Radio Reporting for Mid-Career Journalists
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Print journalists!
I was once like you -- wedded to column inches and byline play, fighting for each word, arguing with copy editors at 10:30 p.m., triple checking before the paper went to bed.
And then I moved to public radio.
Spoiler alert: Reporting is reporting -- in print, online, and on air. But there are also big differences when it comes to telling a story for the ear and not for the eye. And, if you’re any kind of reporter -- print, digital, television, commercial radio -- and you're interested, we’d love to teach you.
Jeff Cohen
News Director
Connecticut Public Radio
What We Are Offering
Connecticut Public Radio (WNPR) is offering a free, two-day intensive introduction to public radio journalism for experienced professionals who might be interested in learning more about our branch of the news industry. Space is limited, so we’ll be asking interested journalists to apply. (The workshop itself is free. Attendees are responsible for their own travel and accommodations.) All journalists are welcome, and we especially hope to see applications from journalists of color.
Why We Are Offering It
Public radio is growing. NPR’s audience has steadily increased and, here in Hartford, we’re outperforming the big commercial stations. That’s a big deal. If you’re reading this, chances are you already listen to public radio -- and you value it. As we grow, we in public media want our newsrooms to reflect both the country’s diversity and the communities we cover and call home. To do anything less would be to fail our public service mission.
The Details
We’ll spend the first day orienting you to the basics:
• the philosophies and best practices of storytelling with sound and public radio journalism;
• how radio journalism differs from print, television and digital-first platforms;
• the challenges and joys of radio, according to print reporters who’ve made the transition.
We’ll spend the second day introducing you to our cool equipment. You’ll get a taste of:
• studio and field equipment and recording techniques;
• writing for radio;
• editing software and sound-mixing techniques.
More Details
DATES: Thursday and Friday, May 3 and May 4
TIME: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with breakfast and lunch provided
LOCATION: 1049 Asylum Ave., Hartford, CT 06105
At the very least, you’ll leave with a sense of new possibilities. Whether you’re interested in broadening your skill set, starting a podcast or pursuing a career change, you’ll have new resources.