Lesson 14: Broadcasting

Choose one of the following three ideas and write it up in between 300 and 400 words:

1. Write a synopsis of an idea or feature for a radio broadcast, explaining how it could be developed and for what kind of programme. What information would you need and what type of interviews would you source to make it successful?

2. Write the treatment for a short television documentary on an outstanding feature of your native town (or any other town you choose), including details of the visuals and the narration for the first five and last two minutes that would be suitable for a YouTube video.

3. Write a treatment for a new podcast, including details on who will host it (you alone, or you and a partner), its theme, its length and its tone.

ASSIGNMENT FOURTEEN

IDEA THREE: TREATMENT FOR A NEW PODCAST

Luke Richards

Word count: 384

Title

The Locals Podcast

Host

Luke Richards

Topic / Theme

The podcast will be in an interview format with a focus of telling the stories of ‘ordinary people’ that have achieved extraordinary things in their lives or in their community.

Guests to interview

Human interest stories with people I have written about during this course. Rowan Jennings (Lesson 5) Dawn Ferdinand (Lesson 7) and Dwain Chambers (Lesson 11).

Further episodes don’t have to include people who are well known or with a sporting background.

Length

The length of the podcast will be one hour. This will be long enough to provide an in-depth interview and discussion.

Although longer interviews can be interesting, there is always the worry that the listener could lose interest over a long period of time.

Tone

Themes are likely to include inspiring stories but also those of a serious nature like poverty, drugs, and alcohol.

I will need to gain my guests’ trust to provide them with a comfortable space for sharing their story.

Outline of an episode

1.     Musical jingle – There are websites (such as Epidemic Sound or Radio Jingle) that you can create your own audio from without falling fail of copyright laws.

2.     Introduction – A monologue to introduce who I am and who I am interviewing in this episode.

-        Much like in a feature article it is important use the 5 w’s especially if subject is unknown to the wider public.

-        If the episode is being recorded face to face, then describe where we are. For example, Rowan Jennings ground floor flat in Leyton.

3.     Interview

-        Questions – based on research.

-        Inclusion of short audio to help break up segments and topics. For example, using commentary from sporting moments for athletes or speeches for politicians.

4.     Ads – Can also be used to break up topics but should be placed at the appropriate place depending on the subject being spoken about.

More likely to be prevalent with a popular podcast but hosting sites like Acast can use their own partners to advertise on your show.

5.     Closing remarks – As with the beginning of the show, this is in the form of a monologue. My thoughts and personal highlights of the interview.

6.     Information on how you can follow the show and guest going forward.

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