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Category Archives: How To
Anatomy of a Podcast, part 5
When you’re producing a work for hire, the vetting process is unavoidable. This job — a podcast for the New York Public Library’s Lunch Hour NYC exhibition — was no different. With only a vague idea of how the final … Continue reading
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Anatomy of a Podcast, part 4
Much of what’s done in Pro Tools reminds me of a Kindergarten project: cut large pieces into smaller pieces, move big colored shapes around on a rectangular background, then paste them into place. The job is a podcast for the … Continue reading
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Anatomy of a Podcast, part 3
Load the audio into the computer, fire up Pro Tools and it’s — magic time. The New York Public Library had hired me to produce a podcast for their Lunch Hour NYC exhibition. The idea was to describe the show … Continue reading
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Anatomy of a Podcast, part 2
I’d just finished recording a narration and an interview at the New York Public Library for a podcast I was producing in conjunction with their “Lunch Hour NYC” exhibition. The podcast would be used to describe the show for anyone … Continue reading
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Anatomy of a Podcast, part 1
Not long ago the New York Public Library asked if I’d help them create a podcast for their “Lunch Hour NYC” exhibition. The idea was to use the podcast to describe the installation for those who might need visual assistance. … Continue reading
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Field Recording Tips
The students are out recording postcards. Here’s some practical advice based on over 35 years of making boneheaded mistakes when out recording in the field. Always wear your headphones. Check your equipment before you go out. (It’s a good idea … Continue reading
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Audio Postcards
My class is currently producing short audio postcards on assignment. What, exactly, is an audio postcard? It’s a mini-documentary in sound about a place or an event. Think of it as a vignette. It should use writing, interviews and ambience … Continue reading
Posted in How To, Philosophy
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How Sound
I often tell students that good radio/audio journalism is about good storytelling. If your piece is boring, people stop listening. If it doesn’t have a point, they feel cheated. If your narrative is confusing or badly worded, listeners lose interest. Above all … Continue reading
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Radiolab Deconstructed
We here at ROTD love Radiolab. It’s award-winning (Peabody, 2010). It’s hugely popular. Host and producer Jad Abumrad won a MacArthur Genius Award in 2011. The other host is our brainy pal Robert Krulwich, no slouch himself in the awards … Continue reading
Posted in How Not To, How To, On The Air, Philosophy
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Audio for museum installations
I’m a terrible self-promoter; one reason why I’ll never be rich and famous. Anyway, I mastered the sound for a video installation at the Met Museum — an installation that sadly closed yesterday. Should have mentioned that earlier. Nevertheless, it’s … Continue reading
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