2019 - Spring

Methods and Practice: Audio Storytelling

Course Number: JOUR-UA 202.002

Day & Time: Tuesday 12:00pm-3:40pm

Location: 20 Cooper Square, room 750

Prerequisite: Journalistic Inquiry: The Written Word (JOUR-UA 101)

We are living in a golden age of audio journalism. Whether it is 4 minutes or an hour series, radio storytelling has expanded to more in depth reporting accompanied by sophisticated sound production. This class will explore the power of character when set within their aural environments as a storytelling device. It will introduce style as a way to capitalize on the intimacy established by speaking directly into people’s ears with stories about the world around them.

We will begin with listening skills and finding strong natural sound. Although delivery is for the ear, a crucial element of reporting is with the eyes and translating what you see into writing for the ear. You will learn the production tools to tell audio stories. Through exercises and discussions of what makes a good radio story, you will produce and edit one short and one long audio report.