Pre- "Sound Reporting" - some basics...

This week, we're getting our books - a really informative text from NPR called "Sound Reporting." We'll be delving into some of the tips and hints in the form of actual "lessons" starting next week. But for now, I wanted to draw your attention to some of my old-school blog posts with tips and hints...

• The Basic Rules of Broadcast Writing are pretty simple and straightforward.
• Let's Get the Terminology Straight helps me talk to you in some "radio language" so we'll understand each other. I also give you some examples of what different kinds of stories sound like.
• The Geller Checklist is something handy to keep by your desk...or wherever you work.

Welcome to a new semester!!!

Today's class #1 for JRN 521B - otherwise known as "Writing for the Ear." We'll be handing out the syllabus, talking about the assignments, getting to know each other - and planning for a great semester.

As an example of the kind of stories we'll be producing, listen to this story by Harriet Jones from our series "This Economic Life" - looking at hard choices people are making in this tough economy.

Here's another one from the series about burials at sea from Diane Orson.

Just a few things to listen to...to give you an idea of what we'll be doing.