Radio Broadcasting - Topics Of Instruction

BROADCAST WORKSHOP TOPICS

Orientation
        Student orientation takes place on the first day of class. Students are told the rules and procedures of the workshop
. This includes dress code, safety procedures and general classroom operation.
        Our workshop is operated as a radio facility that produces up to four hours of programming and five three-minute newscasts a day, every day. We provide programs that are broadcast on independent low to medium powered radio stations around the world and the internet. Students are therefore expected to act and dress as if they were in such a broadcast facility, which they are.
        The basic structure of the broadcast industry is explained, along with the operation of a radio station and their role in a radio station's operation. Orientation continues throughout the student's training as they are introduced to new studios and equipment.

Control Room Equipment and Procedures
Students learn to have a working familiarity and understanding of the functions of a control console. For new students, this begins on the first day of class. They are shown the operation of the basic production, news and on-air studios. It's necessary, as they will begin using those studios on their second day of class.
In time, they will learn the characteristics of various microphones and the ability to use them. The student will learn to use turntables, CD players, tape recorders, cart recorders and players, digital audio tape units and minidisc and DAT recorders, as well as two-track digital editors and 8-track digital audio workstations. Students will become able to handle outside originations through the console, as well as all the audio portions of a music show or news program.

Business Aspects of Broadcasting
The topics of this section include determining the costs and expenses involved in the operation of a radio station, the financial structure, the evaluation of time to the station and its clients. Students learn the procedures and techniques of radio sales and will be able to demonstrate the ability to use maps, rate cards, and contracts in accordance with station practices.

rogramming

Formatics in Radio
Students learn the use and design of hour clocks in the practical application of the elements that constitute a radio broadcast format. The students must be able to explain how each of these elements differs in use in each of the radio formats in the market.

Surveys and Demographics
Students learn the methods of measurement used by broadcasters to evaluate the function of the station's overall operation. This includes Arbitron ratings and telephone research conducted by stations.

Traffic
The student learns the duties and operation of the Traffic Department. This includes being able to list the elements and procedures of log-keeping and being able to demonstrate a working knowledge of the rules and regulations pertaining to traffic control and standards of performance. It includes the scheduling of commercials by date, time and percentage of play.

Promotion
The duties and responsibilities of the Promotions Director are explained to the students. They will learn the relationship of the promotions department to the management, sales department and air staff of the radio station.

Rules and Regulations
The student will receive an overview of the rules and regulations governing licenses, measurements, log and record keeping, political broadcasts, and lottery laws. The students will learn the role of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) in Radio. Students will be provided the forms necessary to obtain an FCC restricted radio telephone operators permit.

Broadcast Speech
Students will learn to identify and correct their own vocal deficiencies. They will learn proper breathing techniques, projection, control of loudness, resonance and achieve the ability to vary tone, pitch and pacing.

asic Announcing

Advanced Air-Personality Performance
By this point the student should be able to perform to high, local broadcast standards in the role of audio operator, "D-J" air talent, and in varied format situations. They will be able to demonstrate a mastery of and professional proficiency in all function of an entry level on-air radio position.

Broadcast News
Students will learn to differentiate between news, commentary and editorials. They will demonstrate their ability to mark, edit and present news in a manner within acceptable standards. Students will learn the various sources of news and how best to use them. Basic interview techniques and procedures will be covered.

dvanced News Performance

Production
Students learn to select and utilize music and sound effects in the creation of recorded material, such as radio commercials, station promos and public service announcements. They will become capable of editing, splicing, dubbing and overlapping sounds as well as utilize other production techniques, including digital editing, storage and transfer.

opywriting

Voice-over Commercials
The student learns to perform to acceptable standards as voice-over talent, presenting various techniques, using different types of copy and displaying a knowledge of voice-over requirements. Students become able to list the different classifications of commercials and explain the differences in vocal delivery and styles.

Multi-track Production
Students must be able to perform to high, local standards in the role of production-person and demonstrate the ability to utilize a four-track production studio to produce professional quality commercials and promotions. Equipment includes the use of digital editors, sound effects processors, digital storage and transfer as well as analog tape editing and splicing.

Digital Production
Students must be able to perform in the role of production-person and demonstrate the ability to utilize a Korg Soundlink 8-track digital audio workstation to produce professional quality commercials and promotions. They must also be able to transfer digital audio to analog systems, and analog to digital, through the use of digital audio tape (DAT) and minidisc digital recording media, as well as automated digital transfers.

Job Readiness
The student must prepare professional quality audition tapes, cover letters, resumes and develop interview capabilities to enable them to attain employment. The student must perform professionally as an intern for the local radio stations with which we have agreements. The student will work with the instructor in a effort to make contacts for securing employment. They will use trade publications, mail and the internet to locate and apply for open positions.