Exploring Radio

October 17-19, I participated in a workshop titled “Exploring Radio”, a basic course in radio journalism for non-broadcasters. After discussing the fundamentals of radio, my class was given the practical assignment of putting together a 25-minute program. The various elements in the program included: station identification and promos, a news billboard, 3 features with 2 audio clips each, one main interview, and music. Somehow I was assigned the role of Senior Editor and also was responsible for our musical selection. How long did we get to put this 25-minute piece together? Well, we received our assignment at about 12 or 1 on Wednesday and were to go ‘live’ at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday. When I heard the news I began to sweat bullets. (O.K. not exactly, but pretty darn close. Knowing me, I take all assignments seriously!).

After some initial fears and consternation, I have to say my team pulled it off extremely well. Each person had the opportunity to use his/her creativity and we helped each other out, brainstorming, bouncing ideas off each other, scheduling interviews, writing, and editing. The main theme of the 25-minute program was “Prague Autumn” which included a main report on RFE/RL's relocation and groundbreaking ceremony and short segments on Halloween, fall traditions in the U.S. and Czech Republic, and the flu season and influenza shots. We also had news highlights in Russian. Why Russian? Our newscaster was Belarusian and came to me pleading not to read the news in English as she sounded atrocious. I didn’t quite think she sounded so badly, but I respected her wishes and language preference. And, it was the right choice. The Russian simply flowed from Katka’s lips; she sounded very professional, taking brief pauses between highlights.

As for me, I didn’t create one specific piece myself, but had editorial control on each piece and helped with one Czech-English voice over. I wish the file wasn’t so large and you could all hear our program, but I guess you’ll have to wait for the audio CD when I return! If you allow me a little bragging room, I dare say NPR’s Morning Edition should watch out!