Use recordings of actuality sound and scripted voice/voice-over to make a short (3 - 4 minute) audio 'postcard' or reportage of a place, a place/moment (events at a location) in time. Script can involve on location voicing/narration and/or voice-over recorded separately. Your place/topic should ideally relate to your class's theme, although it is possible to make these without such limitations. Exact Subject: the only limit is your imagination. In all cases, you should start with a real place or event, although it is possible to speak of a fictional or more laterally connected topic, but still using recorded sound from this place.

(This exercise will mainly assess your writing/presentation skill for radio and your ability to construct a radio/audio item which uses recorded actuality/'wild sound' and words to take us to a place). Prepare individually. Submit to DAWS correct folder by Week 6 Tute. Should be available to listen to in Week 6.

Choose one radio program or package/feature (or max 1 hour segment of time from a 'flow radio' program) and describe, contextualise and analyze it (1500 - 2000 words).

Pay attention to the following:

Description and Contextualisation: Type: radio/web/podcast etc. Station/Service or Host? (Public, community, commercial etc) Date of broadcast or first availability? The genre: current affairs, talkback/discussion, interview, documentary, comedy, drama/performance or other? What is the program it is part of? Is it part of a regular offering, or a one off special? (Egs: ABC Triple J "Hack", national youth current affairs program, regular daily...; "RadioLab": American NPR specialist podcast and syndicated program available on....online site includes... ; ABC RN "Breakfast", daily current affairs and talk show with multiple items, single host with commentators and journalists input;...2Ser magazine or Breakfast show., duo or single hosts with short feature and interview content...; "Radiotonic", product of Creative Audio Unit of ABC RN, specialist in experimental radio work, audio arts.....) Discuss here, if relevant also, its history, possible target audience, ways it engages with its audience and outline any ‘value adding’ it achieves through its online presence. Comment on any other features that are important.

Analysis: While paying attention to the format/context of the station where it is broadcast, comment on the content, style, genre of program. Note the kinds of voices heard, the arguments or content and how this is expressed. How effectively is the story told and is it a story you think worth communicating to the program's target audience? Why was it so engaging then? Here, you might comment on the voiced story including the impact of narrators/hosts/reporters; the scripting, editing and structure; the placement/types of sound used such as any music or actuality sound and why this works or not; the quality of interviewees, their content or interest these generate for the whole piece. If any other things are significant mention and discuss these too. Somewhere in the analysis then you should discuss: how the program succeeds (or not) in engaging its listeners, or speaking to its imagined audience(s) or communities and what you learnt from listening to this program in your role as a radio producer. Here you are asked to give your view; however this can be augmented and supported by referenced articles or commentary: use reviews and articles from media and academic scholarship where available. (See reference list, or consult with your Tutor).

A list of programs as good examples to analyze will be distributed on iLearn by Week 6. 

Alternately, you are permitted to analyse one episode of ABC TV's "Q & A" or a similar program on radio or TV (containing a forum or live debate). How is the topic/s managed? Comment on the role of compere, the kinds of questions asked, the balance (or not) of perspectives aired, the guests answers in relation to the line of questioning – is there usage of 'Devil's advocate' questioning by the compere for example. See iLearn Discussions or Announcements for more detail and your tutor's suggestions.

Submit to your Tutor in class or on iLearn by Week 7. Include Cover Sheet.

This entails you producing audio content (usually in pairs) for the themed* live two hour broadcast, in the form of, either: a short feature or a current affairs styled feature package (max 7 mins); or audio collage exploration of the theme (duration usually less than 7 mins); or, a series of short pieces around the theme to be spaced through the program (3x 2min for eg); or (for Producer and Host roles only) the production of the live discussion forum with organization of ‘talent’, research, proposed questions, securing live audience and contribution to specific content for web pages (first discuss with tutor); or the production of the overall show's web presence with podcast audio elements and any additional audio as agreed to by tutor; or a radio drama, sketch or comedic presentation/piece.

Criteria for assessment of content: all radio content (features, packages and other) will be judged on their: 1) impact/construction and ability to communicate with, engage or move an audience; 2) quality of the content and research leading to the finished work including its scope, rigour, originality and/or suitability to the theme; 3) aesthetic, entertainment or innovative qualities, and or quality/sophistication of the argument of the piece - taking into consideration its intended audience; and 4) overall technical quality. Student aims, and any problems encountered, or lessons learnt, should be outlined in an accompanying Reflection to assist in the marking process. NB: Each student should submit a separate reflection, even if content is the same for both students.

Include approx 2 pages (1.5 spaced, 12 pt font) for this Reflection.

* Themes will be discussed in Tutes and decided on before Week 4.

Submit Audio to DAWS by your Tute Week 12 and have available to play in class. Submit written material to your Tutor via class or iLearn.

Your mark is based on individual performance in your role for the live production and written documentation supporting your contribution to the class/team broadcast. In this last respect, you will need to regularly update others of progress in your role either on iLearn, facebook group page or via email, and keep a diary with regular comments and reflections on your role and content produced for the show. This 'production diary' – with final comments on the success of your program and some of the key things you have learnt – should be kept from Week 6 and be submitted to your Tutor at the end of Week 13 as supporting evidence of your participation. The diary may be digital/typed, or hand written (in part) in a journal/notebook. Typed/online/digital entries including facebook/iLearn discussions can be pasted in or enclosed with this. (Check with tutor for any variations to this).

A further note on Roles: Before Week 6, you will be elected to a role or will have the chance to volunteer for a specific task.

These tasks include: Producers (A) for the live show, to create running sheet, direct presenters, check overall technical quality, take responsibility for content, deadlines etc (2); One Producer for Q & A Forum Segment (B) (1); a Compere Q & A segment (1) who will work with Producer B in smooth running of Forum and scripting/questions; panel operators (2), one in radio studio, the other operating desk for live broadcast - both under the direction of Peter Ring (Radio Facilities Manager); producer-assistants for the day, to run boom mics, act as messengers/liaison, assist guests, follow up guests with thank-yous and run social media before and on the day (2-3); presenters (up to 4, for 2 sessions); publicist (1); online content producers (1-2) depending on experience and if this output is also contributing to another Unit (as agreed by both Convenors); a roving reporter/reporter at large (optional) who will deliver 2 voice pieces on-location via phone, 'filing' these reports live on the day, or possibly these can be pre-produced, but programmed as if live; and finally an entertainment content producer (1) who will organise, rehearse and be responsible for musical artists or other performers featured in the individual class shows, and performing live for radio audiences and before the live audience gathered in the Drama Studio in Week 13 or 14 (TBA).

*This unit's Tute classes will each create a live show with multiple features and content. A Theme may be suggested for each class or cover the three 2Ser shows, with each class selecting a sub theme if they wish.

Submit written documentation with coversheet  to Tutor by Friday Week 14. Audio should be submitted to Drop Box in DAWS also by this date.