3. Origins: Broadcast
Traditionally a linear
process
Listening to a
standard broadcast is
passive
Radio and more
comprehensive
recordings need to
create a ‘texture of
sound’
Additional editorial
intervention
sometimes needed to
frame audio pieces
4. Kit requirements
Audio can be recorded by a
number of devices
Dictaphone
Telephone
Conversion between file
types may be required:
Think about
compatibility
compression
5. Quality
TOP TIP: Always try to acquire recordings at the
highest quality possible
CD
Dictaphone
Telephone
44.1 KHz
22 KHz
8KHz
44.1 KHz means the recording
device will ‘sample’ the sound
44,100 times a second
6. Audio Production: Stylistic approaches
Clips: Short, sharp bursts of
information that convey
essential information
Packages: Incorporates
script and interviews on a
specific theme or issue
Long-form documentaries:
A more in-depth, and
immersive experience
Bulletins: Live news flash
based around breaking
information
7. How this might work on a
digital platform…
Combined with other
media elements rather
than a standalone report
Complements written or
image-based material
Separate
angles/approaches/opini
on used to augment
central report
10. Journalistic process
Ask yourself
Is audio the appropriate
medium?
Can it be used to add
breadth or depth to your
piece
Ensure you follow good
journalistic practice
Do not misrepresent and
be faithful to your
interviewees intention.
11. Interview technique
Be nice
Control your environment
Ensure the interviewee gives name, rank and
serial number
Aim to ask open questions
Avoid utterances such as: yeah, a-ha, mmm…
Try not to interrupt
Use silence to your advantage
Repeat if required
Say thanks
12. Broadcast
voice
Scripting: control your audio
Aim for around three words a
second (a pace that is too fast
or two slow impacts on overall
effect)
Control your interviewee to
ensure your content is usable
13. Post production considerations
Editorial
Sound can be used to illustrate a story, and add texture
Descriptions need to fuel audience’s imagination
WARNING: Working with audio (and video) can be time-
consuming
Technical
Tidy, remove noise and equalise if required
FX and other additions
Music and other sound effects can be used to move story forward
Additional tools of fade outs/ins, silences and voice manipulation
can prove useful
14. Final checks
Does it make sense?
Does it flow?
Can you hear everything and understand it?
Is the subject matter and interviewee
responses accurate and in line with original
intentions?
15. Distribution: Podcasts and social
media
Podcasting
Publish to the world
RSS feeds can stream audio to users on demand
Social tools
Share audio files with your followers, and add a
social element to your audio work. First person
accounts can be effective and emotive
Audioboo
Soundcloud