Radio Skills 2010
The world’s media is changing fast and The Thomson Foundation is keeping pace. Our expert consultants are helping journalists, media organisations and NGO’s around the world to adapt; satisfying audience demand for faster and better information.
NEW ANNOUNCEMENT FOR 2010: Radio Skills
Course duration: Four weeks
Location: Cardiff
Dates: June 21 to July 16, 2010
Course description
This course reflects the changing demands on radio journalists in the digital age, developing key technical skills as well as showing journalists how to make the most of diverse new information sources, including social media.
Journalists can expect an intensely practical course, with opportunities to meet working journalists from the UK and explore a wide range of approaches to radio reporting. Led by international broadcaster and trainer David Thomas, this four-week course will stretch journalists who enjoy working in a live, fast-changing media environment.
An important element of the course is a ‘buddy system’, in which learners will be paired with UK-based journalists. This mentoring programme will extend beyond the month-long course, initially for a fixed period of time.
Themes covered by the course include:
- Identifying and building a relationship with your audience
- Writing for radio
- Sources of news, including social media
- Interview techniques and platforms, including phone and Skype interviews
- Reporting from the field
- Involving the listener, from phone-ins to Twitter
- Digital editing
- Presentation and performance
- News and magazine programmes
- Trails and spots
- Teamwork and communications
Who’s it for
Professional radio journalists (reporters and producers) working at intermediate level or above, who want to consolidate and develop their skills. This course will be of particular interest to radio professionals with analogue production skills who need to work with digital media.
About the course leader
David Thomas is a highly-experienced broadcaster, trainer and manager, involved with radio and online production and training for more than 25 years, mostly with the BBC World Service and local radio.
His expertise has taken him all around the world, working with broadcasters from Eastern Europe, the Far East, Africa and the Caribbean.
David started his professional career as a reporter and presenter on local radio in the north of England. He later managed teams of producers at BBC World Service, covering current affairs, social issues, science and educational programmes. He was also Chief Instructor and Director of Overseas Training for the BBC World Service.