Podcasts
What is a pod·cast?ˈ
(pädˌkast; noun)A digital audio file made available on the Internet for downloading to a computer or portable media player, typically; available as a series, new installments of which can be received by subscribers automatically.
What a Ninja thinks about Podcasts:
Why Podcasting Matters.
Podcasting’s present and future, particularly its business models, are relevant to digital journalism for two major reasons.
- First, podcasting is a medium that lends itself to mobile consumption, and thus provides a means for reaching audiences in ways other media cannot.
- Second, podcasting offers a level of engagement with audiences that is incomparable with other digital media; it thus presents a remarkable opportunity for journalistic outlets to cultivate audience relationships and experiment with new forms of revenue generation.
Professional Examples
Listen to these shows to see how a professional podcast is setup & what it sounds like...
Student Examples
Click to listen to some former student podcasts...
Step 1: Brainstorming your Show Topic
Once you are in your group with your partner(s), you will need to decide what your show will be about. Here is the only catch- you will need to create a cohesive show that blends both of your class topics!
The show can use facts and real life information (science, history, arts, etc.) or it can be completely fictitious. You can invent a new sport or hobby, create scenes from a movie, or even alter history to work with your two class topics. Remember, even if 2 topics are completely opposite, you still can create a fun/interesting show. Think outside the box and have fun (the more fun & interest you have in your show, that will translate to your audience)!
Example: Tom's topic is football, and Kat's topic is cats. They are going to create a show named "Kat and Tom's Mascot Medley" and their overall episode will be about cat mascots used in the NFL.
Step 2: Develop your Script
Any good show has a script that it follows. You might not plan for impromptu discussions or arguments in your show, but that doesn't mean you don't have a plan to control the flow of your show and ideas. Each show must first submit a script for approval. Include in your script:
- Introduction- title of show, hosts and what will you be discussing
- Topic 1 and at least 3 facts/talking points
- Commercial break- who is sponsoring the show?
- Topic 2 and at least 3 facts/talking points
- Review your main points from the previous 2 topics
- Preview your topic for your next show & outro
You also must include who will be discussing what and what should be discussed. You can either write out your script word for word or you can include talking points. But just because it is an show outline, you must have detailed facts and points in your script to help you stay on topic.
(Partner 1 should File- make a copy, then share the copy with Partner 2.)
Step 3:
Recording your Podcast
We will be using GarageBand app on the iPad. You can watch the video for a basic tutorial on how to use the program to record our podcasts.
(We will not share our podcast using SoundCloud, so DO NOT send your recording to SoundCloud. Instead we will send our projects to our Google Drive.)
How to use the Garage Band app
Podcast Recording Tips
- Record each part of your show in sections. For example: Your intro should be one section, topic 1 conversation a separate recording, etc. This way you have more control with editing.
- Add song beats as an intro and outro music to your show. Be sure it is only 10-20 seconds.
- Add a commercial/sponsor break or just a music break in the middle of your show. But keep it short (30 sec. max)
- You can add some sound effects to your show (hands clapping, door slamming, etc.) but it must relate and enhance your show. Don't just add a sound effect for the sake of adding a sound. And too many sound get annoying and the audience will turn off your show.
- Remember, you must change the name of your file/project to the name of your podcast show; DO NOT leave it as "My Song"!!!!!
- When everything is said and done and you have completed the editing of your Podcast, you will need to send it to your Google Drive.
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