Chapter 1 Production Planning

Careers in audio and other media are virtually limitless. At a typical radio station, broadcast or online, those with audio knowledge are employed as board operators, air personalities, production personnel, news and sports anchors, producers, and podcasters. Ideas can come from anywhere – a book, a dream, a conversation with a friend, or an internet site. One of the most common sources for ideas that end up on radio is the news of the day. In the modern world, where many media programs are niche-oriented, it is important to determine who the people expect to listen to their production. The most expensive part of audio production is often the salaries of the people involved. Many audio programs, however, are the result of team-work. Quiz and variety show on public radio employ more than 20 people per program. Organizational skills are needed in order to proceed from idea to completion.

1.8 The Script

News Script

News scripts generally include a slug, the date, the length, and the names of the main people involved with getting the story on the air. You can download a sample and a fillable form below.

Example Fillable

Rundown

A rundown sheet lists program elements in the order they are supposed to occur. You can download a sample and a fillable form below.

Example Fillable

Two Column Script

A two-column script is used for video productions. One column includes video elements and the other shows audio elements. You can download a sample and a fillable form below.

Example Fillable

1.9 Paperwork

Schedule

A schedule gives information about when different parts of a production will be recorded and what will be needed for each recording session. You can download a sample and a fillable form below.

Example Fillable

Performance Release

If you have guests on a show, you should have them sign a performance release giving you the right to use their contributions. You can download a sample and a fillable form below.

Example Fillable

Quiz