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Picture It
Module 2, Activity 2.1 - Introduction to Radio Journalism
Student Page
(teacher lesson for this lesson)

Introduction:

Radio allows broadcasters to create a picture in the listener's mind. Broadcasters must consider not only what they are saying but how they are saying it. Often, the enthusiasm or voice inflection of the broadcaster can change the meaning or image created for the listener. In this lesson, you will learn the importance of making specific language and sound choices.

Activities:

Task One - Sound Off
In a time when television is by far the most popular medium, it is important to note that radio can offer something equally interesting despite the lack of visual aide.

Listen to a sound clip from a radio drama at least twice. After listening, answer the following questions:

1. What is happening in this clip?
2. How many different people do you hear?
3. List the different sounds that you hear in the background.
4. List the different emotions that the characters go through.

When you are finished, participate in a discussion regarding the difference between radio and print journalism.

Task Two - Put It into Words

Choose words that are vivid and colourful when you are describing something that your audience can't see. colored letters
For this activity, which challenges you to give a description of a photo to your classmates, you will need to be in groups of approximately 5. Once you have chosen or been assigned groups complete the following 6 steps:

1. Your group will receive a photograph.
2. Each student within your group will be responsible for describing the photo to the class.
3. While each of the other members of your group is describing the picture, you must step out of the class so that you cannot hear your group member's description.
4. The class will not be able to see the picture; they will simply listen to each of the 5 group members describe the scene.
Objectives:

You will be able to
- understand the requirements for reporting news using radio, television, and the Internet
- recognize the difference between writing for electronic media and writing for print media
- identify the conventions of the electronic media
- speak to inform
- listen to understand and learn
- recognize a speaker's attitude, tone, and bias

Resources:

- radio drama clip
- sample photos (may take a minute to load)
- Real Audio or Windows Media if you don't have them
- Good Morning Vietnam video clip or audio clips

Task Two - Continued . . .
5. At the end, your whole group will step out and the class will vote to determine which of you gave the most vivid descriptive picture.
6. Each of the groups will go through this process.

Task Three - With Regards to Radio
After reading some brief information about the movie, Good Morning Vietnam, listen to the audio clips listed below or watch a scene from the movie, and write a reflective piece in your notebook answering the following questions:
1. What do you think makes Adrian Cronauer popular with the soldiers?
2. What is unique/interesting about his way of radio broadcasting?
3. What do you think is the most challenging part of radio broadcasting?

Basic information about the movie
Robin Williams is Adrian Cronauer, an unconventional DJ who angers his superiors while becoming popular with the soldiers for his off-the-wall antics.

Good Morning Vietnam Audio Clips (located at the bottom of the page). Choose one of the following from the links on the external page.

# 1 - Signature opening
# 2 - War Fashion
# 3 - Ho Chi Minh Trail

announcer A strong radio personality will keep the listeners interested and entertained between songs.
 
   

Last Updated
May 25, 2005

 
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