module specification

Continuing on from the first-year core Audio and Video Techniques, students in Radio News and Podcasting will develop the skills and techniques necessary to succeed in more advanced forms of radio and podcasting, including vox pops, taking clips, producing voicers, editing interviews, delivering in-studio 2-ways, news reading, package/podcast writing and production.

For students studying on this course, you will learn to identify subject matter and potential readerships; master interviewing and editing techniques in audio; learn how to find original angles; undertake focused, widely sourced research on individuals and issues; and conduct on-the-spot reportage, delivering original news story content. This will be taught through a combination of workshops, masterclasses and studio activities, including voice coaching.

This module aims to develop students’ skills in multi-platform journalism. Via practical workshops and news days, which closely copy the latest UK industry working practices in modern multimedia newsrooms thus transforming understandings into practice, you will learn the basics of radio journalism, as well as radio reporting/production skills, including microphone and editing skills, using cutting-edge software and equipment. This will reinforce your understanding of the need for 360-degree journalism in contemporary society.

You will work on projects within class with a view to publishing them online via the course website, www.hollowayexpress.co.uk Holloway Express, thereby providing an outward-facing portal for future employability.

Successful completion of this module will involve the preparation of journalism products to be developed for presentation to prospective employers.

Assessment will involve two portfolios of journalism plus engagement with weekly Journal.

Contribution to news days will be both self-assessed and moderated by tutors.

The module will be assessed as follows:

Two portfolios of three news stories in total, comprising one vox pop and news clip, plus one podcast which must show evidence of professional writing, newsgathering and production skills learnt in this module.

Contributions to an online journal will assess class and Newsday contribution, moderated by tutors at the end of the term. Newsdays will involve students working collaboratively to create radio news programming reflecting the day’s news agenda and events local to Holloway and the broader north London area.

This module focuses on originating stories and developing writing/creative/editing skills for radio news bulletins and podcasts.

You will learn to identify subject matter for potential audiences; develop research, interviewing and editing techniques for radio and podcasting; and find original angles and relevant sources for your stories. Students will be encouraged to seek professional platforms for good stories, which will also be published on the course website.  [1,2,3,]

How to write/create content in different formats, including live news bulletin work, pre-recorded products for bulletins and news shows, plus podcasts, which will be assessed in two portfolios.
[3,4]

Develop the professional techniques and writing disciplines required for live news bulletin delivery and podcast production, including delivery of copy, cues and voicers, plus in-studio 2-ways, longer interview editing, and production of pre-recorded podcasts. Writing and creating content to precise length and deadline will be important, as will original research/newsgathering. Use of mobile technology will be encouraged. [1, 2, 3]

Explore risk evaluation and ethical concerns arising from collaboration and commissioning practice.[4]

Evaluate ethical concerns in the wider world through reflection on practice. [4]

The module will be taught by a programme of weekly sessions, comprising a three-hour block for each of the 15 weeks in which it runs. Learning and teaching strategy will be based on an interactive, coaching model.

Sessions will mix tutor instruction with blended learning, in-class writing workshops, discussions and debate, with students required to do weekly reporting and writing exercises out of class as well as during sessions, where coaching will supplement group work.

Newsdays will incorporate coaching sessions involving voice training. Rather than a set programme of content, students will be led on a skills basis to create a news agenda of the day.

Electronic resources, including the university’s virtual environment, will be used by students and staff.

Working in small teams will develop social as well as professional and academic skills.
The module will be supported by a VLE site containing notes, readings and extended bibliographies, and weblinks.

Independent, reflective study, including reading, individual reporting exercises and writing, will form the backbone of every session.

Support for PDP, via e-portfolio.

If students read all the required texts, participate in all the class activities and complete the required assessments and assignments, they should be able to:

1. Utilise the techniques and tools required for radio news gathering, and writing to a level acceptable at professional entry;

2. Deliver radio news products to a professional level of quality in both live and pre-recorded formats, to specified length and targeted audience/s, creating a portfolio of work that also develops news reading skills and podcasting delivery techniques to a level acceptable at professional entry level;

3. Use reporting skills to identify and use appropriate sources for news stories, developing original angles, and displaying personal and professional skills in newsgathering.

4. Analyse and use in practice the newsgathering skills, including ethical concerns and risks, needed to develop stories from a variety of sources for live radio and pre-recorded products, including content for news bulletins and podcasts.

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