Unit 41: News Production for Radio

and

Unit 36: Interview TechniquesPre-Production Booklet for Radio News Show

Name: Alex Gilbey

Order of contents

IntroductionNepal on location newsWallingford archaeologist on location newsIn studio – Henley regatta newsSports news briefWeatherWrap

Mind Maps Purpose of Interview Topic and Guest Research Interview Details Question Formulation Interview Style Structural Progression of Interview Location Recce Identifying Show Format Order of Show Content Relevance of Content Type of Stories Sound Table Risk Assessment

Complete this booklet for YOUR interview guest ONLYOnce all people in your production team have completed this booklet – combine all of them to make

ONE larger booklet. You both must upload the complete booklet.

Mind Maps

Purpose of Interview:

What is the purpose of this interview?Nepal – the purpose of this interview is to give people an insight into what is going on in Nepal. Speaking to a missionary on location to give in-depth information.

Wallingford – This is regional news. The purpose of this is to give people exciting & different news. This is the sort of news you wouldn’t hear every day. Not only this, but Wallingford is known for its historical culture therefore this fits well with the interests of listeners.

Henley Regatta – The reason why we are including this in the news show is because we are trying to get listeners excited for the upcoming Regatta. The fact it is a huge local event where people from all around the world attend, we want an insight into the rower’s thoughts on the event.

Circle which of the following formats it will be;

News Programme

National News Bulletin

Local News Bulletin

Community News Bulletin

Add research demonstrating the format of this news show

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02p6vq0

Similarly to BBC Radio Berkshire, we wanted our news show to include international as well as more local/regional news. For example in this broadcast from Radio Berkshire, they have started by discussing the incident in Nepal, ending on a lighter note. Despite the fact they include more serious / formal news they still manage to hold quite a chatty tone. For example when the presenter refers to someone as ‘prof’ rather than ‘professor’. This is the sort of style we also wanted. We are going to start with international news and end with local Henley news. This is to end on a more light-hearted note.

Topic and Guest Research

You need to carry out EXTENSIVE research on your topic and guest. You need to demonstrate why you have used your guest for this topic. You need to reference where you found your research. (Referencing is KEY)

Interviewee: Tom Mortimer

Research of topic: Henley Regatta – is the regatta a nuisance?

Key Facts:https://www.hrr.co.uk/crews/ http://www.bbc.co.uk/berkshire/content/articles/2008/07/01/henley_regatta_fun_facts_feature.shtml http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henley_Royal_Regatta http://www.henleyregatta.com/history.asp

1st – 5th July First held in 1839 Live broadcast all over the world The race is 1 mile long Races take about 7 minutes to complete First international entry – 1970 Races start every 5 minutes 16 trophies are rewarded – the highest being Grand Challenge Cup

Potential areas of interest:Is there increased pressure now that it’s televised?Does being a Henley representative make a difference do you think? Does it add pressure?

Areas of concern: When discussing the sorts of people that attend the Regatta try to word it carefully in order to avoid offending people.

Research of Guest: Tom MortimerPrimary Research: I have recorded a conversation I had with Ruairidh Johnston who knows Tom personally

He’s from reading He got scouted by the Leander Club He only started with an above average time – however they saw potential Been with Leander for 4 years Rowing in the Regatta for 2 years He came 1st in one event and 2nd in the other last year

Secondary Research: (Internet /books) N/A

Interviewee: Genie the missionary

Research of topic: Nepal Earthquake Key Facts:  Nepalkilled more than 7,000 people and injured more than twice as many,[i] occurred at 11:56 NST on 25 April, It was the most powerful disaster to strike Nepal since the 1934 Nepal-Bihar earthquake.[9][10][11] Some casualties were also reported in the adjoining areas of India, China, and Bangladesh.[12] Aid pledges are pouring in: $10 million from the US, $7.6 million from the UK, and $3.9 million from Australia, among others. But as welcome as this influx of funds is, the sad reality is that Nepal is ill-equipped to make full use of these resources. That is why countries are lining up to donate technical expertise via disaster response teams as well. China has sent a 62-member search-and-rescue team to help the recovery effort. Israel has sent 260 rescue experts in addition to a 200-person strong medical team, while Japan has sent another 70 people as part of a disaster relief team. The United Nations, in addition to releasing $15 million from its central emergency-response fund, is busy trying to coordinate international efforts to maximize their effectiveness. Nepal’s infrastructure was critically feeble even before disaster struck. With per capita GDP less than $700 a year, many Nepalese build their own houses without oversight from trained engineers. Nepal tried to institute a building code in 1994 following another earthquake that claimed the lives of 700 people, but it turned out to be essentially unenforceable. To make matters worse, a shortage of paved roads in the country means that assistance can’t reach remote regions where it’s needed most. Local authorities are simply overwhelmed, as is Nepal’s sole international airport in Kathmandu. Planes filled with blankets, food and medicine are idling on tarmacs because there are not enough terminals available. The economic cost of the earthquake is estimated to be anywhere between $1 billion to $10 billion, for a country with an annual GDP of approximately $20 billion. The economic impact will be lasting. Tourism is crucial to the Nepalese economy, accounting for about 8 percent of the total economy and employing more than a million people. Mount Everest, a dangerous destination under the best of circumstances, is the heart of that industry. The earthquake this past weekend triggered an avalanche that took the lives of at least 17 climbers, and as many as 200 people are still stranded on the mountain. Nepal’s domestic politics are not helping. Nepal’s 1996-2006 civil war claimed the lives of at least 12,000 Nepalese, and the country’s political system has never really recovered. The government that stood before the quake was woefully ill-prepared to deal with a disaster of such scale. There have been no elections at the district, village or municipal level for nearly 20 years, and the committees in charge of local councils are not organized enough to deal with the difficult task of coordinating emergency assistance. Things are not much better at the national level, where Kathmandu has seen nine prime ministers in eight years. Not all foreign aid is altruistic, and some countries never miss an opportunity to capitalize on tragedy. For years, Nepal has been an object of competition between India and China. For India, Nepal has been a useful buffer state between itself and China ever since Beijing gained control over Tibet. Relative to China, India and Nepal are much closer linguistically and culturally. Nepalese soldiers train in India, and New Delhi is a main weapons supplier to Nepal. For China, Nepal is an important component of its “New Silk Road” plan to link Asia with Europe, and offers a useful ally against Tibetan independence. China was already Nepal’s biggest foreign investor as of 2014. While in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake both Asian powers are providing significant assistance, it’s in the reconstruction phase where the true competition between the two will emerge. Pay particular attention to

the race to build hydroelectric power plants: both Beijing and New Delhi have been positioning themselves to take advantage of Nepal’s 6,000 rivers to feed their respective energy needs.http://time.com/3843436/these-are-the-5-facts-that-explain-nepals-devastating-earthquake/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_Nepal_earthquake

Potential areas of interest: How many people have died?How many people injured?How can you donateWhat magnitude of the earthquake   Areas of concern:Are we focusing too much on white deaths?Are we being told the full story

Interviewee:

Research of topic: Wallingford Archaeology DigKey Facts:

Archaeology has been going on for a few years in Wallingford as Wallingford is a very historical town and is famous for its history. Through these digs very historical items have been discovered and have helped the residents of Wallingford understand more about its history.http://www2.le.ac.uk/departments/archaeology/research/projects/wallingford/the-wallingford-burh-to-borough-research-projectAll discoveries that are found when the archaeologist dig up treasures are put into the Wallingford museum for the local residents to view the history of the town.http://www.wallingfordmuseum.org.uk/museums-history.htmlIn 2008 BBC News covered a story of a dig that was happening in Wallingford. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7546285.stm

Potential areas of interest:Recent discoveries that have been made and discoveries that have been made over the years that are very rare. Also what news coverage this has previously had so a link could be made with the two stories. Areas of concern:When the digs take place there is a concern  that traffic problems and distributions to the wildlife may be caused that can have long lasting knock on effects so all precautions must be made before and make sure all residents are aware of the distributions that may be caused.

Research of GuestPrimary Research: (Interviews with guest to find out what they know; interviews with friends of guest to find out about guest) Insert voice recordings /notes

Secondary Research: (Internet /books)

Interviewee’s Name: Thomas Mortimer

Date and Time of interview: Wednesday 13th May 2015 : 12:30pm

How will you record the interview? Using a zoom microphone in the studio

What information do you need to get from this interview?Thomas’ personal views on the regatta, even though he’s a rower is it a nuisance? His favourite & least favourite part of the regatta?How does he feel being a Henley representative?An idea into how they train

Describe how you are planning on contacting and liaising with your ‘talent’ (interviewee)He goes to The Henley College therefore getting in contact with him is easy. We also share a mutual friend making it easy to speak to him. I will need him to come up to the studio in order to do this interview. That shouldn’t be too difficult as he is in college every day.

How will you make sure unnecessary sounds etc. are not recorded?I am recording my interview in the studio making it harder for outside noises to be picked up. But in order for any other noise to be picked up I will just have Thomas & I in the studio to avoid any other accidental sounds. For example if people coughed etc.

What equipment will you need to carry out this interview?Zoom microphoneSD Card

Structuring your interview: Scripts and Question Formulation

Question:

From my understanding you have been a part of the Leander Club for 4 years now, 2 of those years being involved in the Regatta? (closed question)

Next Question:

Rowers must go through extensive training before the regatta? You come 4 weeks early just to train. It must be hard but all worthwhile in the end? (single question)

Likely Response:

“Yes for 2 years I’ve been in the Regatta”

Likely Response:

“I did do quite well, we came first in one of the races and second in a couple of others. It doesn’t

add pressure necessarily as everyone’s in the same boat, however it does add a sense of pride as we

are rowing for the home town of Regatta.”

Likely Response:

Next Question:

I hear you came first in one of the races and second in a couple of others? How does this make you feel? (multiple question)

Question:

The Regatta is known for its social events just as much as it is for the rowing Do you enjoy the social aspect of the Regatta? (closed question)

Likely Response:

“The social aspect, other than the rowing is one of the best parts of the regatta. Everyone comes from everywhere, I

just think it’s a great atmosphere.”

Likely Response:

“I think the fact it’s now global just adds more excitement because there’s so many more people

watching you.”

Next Question:

The Regatta used to be a local event, do you prefer the fact it is global now rather than local? (suggestive question)

Likely Response:“I don’t live in Henley personally but I could

imagine it being a bit of a pain considering all the people. It always takes so long to get into Henley,

and once you are here, there’s no phone signal because of the amount of people! But it’s great

how many people come down.”

Next Question:The local people who live in Henley have issues with the Regatta due to traffic and drunken behaviour – what would you say to them?

Likely Response:

“I don’t think it’s a nuisance, as it is only 5 days out of the year, and it’s all about the social side now anyway as well as the rowing, and everyone still

has a good time.”

Next Question:

Do you feel it’s now a bit of a nuisance considering the amount of people that come and the variety of people the event attracts or would you say it’s beneficial the fact it attracts more people now? (open question)

Next Question:

Now back to you. Now we know you’re also taking part this year, what races are you doing?

Likely Response:

Next Question:

Well we hope they go as well as last year did. Thank you for speaking to me.

Interview Style

What will your interview style be? Why? (formal, informal and chatty, intense, questioning, argumentative, friendly, jokey)

In terms of the style of the interview, we want the topics to be formal, however we want to carry quite an informal tone. The interview still needs to be informative with a chatty feel. The reason for this is because we are only targeting to a small group (local news) our audience is a variety of people therefore a more informal tone will relate to the audience. For example BBC Radio Berkshire, as mentioned earlier that is the sort of style we are aiming for, formal topics with a slightly chatty tone.

Add research of other interviews/news shows where the presenter has a similar style. You can insert another page here for your research.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02p6vq0 This BBC Radio Berkshire broadcast is similar to what I wanted my interview/news show to be like. This is mainly based on the style & format. For example they start by discussing international news and then end on more light hearted local news. This is what we were going for as we are planning to start with our Nepal story and end with the Regatta.

http://www.leicester-rowing.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=239:regatta-interviews-2014&catid=21:news&Itemid=13 In terms of my interview, this interview of the Leicester Regatta is similar to how I want my interview to be formatted & the style. For example the style in this interview is quite chatty. However it’s still factual & informative. Not only this but a lot of the interviewees answers are based on the interviewers statements rather than questions. For example at (03.22) when the interviewer says “wow that’s a great turn out”, this leads on to the captain discussing the regatta in detail. This gives the interview more of a chatty laid back feel, which is the sort of thing I wanted to go for.

From listening to a variety of local radio stations, such as BBC Radio Oxford, it seems they all are relatively similar in terms of style & format. This is because they have to appeal to the entirety of that area. So by carrying a mixed style, predominantly informal with some formal aspects this can appeal to older and younger generations.

Define the structural progression of Interview One

eg introduction, leading questions, progressive questions, summary

What questions will you ask and when

Introduction

Progressive questions

Summary

Introduction

Closed Question on guest

Multiple Question on guest

Single Question on rower’s training

Closed Question on social side to Regatta

Suggestive Question on Henley residents

Single Question on Regatta being global

Open Question on the people Regatta attracts

Open question on whether the Regatta is a nuisance

Summary

Location Recce

Please produce a location recce for EVERY location used

Lighting Information:N/A

Solutions: N/A

Sound Information:Sound proof, making it near impossible for other sounds to be picked up in the microphone

Solutions:Make sure it is only the interviewee & I in the studio when recording

Power InformationN/A

Solutions:N/A

HazardsWires from cameras already in there

Solutions:N/A

Insert photo of location (do not draw) Type of room/area:StudioLocation Address: Deanfield Avenue, Henley-on-Thames, OxfordshireSat Nav details (Post code):RG9 1UH

Nearest Train Station:Henley train station

Nearest Bus stop: Grey road car park

Identifying Show Format

What style of news broadcast are you going to produce and why?We are going to produce a formal news broadcast however the way we present it we want it to be quite chatty, therefore relatable.

How are you going to ensure your broadcast meets this style?We have ensured that we meet this style by incorporating ‘serious’ news, for example our Nepal story. However some of the stories such as the Regatta story will be presented in quite a chatty way. For example I am starting my interview by having more of a chat than asking direct questions “I hear you have been rowing for 4 years, 2 of those years being a part of the Regatta”. This then gets the interviewee to start talking about it without having asked him a direct question, giving the interview a chatty feel.

Provide some examples of similar styles of news broadcasts below explaining why you have chosen them

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02psz8n#auto This BBC Radio Berkshire Broadcast is similar to our style as they start with international news ending on the local news. This is due to prioritising the stories. In this broadcast the election was the thing on everybody’s minds so it is the first thing they will discuss. In our broadcast Nepal is prioritised over the other stories.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat From looking at the newsbeat section on BBC Radio 1’s website, they incorporate both public & human interest stories in their broadcast. This is similar to our news show as we have also done this to add more of a variety to our target demographic. BBC Radio 1 discuss public interest news such as celebrity news as well as human interest international news. This adds variety to their listeners. Our stories even though are different in terms of topic we have still incorporated both kinds of news.

Order of Content

Why is it important to consider the order in which news is presented?It is important to consider the order of the news because a lot of the order is based on importance. We are starting with the Nepal story and ending with weather, the incident in Nepal is obviously more important and needs to be prioritised over local weather. The order is also based on the listener’s interests. For example our listeners would probably want to hear about the big incident in Nepal first then hear about the Regatta, despite the fact the Regatta is local. Not only this, also ending on more local news gives the news broadcast a light hearted feel towards the end, as we are getting our audience excited for the upcoming events.

What is the order of content for your show?

Why have you decided to order your show in this way?We have chosen this order as we want to start with the more formal / serious news (Nepal) to then end on a more light – hearted note (Regatta). We have chosen to put the Regatta story at the end as we feel it is an exciting topic to get listeners excited for this upcoming event. In terms of importance, we have chosen Nepal as our opening story as this is more important than the Regatta. This is because it is international breaking news, which holds priority over the weather.

Introduction

Nepal on location interview

Archaeology on location interview

Regatta in studio interview

Sports news brief

Weather

Relevance of Content

Who is the target audience of your news broadcast?

The target audience we are trying to attract is similar to that of BBC Radio 1, we are also going to incorporate the style and format of BBC Radio Berkshire to give it that more formal aspect. BBC Radio 1 have a target audience of people aged 15-29 year olds (http://www.bbc.co.uk/commissioning/radio/articles/radio1), BBC Radio Berkshire has the opposite target demographic of people over the age of 50 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/aboutthebbc/insidethebbc/howwework/accountability/statements2010/nationsandregions/eng_regions.html). We want to show aspects of both of these, the formal topics of discussion mixed with a chatty tone.

How is the content of your news broadcast relevant to its audience?

The content is relevant to the audience as not only have we incorporated bigger, more serious news to add the formal side we have also included a discussion on the Regatta to get people excited. This is fitting with both sides to the target audience of middle aged people as it fits with their interests.

How will you ensure your target audience’s interests/needs are met?As our audience are Henley based we want to obviously incorporate Henley related news as that will interest our audience. We have done this by getting listeners excited about upcoming events in the area. We have also included international news, this sort of human interest news tends to be appealing to everyone that’s one of the reasons why it is prioritised over the other stories. Then to expand listeners to a more regional area we have incorporated news based in Wallingford. This will attract the older listeners as Wallingford is quite a historic area.

What types of stories are you reporting? Human interest or Public interestWe are reporting both human & public interest stories within our broadcast. Our story on Nepal is human interest with the Regatta and archaeology stories being public interest.

Show research of similar types of stories below including linksA story similar to our human interest story would be another story on the Nepal Earthquake (http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/08/nepal-earthquake-un-says-it-has-only-received-fraction-of-necessary-aid). This is similar as they have also discussed with people who are part of the situation. In this story they have spoken to the United Nations representative in order to gain more factual information to make it more formal and informative. We are speaking to a missionary in order to gain more factual information on the topic.

The public interest stories we have included are very much based on the area. Therefore other similar stories would have to be on the same topic. For our story on the Regatta a similar broadcast would be http://www.leicester-rowing.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=239:regatta-interviews-2014&catid=21:news&Itemid=13. This is for the Leicester Regatta, this has similarities to my interview as the interviewee is someone rowing in the races, therefore gaining first-hand information. This makes the story more interesting as we are talking to someone involved in the entire 5 days of races.

Sound TableHere you should detail what station sounds you have found and where you will use them.

Sound Where used Length Link

Opening sequence

At the start of the show

15 seconds

Whistle blow

In between regatta story & sports brief

3 secondshttp://freesound.org/people/pawsound/sounds/154873/

Opening jingle

At the end of the broadcast

10 seconds