Narrative Audio Journalism and Podcast Production

Catalog description

We are living in an era in which narrative audio series have thrived, with shows like This American Life, Radiolab, and other narrative audio series having dominated the podcasting space for decades. This phenomena happens all while journalism feels as though it is on a precipice, as more and more people get their information from a growing collection of media sources. This course will teach students the fundamentals of how narrative journalism and audio storytelling continue to thrive, while we explore where the field of journalism is going and how the entertainment industry continues to intrude. Students will learn practicalities of investigating stories, writing for the ear, audio editing and mixing, along with how to create a pitch deck and publish their works. We will also reflect on the theoretical and ethical considerations for narrative journalism. We will ask questions, such as: How does imposing narrative structures affect nonfiction storytelling? How do narrative shows deal with ethical missteps? What does it mean to have “a voice”? Does it matter who gets to tell the story? (The answer to the last question is “yes.” We will discuss why.) Producers, editors, and freelancers for This American Life, Audible, Radiolab, and others will visit the class to provide insight into their shows and answer student questions. At the end of the course, students will broadcast their works and have the opportunity to pitch their ideas to seasoned industry players. Nonfiction Laboratory