Writing for the Ear: The Final Project

Thanks to JRN 521 for joining me online to discuss the final project. You've probably already seen the parameters for story ideas that I've put down...here they are:

1. Find a controversy Something in your town, or that you know about, that has clear tension. A dispute over land-use, perhaps...a battle over noisy neighbors...a plan to shut down a town landmark. You want a story where you can find real passion on both sides of an issue.

2. Find the stakeholders Who are the people you really need to talk to if you're going to tell this story? Who is most affected? Who would be sorely missed if you did the story without them? Chart out who these people are, and come up with some ways to contact them. For our purposes, we'll want at least one character on each side of the issue, people with a clear stake in what's happening. And, we'll want at least two "outside" voices - it could be "man on the street" - getting reaction to this issue.

3. Find a scene We've heard some great scenes in class already, and I'll be sharing more examples. What we want is one of our stakeholders speaking in a place key to the story. Or, some action happening in that place. For the purpose of our exercise, look for a scene that will open the story...the first thing the audience will hear after the host intro.

4. Find your themes Even a great story has to be "framed" right for the radio. How do you want to tell your story? Whose points of view should be heard first? Who else needs to be heard? How do you work in your "outside" voices?

So, in your comments, tell me how you'd address these issues. What controversy? What stakeholders? What scene(s)? What themes? I've adjusted the comment field so you don't have to go through the google logon...but please put your name on the comment, so I can tell who you are!

Porn case raises questions for teachers

WNPR's Diane Orson is covering a rather remarkable case. A substitute teacher in Norwich, Connecticut faces up to 40 years in prison for exposing students to pornography. The thing is, many experts say she's not to blame - instead, they say, it's the school that should take the rap

This story was originally broadcast on NPR's Morning Edition.