Community Media/MARAA/Community Radio/Conceptual Clarity/Radio Tips

General Programming Tips

• When outside, try and minimize traffic and other ambient sounds unless required by the program
• Always put your back towards the direction of the wind while recording
• Introduce and conclude your program well before getting into the main content
• Maintain thumb's distance from recorder/mic while speaking into it
• Before going to record, check battery, recorder buttons and keep spares
• While going for an interview, always have an appointment
• Brief your interviewee about the subject and questions at least a day before recording
• Make sure everyone involved in the recording has their mobile phone switched off
• Do not give the recorder to the interviewee; you should have control always
• Ask clear concise questions; not long leading questions
• Maintain accuracy in questions
• Do substantial research before doing any program
• Try and minimize your involvement in the program; as many community voices as possible
• Always leave some breathing space for adding sound effects, small announcements, music in the editing stage
• Use mic filter to avoid popping sounds
• Always introduce yourself and purpose of recording before recording anything
• Take phone numbers or other contact details of the people you've talked to, in case you need information later
• Be neutral towards all interviewees or talents
• If pre-recorded program in the studio, then provide copies of scripts to all talents, editors etc
• Maintain a friendly, clear and personal tone of voice while recording
• Always have an interesting, catchy introduction and a strong conclusion
• "Be You, Be New, Be True"

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