Analysis of the Brief

Package Content

For the task, we have to create a 6-8 minute package which can be on a topic of our choice; but it must fit in with the 1-hour long show theme, that we must decide in groups assigned to us. Everyone in the group must then decide on a theme that everyone’s package must fit around. 

The packages can have music and SFX in them, but that decision must be based on the choice of station. If the radio station the package is being made for uses music/SFX, then it can be used in the package. 

Every package must have a minimum of 3 interviews in it, and those 3 interviews must add something to the package; 2 of those interviews can’t be people that will be saying basically the same thing. 

The hour long show itself must have a live interview in it, arranged by the group as a whole.

Radio Station

In our groups, we also have to decide on a radio station to create our packages for. Each package must then be created with that station in mind. That means studying the target audience of that chosen station. We must also listen to other shows on that chosen radio station, so as to get a feel for it’s output and mimic it in our packages.

Target Audience

In our groups, and individually, we have to think about the target audience of that station, asking ourselves questions along the lines of:

What age are the listeners of the chosen station?

What gender are the listeners of that station?

What are their general interests?

What magazines do they read?

What TV shows do they watch?

Who do they live with?

What do they get up to, in their everyday life?

Are they technology literate? Can they use iPhones, etc?

Asking questions like that, will help us work out exactly who the target audience of that chosen station are. 

Group Workings

During the project, it may be called upon to help out other members of the group, with interviews, ideas, editing and whatnot. 

If before the 1-hour show, for some reason, a member of the group hasn’t completed their work, a member of another group may need to step in; this would mean finding someone who we believe, fits in well with our packages. Alternatively, if that happens, the group could work out another way to fill the time, instead of borrowing a member from a different group.

It’s up to us, as a group, to keep each and every member updated about what stage we’re at, and how we’re getting on. And if a member of the group is struggling, they can completely ask the other members of the group for help.
We can also help each other set up interviews, if we have contacts that may be able to help them out.

Planning

To keep on top of everything, some form of timeline has to be made; this can be a gantt chart, or just a list of dates. Pre-production followed by Production of the actual package, and then Post-Production to end it all.

Hardware/Software

In terms of hardware, we have a lot of equipment available to us, for creating these packages. Condenser microphones can be used in the studio, which is what the presenter’s voice would be recorded on, if it’s a presenter-led package. The Zoom H2 mics are also available for taking out and about; they’re especially useful for conducting interviews outside of the college.

On the software side of things, we have Pro Tools for audio editing, accompanied by an M Box.

Health & Safety

When creating the package, health and safety must be looked at carefully. For example, if recording with a condenser mic there may be some wires lying about, so before doing so, these wires must be wrapped around the microphone stand to keep them out of the way. 

Ethics

In my package, I have to make sure that during the creation of it, I remain impartial; I cannot be bias, especially if the work is of a controversial topic. I might not necessarily have the same views as the listener, but I have to come across as being impartial. I can put facts in there obviously, but not so much my opinion; though opinion is relevant.

I must also let my interviewees know what I’m going to be using the interviews for, and let them know why I have chosen them to be part of my package. If there are any big changes to the programme, and I have to edit the interviews in any way, I must let them know what I’m doing with it; so as not to change their original point in to something they never really said.

Legality

In the package, I need to abide by the Ofcom broadcasting rules. I also need to get interviewees sign a consent form, allowing me to broadcast the package on the stations I mention to them/are in the consent form.

Costings

When making the package, I must take in to account the costings eg. How much it would cost if I was making this package outside of college. So that means how much it would cost to hire the studio for however long it’s needed for, how much it would cost to hire a voice actor for the work needed, how much it would cost to use certain music tracks in packages, etc.