Broadcast Journalism 101: Radio and Podcast Journalism - Audio Editing Basics Removing Ums pacing levels

What This Is

Audio editing basics are essential for creating polished, professional-sounding broadcasts. A well-edited audio package can make or break a news story, and it's crucial for journalists to understand the fundamentals of audio editing to deliver high-quality content. For example, a VOSOT (Voice of the Story, On-Screen Title) combines video, voice, and a soundbite to quickly deliver breaking news, like the BBC's coverage of the 2019 UK general election. A well-edited VOSOT can convey complex information in a concise and engaging manner.

Key Terms & Production Elements

• Stand-up: Reporter speaking directly to camera on location – adds authority and a sense of place; use to transition or prove you’re there.
• Nat sound (Natural Sound): Background audio recorded on location – brings a story to life; never leave home without recording room tone.
• Gain: Audio level adjustment – ensure consistent levels throughout a package; use gain to avoid peaking.
• Plosives: Harsh consonant sounds (e.g., "p" and "t") that can distort audio – use a pop filter or windscreen to reduce plosives.
• Room tone: Background noise recorded in a location – use to create a seamless audio transition; record room tone before and after an interview.
• Lavalier mic: Small, clip-on microphone – ideal for interviews; use a lavalier mic to capture clear, crisp audio.
• Shotgun mic: Long, directional microphone – great for capturing audio in noisy environments; use a shotgun mic to isolate sound sources.
• Cardioid mic pattern: Microphone pickup pattern that focuses on the front – ideal for interviews; use a cardioid mic to reduce background noise.
• White balance: Camera setting that adjusts color temperature – ensure accurate color representation; white balance is crucial for live shots.
• ISO: Camera setting that adjusts sensitivity – avoid high ISOs in bright lighting; use a low ISO to reduce noise.

Step-by-Step Production How-To

1. Write a 30-second reader:
   • Script format: Use a standard script font (e.g., Arial, 12-point) and include a brief summary of the story, key quotes, and a clear call-to-action.
   • Voice-over style: Use a conversational tone and a moderate pace; aim for 120-140 words per minute.
   • Audio editing: Use a digital audio workstation (DAW) like Adobe Audition to edit the audio, ensuring a consistent tone and pace.
2. Structure a 90-second package:
   • Intro: 5-10 seconds of engaging audio (e.g., a soundbite or music)
   • Story: 60-70 seconds of narrative audio (e.g., a voice-over or interview)
   • Conclusion: 10-20 seconds of wrap-up audio (e.g., a summary or call-to-action)
   • Audio editing: Use a DAW to edit the audio, ensuring a smooth transition between elements.
3. Set up a three-point lighting interview:
   • Key light: A soft, diffused light source (e.g., a LED panel) placed at a 45-degree angle to the subject's face.
   • Fill light: A soft, diffused light source (e.g., a reflector) placed on the opposite side of the key light.
   • Backlight: A hair light (e.g., a small LED light) placed behind the subject to create depth.
   • Camera settings: Use a low ISO (e.g., 400) and a moderate aperture (e.g., f/5.6) to capture a well-exposed image.
4. Record a clean voice-over:
   • Microphone: Use a high-quality microphone (e.g., a shotgun mic) to capture clear, crisp audio.
   • Recording software: Use a digital audio workstation (DAW) like Adobe Audition to record and edit the voice-over.
   • Audio editing: Use a DAW to edit the audio, ensuring a consistent tone and pace.

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Reading a print article on air without rewriting – this can result in a dry, unengaging narrative.
• Mistake: Forgetting to white balance – this can result in inaccurate color representation and a poorly lit image.
• Mistake: Not using a pop filter or windscreen – this can result in distorted audio and a poor listening experience.
• Mistake: Not checking audio levels – this can result in peaking and a poor listening experience.

Broadcast Exam / Newsroom Assessment Tips

• Skill tests: Assessors may ask you to write a script, record a voice-over, or edit a package.
• Tricky distinctions: Understand the difference between a package and a VOSOT, gain and iris, and cardioid and shotgun mic patterns.
• What assessors look for: A clear, concise narrative, accurate audio levels, and a well-structured package.

Quick Practice Scenario

You arrive at a protest and only have 20 minutes before the live cross. What do you shoot first?

• Answer: Shoot a wide shot of the protest, capturing the atmosphere and energy of the scene.
• Broadcast rationale: A wide shot provides context and helps the viewer understand the story. It's essential to capture the atmosphere and energy of the scene, as this will help engage the viewer and make the story more compelling.

Last-Minute Cram Sheet

• Must-know terms:
  • Nat sound
  • Gain
  • Plosives
  • Room tone
  • Lavalier mic
  • Shotgun mic
  • Cardioid mic pattern
  • White balance
  • ISO
• Camera settings:
  • Low ISO (e.g., 400)
  • Moderate aperture (e.g., f/5.6)
  • Correct white balance
• Script formatting:
  • Standard script font (e.g., Arial, 12-point)
  • Brief summary of the story
  • Key quotes
  • Clear call-to-action
• Audio editing:
  • Use a DAW (e.g., Adobe Audition)
  • Ensure consistent tone and pace
  • Use gain to adjust audio levels
• On-air traps:
  • Reading a print article on air without rewriting
  • Forgetting to white balance
  • Not using a pop filter or windscreen
  • Not checking audio levels