Radio Magic: The Art of Storytelling is a day-long exploration of radio journalism. It is geared to mid-career journalists of all stripes. Come strengthen old skills or learn new ones. Experiment with podcasting. Discuss the journalistic implications of new technologies. Attend sessions on the art of the interview and writing for the ear. The day culminates with an evening lecture on the future of radio journalism by Robert Siegel, host of NPR’s All Things Considered.
This event is part of the Journalism School’s annual alumni weekend. Registration is open to the public.
Co-sponsored by KQED fm, AIR (the Association of Independents in Radio), PRNDI (Public Radio News Directors Inc.), PRX (Public Radio Exchange), PRI (Public Radio International), KALW fm, and Capital Public Radio
Saturday, April 8, 2006
8:30-9:00 Coffee and Bagels
9:00-9:15 Welcome
9:15-10:30 Opening Panel: The Importance of Voice
What is Ì¢âÂÒvoiceÌ¢âÂå and how does it work in radio journalism? How does the Ì¢âÂÒvoiceÌ¢âÂå of the host differ from that of the reporter, commentator, or audio diarist? What are the editorial implications of different narrative techniques and styles? This panel will explore writing and performing for the ear in the context of journalistic conventions and ethics.
Mandalit del Barco, Reporter, NPR
Sandra Tsing Loh, Commentator, Marketplace
Robert Siegel, Host, NPRÌ¢âÂã¢s All Things Considered
Sandy Tolan, Independent Producer, Homeland Productions
Moderator: Jeb Sharp, Reporter, PRIÌ¢âÂã¢s The World
10:30-10:45 Break
10:45-12:15 Morning Workshop (Choose One)
I. Writing for the Ear
From word choice to sentence structure to pacing, writing for the ear is often at the heart of radio storytelling. But writing doesnÌ¢âÂã¢t always get the attention it deserves. Consider this session a tutorial or a tune-up; weÌ¢âÂã¢ll combine close listening with nitty-gritty suggestions for improving your scripts.
Sandy Tolan, Independent Producer, Homelands Productions
II. Writing First-Person Commentary
A master class in writing the first-person radio narrative. Bring a script and come prepared for some give-and-take. WeÌ¢âÂã¢ll learn what works and what doesnÌ¢âÂã¢t and why.
Sandra Tsing Loh, Commentator, Marketplace
III. Experiments in Podcasting
Learn what podcasting is, how to do it, who else is doing it and what its implications are for journalism, storytelling, and listening habits. Hear about the San Francisco ChronicleÌ¢âÂã¢s grand experiment in podcasting from the pioneers who launched it.
Marcus Chan, Podcast Editor, San Francisco Chronicle
Benny Evangelista, Reporter, San Francisco Chronicle
12:15-1:15 Catered Lunch
1:15-2:45 Afternoon Workshop (Choose One)
I. Bringing Good Storytelling to Breaking News
How can you make those fast-turnaround, right-on-deadline, hard news stories sing? WeÌ¢âÂã¢ll cover some tricks, tips and techniques for creating compelling radio in the most constricting of circumstances.
Mandalit del Barco, Reporter, NPR
Matthew Bell, Reporter, PRIÌ¢âÂã¢s The World
II. The Art of the Interview
A good story begins with a good interview. But what makes a good interview? WeÌ¢âÂã¢ll work on improving our skills, dissect what can go wrong, encourage careful thinking about the purpose of particular interviews, and focus on how to achieve what we set out to accomplish in the course of interviewing a source or guest.
Alex Chadwick, Host, NPRÌ¢âÂã¢s Day to Day
III. Conceiving the Documentary
What subjects make good documentaries? WeÌ¢âÂã¢ll examine story conception, focus and framing. Whether youÌ¢âÂã¢re considering making a doc, embarking on one or lost in the thickets of one, bring your questions and ideas. WeÌ¢âÂã¢ll do some listening, brainstorming and problem-solving as we examine the challenges of laying out a long form piece and finding a home for it.
Michael Montgomery, Correspondent and Producer, American RadioWorks
2:45-3:00 Break
3:00-4:00 Closing Panel: Inspiration for the Road
A Listening Session with the Kitchen Sisters. Join the creators of Hidden Kitchens, Lost and Found Sound, and the Sonic Memorial Project for a critique and discussion of compelling new work.
Davia Nelson and Nikki Silva, Kitchen Sisters Productions
7:30 Public Lecture by NPRÌ¢âÂã¢s Robert Siegel
From Newscast to Podcast: The Future of Radio Journalism