50151 Radio Journalism 1

Handbook description

This subject introduces students to the range of technical and conceptual skills involved in the production of current affairs radio journalism. Students produce stories for broadcast on radio station 2SER-FM. As students learn practical radio journalism skills, they explore the editorial and ethical issues that exist in the professional broadcast environment.

Subject objectives/outcomes

On completion of this subject students are expected to:

1. have gained the technical and editorial skills needed for radio current affairs broadcasting
2. have gained experience working in a broadcast team in a live broadcast environment
3. be familiar with a range of radio current affairs styles and techniques.

Contribution to graduate profile

This subject provides students with:

• professional skills and knowledge across all media: print, television, radio, the internet and multimedia
• a knowledge and critical understanding of the media
• the skills to enter journalism professional practice
• a knowledge of the historical, philosophical, ethical and cultural foundations underpinning journalism and strive, throughout their careers, to promote the important role of professional and ethical journalism in the service of the public
• an understanding of the role of the media in local, regional, national and global contexts
• a critical understanding of the relationships between technology, professionalism and social change and be able to adapt their professional skills to future change and to new production challenges
• strong research skills and effectively retrieve and analyse information from a range of sources
• a critical understanding of issues of gender, racism, ethnicity, disability and class and the way these are linked to issues of media representation, production and reception
• an understanding and commitment to ethical journalism practice.

Teaching and learning strategies

Compulsory readings are required where indicated in the subject outline.

Listening to radio current affairs is a crucial requirement. Students are expected to post examples of radio current affairs stories online and participate in online and in class discussions about these stories. This subject can be technically demanding and as such students will spend some time familiarising themselves with recording and digital editing equipment. For some students this may mean a couple of hours per week leading up to broadcast deadlines.

Students are expected to participate in recording and digital editing workshops and to work in teams for broadcast assessments taking on roles and responsibilities within those teams.

Students will communicate with the lecturer and other team members using UTSOnline. Regular and reliable communication is essential in this subject.

Content

Students acquire the skills for the production of radio current affair programs including technical production, writing for radio, presentation, interviewing and research. Critical listening to radio current affairs is also a major part of the subject. Students produce and present a one hour long radio current affairs show broadcast on 2SER-FM as part of this subject.

Assessment

Assessment item 1: Radio current affairs program analysis. Individual task.

Assessment item 2: Dummy story production and broadcast. Individual/group task.

Assessment item 3: Razor's Edge Broadcast. Individual/Group Task components.

Minimum requirements

Students are expected to read the subject outline to ensure they are familiar with the subject requirements. Since class discussion and participation in activities form an integral part of this subject, you are expected to attend, arrive punctually and actively participate in classes. If you experience difficulties meeting this requirement, please contact your lecturer. Students who have a reason for extended absence (e.g. illness) may be required to complete additional work to ensure they achieve the subject objectives.

Required text(s)

Gail Phillips and Mia Lindgren, Australian Broadcast Journalism, 2nd edn, Oxford University Press, 2006.

Indicative references

Gail Phillips and Mia Lindgren, Australian Broadcast Journalism, Oxford University Press 2005.

Pro Tools 101: Introduction to Pro Tools, Digidesign, 2006 (Available at Co-Op Bookshop)

Jim Beaman, Interviewing for Radio, Routledge, 2000.

Steve Ahern, Making Radio: A Practical Guide to Working in Radio, AFTRS 2000.

Sally A White, Reporting in Australia, Macmillan Education second edition 1996.

Barbara Alysen, Electronic Reporter, Broadcast Journalism, Deakin University Press 2000.

John Herbert, Journalism in the Digital Age, Focal press 2000.