Unit 41: News Production for Radio

and

Unit 36: Interview Techniques

Pre-Production Booklet for Radio News Show

Name:

Alex Gilbey

Order of contents
Introduction
Nepal on location news
Wallingford archaeologist on location news
In studio Henley regatta news
Sports news brief
Weather
Wrap

Mind Maps
Purpose of Interview
Topic and Guest Research
Interview Details
Question Formulation
Interview Style
Structural Progression of Interview
Location Recce
Identifying Show Format
Order of Show Content
Relevance of Content
Type of Stories
Sound Table
Risk Assessment

Complete this booklet for YOUR interview guest ONLY

Once all people in your production team have completed this booklet
combine all of them to make ONE larger booklet. You both must upload the
complete booklet.

Mind Maps

Purpose of Interview:
What is the purpose of this interview?
Nepal the purpose of this interview is to give people an insight into what is going on in
Nepal. Speaking to a missionary on location to give in-depth information.
Wallingford This is regional news. The purpose of this is to give people exciting & different
news. This is the sort of news you wouldnt hear every day. Not only this, but Wallingford is
known for its historical culture therefore this fits well with the interests of listeners.
Henley Regatta The reason why we are including this in the news show is because we are
trying to get listeners excited for the upcoming Regatta. The fact it is a huge local event
where people from all around the world attend, we want an insight into the rowers thoughts
on the event.

Circle which of the following formats it will be;

News Programme
National News Bulletin
Local News Bulletin
Community News Bulletin

Add research demonstrating the format of this news show

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02p6vq0
Similarly to BBC Radio Berkshire, we wanted our news show to include international as well as
more local/regional news. For example in this broadcast from Radio Berkshire, they have
started by discussing the incident in Nepal, ending on a lighter note. Despite the fact they
include more serious / formal news they still manage to hold quite a chatty tone. For example
when the presenter refers to someone as prof rather than professor. This is the sort of style
we also wanted. We are going to start with international news and end with local Henley news.
This is to end on a more light-hearted note.

Topic and Guest Research

You need to carry out EXTENSIVE research on your topic and guest. You need to
demonstrate why you have used your guest for this topic. You need to reference
where you found your research. (Referencing is KEY)
Interviewee: Tom Mortimer
Research of topic: Henley Regatta is the regatta a
nuisance?
Key Facts:

https://www.hrr.co.uk/crews/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/berkshire/content/articles/2008/07/01/henley_regatta
_fun_facts_feature.shtml
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henley_Royal_Regatta
http://www.henleyregatta.com/history.asp
1st 5th July
First held in 1839
Live broadcast all over the world
The race is 1 mile long
Races take about 7 minutes to complete
First international entry 1970
Races start every 5 minutes
16 trophies are rewarded the highest being Grand Challenge Cup

Potential areas of interest:

Is there increased pressure now that its televised?

Does being a Henley representative make a difference do you think? Does
it add pressure?

Areas of concern:

When discussing the sorts of people that attend the Regatta try to word it
carefully in order to avoid offending people.

Research of Guest: Tom Mortimer

Primary Research:

I have recorded a conversation I had with Ruairidh Johnston who knows Tom personally
Hes from reading
He got scouted by the Leander Club
He only started with an above average time however they saw potential
Been with Leander for 4 years
Rowing in the Regatta for 2 years
He came 1st in one event and 2nd in the other last year

Secondary Research: (Internet /books)

N/A

Interviewee: Genie the missionary

Research of topic: Nepal Earthquake

Key Facts: Nepal

killed more than 7,000 people and injured more than twice as many,[i] occurred at 11:56
NST on 25 April,
It was the most powerful disaster to strike Nepal since the 1934 Nepal-Bihar earthquake.[9]
[10][11] Some casualties were also reported in the adjoining areas of India, China, and
Bangladesh.[12]
Aid pledges are pouring in: $10 million from the US, $7.6 million from the UK, and $3.9
million from Australia, among others. But as welcome as this influx of funds is, the sad
reality is that Nepal is ill-equipped to make full use of these resources. That is why countries
are lining up to donate technical expertise via disaster response teams as well. China has
sent a 62-member search-and-rescue team to help the recovery effort. Israel has sent 260
rescue experts in addition to a 200-person strong medical team, while Japan has sent
another 70 people as part of a disaster relief team. The United Nations, in addition to
releasing $15 million from its central emergency-response fund, is busy trying to coordinate
international efforts to maximize their effectiveness.
Nepals infrastructure was critically feeble even before disaster struck. With per capita GDP
less than $700 a year, many Nepalese build their own houses without oversight from trained
engineers. Nepal tried to institute a building code in 1994 following another earthquake that
claimed the lives of 700 people, but it turned out to be essentially unenforceable. To make
matters worse, a shortage of paved roads in the country means that assistance cant reach
remote regions where its needed most. Local authorities are simply overwhelmed, as is
Nepals sole international airport in Kathmandu. Planes filled with blankets, food and
medicine are idling on tarmacs because there are not enough terminals available.
The economic cost of the earthquake is estimated to be anywhere between $1 billion to $10
billion, for a country with an annual GDP of approximately $20 billion. The economic impact
will be lasting. Tourism is crucial to the Nepalese economy, accounting for about 8 percent
of the total economy and employing more than a million people. Mount Everest, a
dangerous destination under the best of circumstances, is the heart of that industry. The
earthquake this past weekend triggered an avalanche that took the lives of at least 17
climbers, and as many as 200 people are still stranded on the mountain.
Nepals domestic politics are not helping. Nepals 1996-2006 civil war claimed the lives of at
least 12,000 Nepalese, and the countrys political system has never really recovered. The
government that stood before the quake was woefully ill-prepared to deal with a disaster of
such scale. There have been no elections at the district, village or municipal level for nearly
20 years, and the committees in charge of local councils are not organized enough to deal
with the difficult task of coordinating emergency assistance. Things are not much better at
the national level, where Kathmandu has seen nine prime ministers in eight years.
Not all foreign aid is altruistic, and some countries never miss an opportunity to capitalize
on tragedy. For years, Nepal has been an object of competition between India and China. For
India, Nepal has been a useful buffer state between itself and China ever since Beijing
gained control over Tibet. Relative to China, India and Nepal are much closer linguistically
and culturally. Nepalese soldiers train in India, and New Delhi is a main weapons supplier to
Nepal. For China, Nepal is an important component of its New Silk Road plan to link Asia
with Europe, and offers a useful ally against Tibetan independence. China was already
Nepals biggest foreign investor as of 2014. While in the immediate aftermath of the
earthquake both Asian powers are providing significant assistance, its in the reconstruction
phase where the true competition between the two will emerge. Pay particular attention to

the race to build hydroelectric power plants: both Beijing and New Delhi have been
positioning themselves to take advantage of Nepals 6,000 rivers to feed their respective
energy needs.
http://time.com/3843436/these-are-the-5-facts-that-explain-nepals-devastating-earthquake/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_Nepal_earthquake

Potential areas of interest: How many people have died?

How many people injured?
How can you donate
What magnitude of the earthquake

Areas of concern:
Are we focusing too much on white deaths?
Are we being told the full story

Interviewee:
Research of topic: Wallingford Archaeology Dig
Key Facts:

Archaeology has been going on for a few years in Wallingford as Wallingford is a very
historical town and is famous for its history. Through these digs very historical items have
been discovered and have helped the residents of Wallingford understand more about its
history.
http://www2.le.ac.uk/departments/archaeology/research/projects/wallingford/thewallingford-burh-to-borough-research-project
All discoveries that are found when the archaeologist dig up treasures are put into the
Wallingford museum for the local residents to view the history of the town.
http://www.wallingfordmuseum.org.uk/museums-history.html
In 2008 BBC News covered a story of a dig that was happening in Wallingford.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7546285.stm

Potential areas of interest:

Recent discoveries that have been made and discoveries that have been made over the
years that are very rare. Also what news coverage this has previously had so a link could be
made with the two stories.
Areas of concern:
When the digs take place there is a concern that traffic problems and distributions to the
wildlife may be caused that can have long lasting knock on effects so all precautions must
be made before and make sure all residents are aware of the distributions that may be
caused.

Research of Guest
Primary Research: (Interviews with guest to find out what they know; interviews
with friends of guest to find out about guest) Insert voice recordings /notes

Secondary Research: (Internet /books)

Interviewees Name: Thomas Mortimer

Date and Time of interview: Wednesday 13th May 2015 : 12:30pm
How will you record the interview?

Using a zoom microphone in the studio

What information do you need to get from this interview?

Thomas personal views on the regatta, even though hes a rower is it a nuisance?
His favourite & least favourite part of the regatta?
How does he feel being a Henley representative?
An idea into how they train

Describe how you are planning on contacting and liaising with your talent
(interviewee)

He goes to The Henley College therefore getting in contact with him is easy. We also share a
mutual friend making it easy to speak to him. I will need him to come up to the studio in order
to do this interview. That shouldnt be too difficult as he is in college every day.

How will you make sure unnecessary sounds etc. are not recorded?

I am recording my interview in the studio making it harder for outside noises to be picked up.
But in order for any other noise to be picked up I will just have Thomas & I in the studio to
avoid any other accidental sounds. For example if people coughed etc.

What equipment will you need to carry out this interview?

Zoom microphone
SD Card

Structuring your interview: Scripts and Question

Formulation
Likely Response:
Likely Response:
Question:
I did do quite well, we came first in one of the races and second in a
couple of others. It doesnt add pressure necessarily as everyones in the
Yes it
fordoes
2 years
been
inpride
the
Regatta
samemy
boat,
however
add Ive
abeen
sense
as we
are rowing
for4the
From
understanding
you
have
a of
part
of the
Leander
Club for
home
town
of Regatta.
years
now, 2 of those years
being
involved
in the Regatta? (closed
Next
NextQuestion:
Question:
must
gofirst
through
extensive
training
You come
I Rowers
hear you
came
in one
of the races
and before
secondthe
in aregatta?
couple of
4 weeks
early
justthis
to train.
must
be(multiple
hard but question)
all worthwhile in the end?
others?
How
does
make Ityou
feel?

Question:
The Regatta is known for its social events just as much as it is for the
rowing Do you enjoy the social aspect of the Regatta? (closed question)
Likely Response:
The social aspect, other than the rowing is one of the best parts of the regatta.
Everyone comes from everywhere, I just think its a great atmosphere.

Next Question:
The local people who live in Henley have issues with the Regatta due to traffic and
drunken behaviour what would you say to them?

Likely Response:
I dont live in Henley personally but I could imagine it being a bit of a
pain considering all the people. It always takes so long to get into Henley,
and once you are here, theres no phone signal because of the amount of
people! But its great how many people come down.

Next Question:
The Regatta used to be a local event, do you prefer the fact it is global
now rather than local? (suggestive question)
Likely Response:
I think the fact its now global just adds more excitement because theres
so many more people watching you.

Next Question:
Do you feel its now a bit of a nuisance considering the amount of people
that come and the variety of people the event attracts or would you say

Likely Response:
I dont think its a nuisance, as it is only 5 days out of the year, and its all
about the social side now anyway as well as the rowing, and everyone still
has a good time.

Next Question:
Now back to you. Now we know youre also taking part this year, what
races are you doing?

Likely Response:

Next Question:
Well we hope they go as well as last year did. Thank you for speaking to
me.

Interview Style

What will your interview style be? Why? (formal, informal and chatty, intense,
questioning, argumentative, friendly, jokey)
In terms of the style of the interview, we want the topics to be formal, however we
want to carry quite an informal tone. The interview still needs to be informative with a
chatty feel. The reason for this is because we are only targeting to a small group (local
news) our audience is a variety of people therefore a more informal tone will relate to
the audience. For example BBC Radio Berkshire, as mentioned earlier that is the sort
of style we are aiming for, formal topics with a slightly chatty tone.
Add research of other interviews/news shows where the presenter has a similar style. You can
insert another page here for your research.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02p6vq0
This BBC Radio Berkshire broadcast is similar to what I wanted my interview/news show to be
like. This is mainly based on the style & format. For example they start by discussing
international news and then end on more light hearted local news. This is what we were going
for as we are planning to start with our Nepal story and end with the Regatta.
http://www.leicester-rowing.co.uk/index.php?
option=com_content&view=article&id=239:regatta-interviews2014&catid=21:news&Itemid=13
In terms of my interview, this interview of the Leicester Regatta is similar to how I want my
interview to be formatted & the style. For example the style in this interview is quite chatty.
However its still factual & informative. Not only this but a lot of the interviewees answers are
based on the interviewers statements rather than questions. For example at (03.22) when the
interviewer says wow thats a great turn out, this leads on to the captain discussing the
regatta in detail. This gives the interview more of a chatty laid back feel, which is the sort of
thing I wanted to go for.
From listening to a variety of local radio stations, such as BBC Radio Oxford, it seems they all
are relatively similar in terms of style & format. This is because they have to appeal to the
entirety of that area. So by carrying a mixed style, predominantly informal with some formal
aspects this can appeal to older and younger generations.

Define the structural progression of Interview One

Introduction
eg introduction, leading questions, progressive questions,
summary
Progressive questions
What questions will you ask and when

Location Recce

Summary

Please produce a location recce for EVERY location used

Insert photo of location (do not draw)

Introduction

Type of room/area:
Studio

Location Address:
Closed Question on guest Deanfield Avenue,
Henley-on-Thames,
Oxfordshire

Multiple Question on guestSat Nav details (Post

code):
RG9 1UH

Single Question on rowers training

Nearest Train Station:
Henley train station

Closed Question on social side to Nearest

Regatta Bus stop:
Grey road car park

Suggestive Question on Henley residents

Single Question on Regatta being global
Lighting Information:Open Question onSolutions:
the people Regatta attracts
N/A
N/A
Open question on whether the Regatta is a nuisance
Sound Information:
Sound proof, making it near
impossible for other sounds to be
picked up in the microphone

Solutions:
Summary
Make sure it is only the interviewee
& I in the studio when recording

Power Information
N/A

Solutions:
N/A

Hazards
Solutions:
Wires from cameras already in there N/A

Identifying Show Format

What style of news broadcast are you going to produce and why?
We are going to produce a formal news broadcast however the way we present it we want it
to be quite chatty, therefore relatable.

How are you going to ensure your broadcast meets this style?
We have ensured that we meet this style by incorporating serious news, for example our
Nepal story. However some of the stories such as the Regatta story will be presented in quite
a chatty way. For example I am starting my interview by having more of a chat than asking
direct questions I hear you have been rowing for 4 years, 2 of those years being a part of the
Regatta. This then gets the interviewee to start talking about it without having asked him a
direct question, giving the interview a chatty feel.

Provide some examples of similar styles of news broadcasts below

explaining why you have chosen them
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02psz8n#auto
This BBC Radio Berkshire Broadcast is similar to our style as they start with international news
ending on the local news. This is due to prioritising the stories. In this broadcast the election
was the thing on everybodys minds so it is the first thing they will discuss. In our broadcast
Nepal is prioritised over the other stories.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat
From looking at the newsbeat section on BBC Radio 1s website, they incorporate both public
& human interest stories in their broadcast. This is similar to our news show as we have also
done this to add more of a variety to our target demographic. BBC Radio 1 discuss public
interest news such as celebrity news as well as human interest international news. This adds
variety to their listeners. Our stories even though are different in terms of topic we have still
incorporated both kinds of news.

Order of Content
Why is it important to consider the order in which news is presented?

It is important to consider the order of the news because a lot of the order is based on
importance. We are starting with the Nepal story and ending with weather, the incident in
Nepal is obviously more important and needs to be prioritised over local weather. The order is
also based on the listeners interests. For example our listeners would probably want to hear
about the big incident in Nepal first then hear about the Regatta, despite the fact the Regatta
is local. Not only this, also ending on more local news gives the news broadcast a light
hearted feel towards the end, as we are getting our audience excited for the upcoming
events.

What is the order of content for your show?

Introduction
Nepal on location interview
Archaeology on location
interview
Regatta in studio interview
Sports news brief
Weather

Why have you decided

this way?

to order your show in

We have chosen this order

as we want to start with the
more formal / serious news (Nepal) to then end on a more light hearted note (Regatta). We
have chosen to put the Regatta story at the end as we feel it is an exciting topic to get
listeners excited for this upcoming event. In terms of importance, we have chosen Nepal as
our opening story as this is more important than the Regatta. This is because it is
international breaking news, which holds priority over the weather.

Relevance of Content

Who is the target audience of your news broadcast?

The target audience we are trying to attract is similar to that of BBC Radio 1, we are also
going to incorporate the style and format of BBC Radio Berkshire to give it that more formal
aspect. BBC Radio 1 have a target audience of people aged 15-29 year olds
(http://www.bbc.co.uk/commissioning/radio/articles/radio1), BBC Radio Berkshire has the
opposite target demographic of people over the age of 50
(http://www.bbc.co.uk/aboutthebbc/insidethebbc/howwework/accountability/statements2010/n
ationsandregions/eng_regions.html). We want to show aspects of both of these, the formal
topics of discussion mixed with a chatty tone.

How is the content of your news broadcast relevant to its audience?

The content is relevant to the audience as not only have we incorporated bigger, more serious
news to add the formal side we have also included a discussion on the Regatta to get people
excited. This is fitting with both sides to the target audience of middle aged people as it fits
with their interests.

How will you ensure your target audiences interests/needs are met?

As our audience are Henley based we want to obviously incorporate Henley related news as
that will interest our audience. We have done this by getting listeners excited about upcoming
events in the area. We have also included international news, this sort of human interest news
tends to be appealing to everyone thats one of the reasons why it is prioritised over the other
stories. Then to expand listeners to a more regional area we have incorporated news based in
Wallingford. This will attract the older listeners as Wallingford is quite a historic area.

What types of stories are you reporting? Human interest or Public interest

We are reporting both human & public interest stories within our broadcast. Our story on
Nepal is human interest with the Regatta and archaeology stories being public interest.

Show research of similar types of stories below including links

A story similar to our human interest story would be another story on the Nepal Earthquake
(http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/08/nepal-earthquake-un-says-it-has-onlyreceived-fraction-of-necessary-aid). This is similar as they have also discussed with people
who are part of the situation. In this story they have spoken to the United Nations
representative in order to gain more factual information to make it more formal and
informative. We are speaking to a missionary in order to gain more factual information on the
topic.
The public interest stories we have included are very much based on the area. Therefore other
similar stories would have to be on the same topic. For our story on the Regatta a similar
broadcast would be http://www.leicester-rowing.co.uk/index.php?
option=com_content&view=article&id=239:regatta-interviews2014&catid=21:news&Itemid=13. This is for the Leicester Regatta, this has similarities to my
interview as the interviewee is someone rowing in the races, therefore gaining first-hand
information. This makes the story more interesting as we are talking to someone involved in
the entire 5 days of races.

Sound Table
Here you should detail what station sounds you have found and where you
will use them.

Sound

Opening
sequence

Where
used
At the start
of the show

Length

Link

15
seconds

Whistle
blow

In between
regatta
story &
sports brief

3 seconds

Opening
jingle

At the end
of the
broadcast

10
seconds

http://freesound.org/people/pawsound/sounds/154873
/