– guiding a production – enhancing preparation– evoking reactions from the listeners

25

Elements of a Radio ScriptElements of a Radio Script

• Title of the segment or commercial • Page number• Numbered lines• Character names or titles• Sentences and exact wordage• Sound effects and pacing

instructions

26

Example Radio ScriptExample Radio Script

_____Program_____lengthPAGE 1

Narrator:

Boy:

Narrator:

Girl:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

27

How to Write a Radio ScriptHow to Write a Radio Script

1. Create a title or heading

2. Insert the appropriate page number

3. Produce the basic content, dialogue and narration

4. Include script cues, such as:

A. music

B. sound effects

C. narrator pacing

D. dialogue cues

5. Compose production notes

6. Edit and revise

7. Submit for approval

28

Tips for Radio WritingTips for Radio Writing

• Radio scripts should include:– metaphors

• a comparison between two unrelated subjects without using the words “like” or “as”

– “The world is a stage”– “ He was a bull”

– jargon• specialized terminology used by members

of a specific group or organization

29


– pomposity• phrases full of high-sounding or confident

innuendos– “I’m 100% certain”– “You know I’m right”

– absolute words• words which cannot be compared, such as:

– perfect– never– always– only

30


– clichés• a popular phrase or expression

– “When life hands you lemons, make lemonade”

– “It’s the top of the hour”– “I’d like to make a shout out”

31


• Normal radio scripts should be:– clear– creative– catchy– easy to listen to– written for the common listener– written for your “own voice”

32

Conversational ScriptsConversational Scripts

• Are used to attract the listeners attention

• Are different from “normal” news-based scripts

33

Conversational ScriptsConversational Scripts

• Should:– avoid highly specialized or scientific terms– use precise and clear language– use short sentences– use pauses– use the present tense as much as possible– expand and elaborate on important issues– use transitions between topics

34

Using an Active or Passive Voice Using an Active or Passive Voice

• Active voice- the emphasis is placed on the subject performing the action – Example: The man fed the cows.

• Passive Voice- the emphasis is placed on the subject receiving the action– Example: The cows were fed by the

man.

35

Length of Radio ScriptsLength of Radio Scripts

• Advertisements, commercials or public service announcements– are usually 30 or 60 seconds in length

• News, weather or traffic segments– are usually short and concise

• Commentary segments– are usually long, detailed and

elaborate

36

Editing Radio ScriptsEditing Radio Scripts

• Read the script aloud • Evaluate transitions and flow• Verify the content and accuracy of

the information• Check for grammar, spelling or

punctuation errors• Use the Associated Press

Stylebook to verify content

37

Associated Press Style GuideAssociated Press Style Guide

• Is the standard tool used to evaluate news writing

• Is known and accepted worldwide• Details the appropriate writing standards

for:– grammar– punctuation– capitalization– abbreviations– word and numerical usage

38

Importance of EditingImportance of Editing

• Improving readability and ease of use • Obtaining listener acceptance • Maintaining professionalism • Upholding legal requirements, such

as:– copyrights– accurate information– use of sources

39

Radio DeliveryRadio Delivery

• Reading a radio script requires appropriate:– tone– speed and pacing– delivery– voice inflections– enunciation– energy and personality

40

Radio Delivery TechniquesRadio Delivery Techniques

• Tone– is the quality of a person’s voice– should be smooth, controlled and easy to

understand

• Pitch– is the property of sound which creates

frequent variation – can be high or low– should be altered frequently – is used to create excitement and variation

41

Radio Delivery TechniquesRadio Delivery Techniques

• Enunciation– is speaking or pronouncing words in an

articulate style– consists of stating words in a clear and

precise manner

• Pacing– is the speed of delivery or presentation

timing– includes the use of pauses and

acceleration

42

Producing a Radio BroadcastProducing a Radio Broadcast

• Production members include:– deejays (DJ)– production coordinators– programming director– news correspondent– producer or manager

43

Producing a Radio BroadcastProducing a Radio Broadcast

• Production responsibilities include:– recording interviews, voice tracks and

sound effects– editing commercials and public service

announcements– downloading promotional materials – creating special programs or introductory

music– preparing scripts or show outline– delivering on-air messages and

programming

44

Types of Recording EquipmentTypes of Recording Equipment

• Microphones• Tape recorders• Sound effects• Transmitters• Antennas• CD’s or audio cassettes• Computers• Scripts

45

Types of MicrophonesTypes of Microphones

• Omni-directional– are sensitive to sounds from all

directions

• Bidirectional– are sensitive to sounds from two

directions

• Unidirectional– are sensitive to sound from one straight

path

46

Tips for Audio ProductionTips for Audio Production

• Speak directly into the microphone

• Always use a recording device to document interviews

• Wear headphones

• Check to make ensure all microphones are turned on

• Point microphones six-inches away from a speaker's mouth

47

Tips in Audio RecordingTips in Audio Recording

• Smile

• Drink water

• Use vocal variations

• Use humor when appropriate

• Speak in short sentences

• Emphasize your words

• Avoid “p” pops or smacking of the lips

• Avoid hissing or placing too much emphasis on “s” words

48

Music & Sound ConsiderationsMusic & Sound Considerations

• Music should be based on:– the audience– current trends and popularity– musical requests– the quality of the music

• Sound effects should be based on:– entertainment– appropriateness– quality and value– programming needs

49

The Future of RadioThe Future of Radio

• Conversion from analog to digital broadcasting

• Increased popularity for satellite radio programming

• Larger audiences and market reach• Increased technology• Greater emphasis on local stations

50

Radio Broadcasting ConsiderationsRadio Broadcasting Considerations

• Station requirements

• Technology

• Government regulations

• Competition and new markets

51

Station RequirementsStation Requirements

• Deadlines

• Community outreach programs

• Special events attendance

52

TechnologyTechnology

• Digital satellite radio

• Enhanced sound quality

• Internet Streaming– transferring video or sound data to a

listener without lengthy downloads– streaming small sections of

information over the internet for users to access the moment it is received

53

Government RegulationsGovernment Regulations

• The Federal Communications Commission– monitors and regulates radio

broadcasts– assess fines for obscene or

offensive language – discourages sexual programming

for child-oriented stations

54

Increased Competition & New MarketsIncreased Competition & New Markets

• The Telecommunications Act of 1996– eliminated restrictions on radio ownerships– allowed companies to use “national

programming” methods– increased radio competition and improved

customer services

• Growing Markets include:– Hispanic and Latin stations– rural and agricultural markets– satellite radio customers– I-pod’s and MP3 players

55

ACTIVITYACTIVITY

• #1. Record a news story or short radio script for a professional broadcast.

• #2. Record a 30, 60 or 90 second public service announcement for an agricultural product or company of your choice.

56

AssessmentAssessment

1. List at least three types of radio broadcasts.

2. List two items needed on a radio script.

3. Give an example of a cliché.

57


4. How long are most radio ads or public service announcements?

5. What is the AP style guide?

6. What is a “P” pop?

58


7. T or F AM radio transmits at frequencies between 88 and 108 MHZ.

8. T or F XM radio is a form of digital satellite programming.

9. T or F Jargon refers to the basic terminology used by most people.

10. T or F Omni-directional is a specific type of microphone.

59

ReferencesReferences

• Citadel Broadcasting

www.citadelcommunications.com

• National Public Radio

www.npr.com

• High Definition Radio

www.hdradio.com

• Station Resource Group

www.srg.org

• Sirius Radio

www.sirius.com

60


• XM Radio

www.xmradio.com• Clear Channel Communications

www.clearchannel.com• Farm Radio Network

www.farmradio.org• http://www.drawgroup.org/~jyu/writing/

SciBug/AMFM.html• http://www.internetcampus.com/frtv/

frtv017.htm

61


• http://members.aol.com/jeff560/chrono1.html

• http://www.skillset.org/uploads/pdf/asset_967.pdf?1

• http://www.ehow.com/how_2002078_write-radio-script.html

• www.acecopyediting.com/ACEcopyediting%20-%20Self-Help%20Guide.htm

• www.itrainonline.org/itrainonlin/mmtk/mmtk_scripting_handout.doc

AcknowledgementsAcknowledgements

Production Coordinators

Amy Baker

Kady Mayfield

Production Manager

Dusty MooreExecutive Producers

Gordon Davis, Ph.D.

Jeff Lansdell

Graphics Designer

Clayton Franklin

Collaborator

Kyle McGregor, Ph.D.

Tarleton State University

©MMVII

CEV Multimedia. Ltd. 62

Documents

2 Objectives 1. To demonstrate knowledge of broadcasting through script writing and production. 2. To understand the history and impact of radio broadcasting