The Radio Handbook

Description

Updated and revised, the fourth edition of The Radio Handbook is a comprehensive guide to the medium of radio and the radio industry in the UK. Featuring new chapters on social media and podcasting, this book offers a thorough breakdown of the knowledge and skills needed to work within the contemporary radio industry. Using examples, case studies and transcripts, it examines the various building blocks that make radio, from music scheduling to news values and from phone-ins to sports commentaries. The latest trends in contemporary audio practice are referenced throughout, including the increased adoption of smartphone technology, further consolidation within commercial radio, and the ongoing debate about the future funding of the BBC against the backdrop of an accelerated move towards remote working, the rise in popularity of podcasting and an ever more crowded media landscape. Combining theory and practice, this textbook is ideally suited for students of radio, media, communications and journalism. It equips readers with the skills they need to not only produce good radio themselves, but to have the knowledge they need to become a critical friend of the medium. Cover Half Title Series Page Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Contents List of illustrations Acknowledgements Introduction What lies ahead The impact of Covid-19 A final word References Chapter 1. Radio style The radio day: the breakfast show Gem at breakfast with Jo and Sparky Daytime shows Evening and overnight shows Weekend shows The impact of Covid-19 The BBC brand The commercial radio brand The music Auditorium testing Online testing Jingles and ads Concerts, campaigns and competitions Notes References Chapter 2. The voice of the station A great presenter The show The voice Using scripts Writing for radio Technology and new audiences Reaching an audience Fun Kids BBC Minute Notes References Chapter 3. The role of news The sound of the story Selecting the news Making the news News sources Writing for the ear Copy Cue and clips Cues Clips Voice pieces Vox pops Packages 2-Ways Building a bulletin Notes References Chapter 4. Station and programme formats Examples of radio station formats Speech Speech/music mix Music Programme formats and functions Music Phone-ins News and current affairs Elections and referendums Referendums Emergency situations and breaking news Drama Notes References Chapter 5. Radio sport Sports programmes Common formats of sports programmes Debate Documentary Live commentary Live coverage Preview/review Specialist Sports news Being a sports presenter Commentary Post-match interviews Radio sports news Jounalist Profile: Kathryn Anastasi Notes References Chapter 6. Bias and balance: Accountability in radio journalism Legislative controls Defamation Reporting restrictions and contempt of court Official secrets and DA notices Obscenity Regulatory controls The BBC Trust The BBC Board The structure of Ofcom The Ofcom Broadcasting Code Bias vs. balance Impartiality and the BBC Across the pond Community radio regulations Notes References Chapter 7. The tools of broadcasting The studio The playout system Microphones Condenser Dynamic Ribbon Polar patterns USB vs. XLR More microphone terminology The newsroom Editing Editing software The smartphone Live on location Satellite vehicle Comrex Access ISDN Fixed wifi Newsreading Interviews One-to-one studio interview Discussion with multiple participants One-to-one field interview Telephone or VoIP interview from a studio Simulrec Voicenotes Notes References Chapter 8. Social media: A renaissance in radio The decline of newspapers Robust radio The strengths of radio Immediacy Simplicity Interactivity Intimacy The strengths of social media Immediacy Simplicity Intimacy Interactivity A strengthened medium Social media content The visualisation of radio Notes References Chapter 9. Podcasting: An audio revolution An introduction to podcasting How is a podcast different to a radio programme? Who's listening? Who's publishing? Podcast formats Discussion-based Interview-based Solo Non-fiction storytelling Fiction storytelling Repackaged content What makes a great podcast? Making a podcast What is it about and who will listen to it? Why are you making the podcast and how will it work? The name Presentation Production Promotion Making money Podcasting and the law Notes References Chapter 10. Catching a break: Getting started in radio A billion pound industry An art form and a trade The twenty-first-century radio professional Choosing a path A foot in the door Trust the process Building a brand Born to do it Gaining experience Creating a good impression Diversity, equality and inclusion Be the best you Notes References Glossary Index