Art and Craft of Radio

MDAR 255-01

 

School of Continuing Studies ? Tulane University

Tuesday and Thursday, 5:45 PM – 8:35 PM, Summer 2007

 

Mr. Kelly Fogarty, Instructor

Voice Mail: 905-0070 ? Email: kfogarty@tulane.edu

Office hours before and after class and by appointment

 

 

 

Class Description:

 

Radio is truly a ubiquitous mass medium that reaches nearly every person in the United States. From the most rural communities to the largest metropolitan markets, radio offers listeners music, news and entertainment free of charge. Whether listeners tune in from their vehicles, homes or offices, radio is everywhere.

 

This class is designed to analyze the art and craft of radio including its programming content, business operations and strategies in attracting and retaining audiences. This class depends on your participation and you are expected to share opinions and examples of what you find occurring on radio.

 

 

Class Textbook:

 

The text for this course is The Radio Broadcasting Industry by Alan B. Albarran and Gregory G. Pitts, published by Allyn & Bacon. Additionally, articles from periodicals and Web sites will be utilized.

 

 

Class Requirements:

 

There will be a variety of assignments that reflect the information presented in class and demonstrate your ability to provide your own critical analysis of the art and craft of radio. Keeping up with the assigned textbook readings and advance listening of assigned radio stations is essential!

 

Assignments:

Station Analysis (10 required)

Radio Term Paper

Mid-Term Exam

Final Exam

 

25% of grade

25% of grade

25% of grade

25% of grade

 

Grading:

A- to A

B- to B+

C- to C+

D- to D+

F  

 

90% - 100%

80% - 89%

70% - 79%

60% - 69%

59% and below

 

Class Outline:

 

CLASS

 

TOPIC

ASSIGNMENT

READINGS

Jul 3

Class Introduction – New Orleans Radio

How America Listens to Radio Today

 

Station Analysis 1

 

Jul 5

Broadcast Radio: It’s Everywhere

 

 

Station Analysis 2

Chapter 1

Jul 10

A Brief History of Radio and its Technology

 

 

Station Analysis 3

Chapter 2

Jul 12

Radio Regulation (and Deregulation)

 

 

Station Analysis 4

Chapter 3

Jul 17

The Management and Economics of Radio

 

 

Station Analysis 5

Chapter 4

Jul 19

Radio Programming & Formats

 

 

Station Analysis 6

Chapter 5

Jul 24

Mid-Term Exam

 

 

 

 

Jul 26

NO CLASS

 

 

 

 

Jul 31

Radio Advertising

 

 

Station Analysis 7

Chapter 6

Aug 2

Research and Audience Measurement

 

 

Station Analysis 8

Chapter 7

Aug 7

Non-Commercial (Public) Radio

 

 

Station Analysis 9

Chapter 8

Aug 9

Radio Leaders and Innovators and

the Future of Radio

 

Station Analysis 10

Chapters 9, 10

Aug 14

Final Exam

 

 

 

 

 

Please note:

·         No make up of exams is allowed unless prior arrangements have been made with instructor by either phone or email; also Mid-Term and Final exams, if missed, must be taken within one (1) week.

·         Using someone else’s work as your own is considered academic dishonesty and plagiarism. This is not allowed and will be handled as described in the Tulane Honor Code.

 

Radio Term Paper:

 

Radio is currently in a state of change, from technology and programming to its innovators and even its businesses model.

 

To further your understanding of the Art and Craft of Radio, you will prepare a written research paper on an aspect of radio. You may select any radio topic of interest; however advance instructor approval is required.

 

The objective of this assignment is to foster new knowledge of the radio industry and the impact on its audiences. To this end, your grade will be based on the thoroughness and thoughtfulness of your topic and your observations of its implications for radio listeners. TO successfully complete this assignment, your selection of topic should be narrow in focus. That is, do not attempt to write about broad matters impacting radio broadcasting. Rather, choose a subject that is specific or specialized to one area of the radio industry.

 

 

REQUIREMENTS

 

Prepare a written report on any topic of interest within the radio industry.

 

Each student must submit a proposal with a brief outline of the topic for their project on July 17th. 

 

It should be no more than 3 pages in length and cover these specific elements:

 

·         Background – situation information about the topic

·         Issues – the various positions, side or concerns dealing with topic

·         Relevance to Listeners – summary of impact on audiences and/or society due to topic

 

Format the paper with one-inch margins and a type size of 12 points. Assignment should be no more than 3 pages in length. Please do not submit critiques in a presentation folder or binder.

 

The written term paper is due on August 9th.

 

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