2015 - Fall

Documentary Storytelling for Radio and Podcasts

Course Number: JOUR-GA 1182.016

Day & Time: Monday, 10:00am-2:00pm

Location: 750

Through this course students will learn to produce documentary-style audio stories, as heard on Serial, This American Life, 99% Invisible, Planet Money, The Heart, Love and Radio, and Invisibilia. You will be encouraged to develop their own personal voice and style, while also learning practical skills necessary for finding work in both radio and podcasting.

After a quick introduction to audio equipment, you’ll create two broadcast-worthy audio features as if you were working for an actual show. You’ll learn to identify what makes for good radio story subjects and sources, and how to pitch your idea to an outlet. You’ll produce your stories through the edit process used by most shows, and fine-tune your audio sensibilities by workshopping each others’ stories. We’ll cover how to best write for the ear, and you’ll receive coaching to record narration in the NYU studio. There will also be an introduction to using music and sound design.