Created by Oatmeal
By the way, I can hear the sound so not all older people lose high-end hearing. If you hear it when you're not even listening to the computer, google tinnitis.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Can you hear this sound?
Click through to this web page and test whether you can hear a sound that supposedly can only be heard by young people. It's said to be used to drive teenagers away from malls. It could also drive listeners away from your radio program. The site allows you to download the sound, so you might like to use it for EQ (equalization) practice. Audacity has an equalization plug-in under the Effects menu on the toolbar. High-end rolloff would probably cut it.
By the way, I can hear the sound so not all older people lose high-end hearing. If you hear it when you're not even listening to the computer, google tinnitis.
By the way, I can hear the sound so not all older people lose high-end hearing. If you hear it when you're not even listening to the computer, google tinnitis.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Spoken Word Coordinating - Job Description
Today at the CJSF Board Meeting, Des asked that the coordinators keep some sort of diary describing what we do in our jobs. When I got home, I saw this line in a book that encapsulates part of it:
When someone walks in the door of the station (or when I meet them outside of the station as a representative of it), my job as coordinator is to see them, to start to recognize them, and to help engage those aspects of them that can be part of and make use of the radio station to engage with themselves and with others. So I have to know what the station has to offer, or how to find out, how to make radio in its many aspects, how to converse and listen, but I also have to be open to the probability that this stranger or member has something unique to add to the station, in perspectives, talents, knowledge, etc.
"Hospitality is a productive crisis in which we work constantly toward reconceptualizing our thinking and reconsidering our values..."
-Rauna Kuokkanen, in Reshaping the University: Responsibility, Indigenous Epistemes, and the Logic of the Gift, p. 163 (UBC Press, 2007)
When someone walks in the door of the station (or when I meet them outside of the station as a representative of it), my job as coordinator is to see them, to start to recognize them, and to help engage those aspects of them that can be part of and make use of the radio station to engage with themselves and with others. So I have to know what the station has to offer, or how to find out, how to make radio in its many aspects, how to converse and listen, but I also have to be open to the probability that this stranger or member has something unique to add to the station, in perspectives, talents, knowledge, etc.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Story Verification - Skillsharing
Thanks to Jennifer Moreau for sharing her story verification skills with the Spoken Word Gathering on Thursday Nov 5, 2009. There were six of us at the gathering, and the workshop was well designed and the information was very useful. We are hoping for it to be offered again in the new year. Meanwhile, here are some photos of the initial information posted on the whiteboard by Jennifer, for your edification. Meghan Murphy took three shots of it, and I post them all here:
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Free Sound Effects Downloads
Top 5 Sites For Free Sound Effects Downloads
Nov. 4th, 2009 By John McClain (forwarded by Melissa Kaestner)
Whether you’re working with things like video, music, animation,
games, or any other media, sound is critical. The use of sound effects
can make or break a project, but sometimes finding that right,
good-quality piece of audio can be difficult.
Before you open up your wallet for expensive software or try to make
your own sound effects, you may easily be able to find free sound
effects on the Web. There are plenty of great resources available
online. Best of all, it doesn’t have to cost you anything!
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/top-5-sites-for-free-sound-effects-downloads/
------
Some other favourite MakeUseOf.com links/posts of mine:
15 Free Guides That Really Teach You USEFUL Stuff
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/pdf-manuals-round-up/
Top 3 Tips To Motivate Yourself While Learning A Second Language
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/top-3-tips-to-motivate-you-while-learning-a-second-language/
How To Troubleshoot Weak Wireless Connections
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-troubleshoot-weak-wireless-connections/
5 Sites To Learn How To Repair Your Own Computer
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/5-sites-to-learn-how-to-repair-your-own-computer/
3 Websites To View Your PDFs Online
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/3-websites-to-view-your-pdfs-online/
Nov. 4th, 2009 By John McClain (forwarded by Melissa Kaestner)
Whether you’re working with things like video, music, animation,
games, or any other media, sound is critical. The use of sound effects
can make or break a project, but sometimes finding that right,
good-quality piece of audio can be difficult.
Before you open up your wallet for expensive software or try to make
your own sound effects, you may easily be able to find free sound
effects on the Web. There are plenty of great resources available
online. Best of all, it doesn’t have to cost you anything!
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/top-5-sites-for-free-sound-effects-downloads/
------
Some other favourite MakeUseOf.com links/posts of mine:
15 Free Guides That Really Teach You USEFUL Stuff
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/pdf-manuals-round-up/
Top 3 Tips To Motivate Yourself While Learning A Second Language
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/top-3-tips-to-motivate-you-while-learning-a-second-language/
How To Troubleshoot Weak Wireless Connections
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-troubleshoot-weak-wireless-connections/
5 Sites To Learn How To Repair Your Own Computer
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/5-sites-to-learn-how-to-repair-your-own-computer/
3 Websites To View Your PDFs Online
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/3-websites-to-view-your-pdfs-online/
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Audio: Using Your Voice On-Mic
On Oct 1, 2009, Vanesa Tomasino did a workshop for CJSF volunteers on Things You Can Do With Your Voice and a Mic.
DJ Peachy recorded the sessions with himself and Nina Halliday-Thompson as the students. Listen to it here:
Geoff - Vanesa Training by Soundtherapyradio
[That file is also stored at: http://soundcloud.com/soundtherapyradio/geoff-vanessa]
Here's more about Vanesa:
Vanesa Tomasino - professional cartoon voice, actress (including on Defying Gravity and The L Word), host of WorldBeats for worldbeat.com. www.vanesatomasino.com
Originally from El Salvador, Vanesa has carved out a career in Vancouver.
Here she is on Urban Rush:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zHjcl8elMA
Spoken Word Gatherings and skill-sharings are held most Thursdays 6:30-8:30 pm. Contact Frieda Werden for more info: cjsfpa@sfu.ca
DJ Peachy recorded the sessions with himself and Nina Halliday-Thompson as the students. Listen to it here:
Geoff - Vanesa Training by Soundtherapyradio
[That file is also stored at: http://soundcloud.com/soundtherapyradio/geoff-vanessa]
Here's more about Vanesa:
Vanesa Tomasino - professional cartoon voice, actress (including on Defying Gravity and The L Word), host of WorldBeats for worldbeat.com. www.vanesatomasino.com
Originally from El Salvador, Vanesa has carved out a career in Vancouver.
Here she is on Urban Rush:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zHjcl8elMA
Spoken Word Gatherings and skill-sharings are held most Thursdays 6:30-8:30 pm. Contact Frieda Werden for more info: cjsfpa@sfu.ca
Thursday, October 15, 2009
CJSF's Live Internet Streaming and/or Broadcasting Guide
Live Internet Streaming and/or Broadcasting Guide
There are multitudes of ways you can set up live streaming. To determine what equipment you need, you need to know *what* you want to stream and how much equipment you want to lug around. There are three basic set-ups.
1. Streaming files directly off the computer
2. Using a microphone to talk and/or interview people. You can also play files off the computer using this method, but the transition between the two is a bit rough – you won’t be able to do mixing. Only *one* microphone can be hooked up this way.
3. Using a mixer to hook up anything you can think of: CD players, turntables, multiple microphones, anything that makes noise. This is the most sophisticated set up which will allow for fade in/outs/mixing.
Streaming Files Directly Off the Computer
What You Need
Laptop configured with Winamp and Shoutcast
Laptop power supply
A good internet connection – bringing an Ethernet cord may be a good idea
What To Do
On the laptop:
- First, make sure you are connected to the internet (try visiting a website using the browser)
- Double click the Winamp icon on the desktop
Winamp will open as will another window called SHOUTcast Source.
Problem: The SHOUTcast Source window does not open when Winamp does.
Solution: Right click on the Winamp toolbar at the very top of the player and select Options then Preferences.
Under the Plug-ins section, click on DSP/Effect and then Nullsoft SHOUTcast Source DSP v1.9.0.
Click on Configure active plug-in. Close preferences.
- Add the files you want to play into the Winamp playlist.
- On the ShoutCAST Source window, click the Input tab. The Input Device should be set to Winamp, not Soundcard input.
- On the ShoutCAST Source window, click the Output tab. Hit Connect.
- Press play on Winamp. The SHOUTcast Source window should connect to the server and start telling you how many bytes of information it has sent (a continuous scroll of numbers).
Problem: The SHOUTcast Source window does not connect.
Solution: Make sure your internet connection is working by trying to open a webpage in your browser. If you internet connection is fine, close the SHOUTcast Source window, then close Winamp. Reopen Winamp.
Restart the SHOUTcast application by right clicking on the Winamp toolbar at the very top of the player and select Options then Preferences.
Under the Plug-ins section, click on DSP/Effect and then Nullsoft SHOUTcast Source DSP v1.9.0.
Click on Configure active plug-in. Close preferences. Repeat the steps to configure SHOUTcast above and try reconnecting.
You should now be streaming live on the Internet! If not, there is likely a firewall problem that needs to be looked at by a network administrator.
Using a Single Microphone / Streaming Files Off the Computer
What You Need
Laptop configured with Winamp and Shoutcast
Laptop power supply
A good internet connection – bringing an Ethernet cord may be a good idea
Microphone
Microphone cable with female XLR on one end and male 1/8” (mini-plug) on the other
Headphones to monitor the broadcast
What To Do
On the laptop:
- First, make sure you are connected to the internet (try visiting a website using the browser)
- Hook up your microphone into the microphone input on the computer. For the blue laptop, this is on the very front of the machine, just below the mouse.
- Double click the Winamp icon on the desktop
Winamp will open as will another window called SHOUTcast Source.
Problem: The SHOUTcast Source window does not open when Winamp does.
Solution: Right click on the Winamp toolbar at the very top of the player and select Options then Preferences.
Under the Plug-ins section, click on DSP/Effect and then Nullsoft SHOUTcast Source DSP v1.9.0.
Click on Configure active plug-in. Close preferences.
- Add the files you want to play into the Winamp playlist.
- On the ShoutCAST Source window, click the Input tab. When you want to play files on the computer, the Input Device should be set to Winamp. When you want to use the microphone, the Input Device needs to be set to Soundcard input. You cannot use both at the same time.
- On the ShoutCAST Source window, click the Output tab. Hit Connect.
- Press play on Winamp. The SHOUTcast Source window should connect to the server and start telling you how many bytes of information it has sent (a continuous scroll of numbers).
- You will be able to see your levels under SHOUTcast’s Input tab.
Problem: The SHOUTcast Source window does not connect.
Solution: Make sure your internet connection is working by trying to open a webpage in your browser. If you internet connection is fine, close the SHOUTcast Source window, then close Winamp. Reopen Winamp.
Restart the SHOUTcast application by right clicking on the Winamp toolbar at the very top of the player and select Options then Preferences.
Under the Plug-ins section, click on DSP/Effect and then Nullsoft SHOUTcast Source DSP v1.9.0.
Click on Configure active plug-in. Close preferences. Repeat the steps to configure SHOUTcast above and try reconnecting.
You should now be streaming live on the Internet! If not, there is likely a firewall problem that needs to be looked at by a network administrator.
There are multitudes of ways you can set up live streaming. To determine what equipment you need, you need to know *what* you want to stream and how much equipment you want to lug around. There are three basic set-ups.
1. Streaming files directly off the computer
2. Using a microphone to talk and/or interview people. You can also play files off the computer using this method, but the transition between the two is a bit rough – you won’t be able to do mixing. Only *one* microphone can be hooked up this way.
3. Using a mixer to hook up anything you can think of: CD players, turntables, multiple microphones, anything that makes noise. This is the most sophisticated set up which will allow for fade in/outs/mixing.
Streaming Files Directly Off the Computer
What You Need
Laptop configured with Winamp and Shoutcast
Laptop power supply
A good internet connection – bringing an Ethernet cord may be a good idea
What To Do
On the laptop:
- First, make sure you are connected to the internet (try visiting a website using the browser)
- Double click the Winamp icon on the desktop
Winamp will open as will another window called SHOUTcast Source.
Problem: The SHOUTcast Source window does not open when Winamp does.
Solution: Right click on the Winamp toolbar at the very top of the player and select Options then Preferences.
Under the Plug-ins section, click on DSP/Effect and then Nullsoft SHOUTcast Source DSP v1.9.0.
Click on Configure active plug-in. Close preferences.
- Add the files you want to play into the Winamp playlist.
- On the ShoutCAST Source window, click the Input tab. The Input Device should be set to Winamp, not Soundcard input.
- On the ShoutCAST Source window, click the Output tab. Hit Connect.
- Press play on Winamp. The SHOUTcast Source window should connect to the server and start telling you how many bytes of information it has sent (a continuous scroll of numbers).
Problem: The SHOUTcast Source window does not connect.
Solution: Make sure your internet connection is working by trying to open a webpage in your browser. If you internet connection is fine, close the SHOUTcast Source window, then close Winamp. Reopen Winamp.
Restart the SHOUTcast application by right clicking on the Winamp toolbar at the very top of the player and select Options then Preferences.
Under the Plug-ins section, click on DSP/Effect and then Nullsoft SHOUTcast Source DSP v1.9.0.
Click on Configure active plug-in. Close preferences. Repeat the steps to configure SHOUTcast above and try reconnecting.
You should now be streaming live on the Internet! If not, there is likely a firewall problem that needs to be looked at by a network administrator.
Using a Single Microphone / Streaming Files Off the Computer
What You Need
Laptop configured with Winamp and Shoutcast
Laptop power supply
A good internet connection – bringing an Ethernet cord may be a good idea
Microphone
Microphone cable with female XLR on one end and male 1/8” (mini-plug) on the other
Headphones to monitor the broadcast
What To Do
On the laptop:
- First, make sure you are connected to the internet (try visiting a website using the browser)
- Hook up your microphone into the microphone input on the computer. For the blue laptop, this is on the very front of the machine, just below the mouse.
- Double click the Winamp icon on the desktop
Winamp will open as will another window called SHOUTcast Source.
Problem: The SHOUTcast Source window does not open when Winamp does.
Solution: Right click on the Winamp toolbar at the very top of the player and select Options then Preferences.
Under the Plug-ins section, click on DSP/Effect and then Nullsoft SHOUTcast Source DSP v1.9.0.
Click on Configure active plug-in. Close preferences.
- Add the files you want to play into the Winamp playlist.
- On the ShoutCAST Source window, click the Input tab. When you want to play files on the computer, the Input Device should be set to Winamp. When you want to use the microphone, the Input Device needs to be set to Soundcard input. You cannot use both at the same time.
- On the ShoutCAST Source window, click the Output tab. Hit Connect.
- Press play on Winamp. The SHOUTcast Source window should connect to the server and start telling you how many bytes of information it has sent (a continuous scroll of numbers).
- You will be able to see your levels under SHOUTcast’s Input tab.
Problem: The SHOUTcast Source window does not connect.
Solution: Make sure your internet connection is working by trying to open a webpage in your browser. If you internet connection is fine, close the SHOUTcast Source window, then close Winamp. Reopen Winamp.
Restart the SHOUTcast application by right clicking on the Winamp toolbar at the very top of the player and select Options then Preferences.
Under the Plug-ins section, click on DSP/Effect and then Nullsoft SHOUTcast Source DSP v1.9.0.
Click on Configure active plug-in. Close preferences. Repeat the steps to configure SHOUTcast above and try reconnecting.
You should now be streaming live on the Internet! If not, there is likely a firewall problem that needs to be looked at by a network administrator.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Search Engine for Civic Organizations in BC
Search Engine for Civic Organizations in BC
(Thanks to Parween Irani for sharing)
Hey guys!
I have used this search engine help me locate everything from local
governments (First Nations and otherwise) and improvement projects,
right through to various agencies involved in civic projects
throughout the province:
http://www.civicinfo.bc.ca/11.asp
This link might come in handy for student projects or presentations
for Socials 10-11 or Social Justice 12, not to mention the myriad
projects that you are involved in, too.
With thanks and best wishes,
Parween
(Thanks to Parween Irani for sharing)
Hey guys!
I have used this search engine help me locate everything from local
governments (First Nations and otherwise) and improvement projects,
right through to various agencies involved in civic projects
throughout the province:
http://www.civicinfo.bc.ca/11.asp
This link might come in handy for student projects or presentations
for Socials 10-11 or Social Justice 12, not to mention the myriad
projects that you are involved in, too.
With thanks and best wishes,
Parween
Sunday, August 16, 2009
How to file a Freedom of Information Request in BC
Mark Weiler is doing his doctoral work on Freedom of Information requests. Here are some instructions he sent for how to make a request. This doesn't work for the Legislative Assembly, but it does for the University and other government offices.
1. The act is called BC's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
2. The text of the request has to satisfy one basic condition: it's a request for records that's specific enough that someone with experience in the office can find it.
3. Email the request to a high up official or clerk. Some places have Privacy Officers or Information and Privacy Officers. Technically as soon as you ask for documents, FOIPOP kicks in. The reality is that most public employees probably don't know their duties, so if you add "This is a freedom of information request" then it should wake our public employees up.
Tip: Texts of request should be records or documents, not information or questions. In this way, FOI is misleading... it should really be called "Freedom of Records".
Examples...
Bad: "How many people work at city hall?" (this is a question)
Good: "Send me records that reflect the number of people who work at city hall" (this is good because it's for records
Better: "Send me records that reflect the number of full time employees who work at city hall as of Aug 1, 2009 (this is very specific; it shouldn't take them long to find it)
Tip: If they ask "Why do you want it?", answer "You don't need to know" (hard to say, but I did say it once :)
Tip: If they ask for a written request with a signature, say "That is not required under section 5 of the FOIPOP Act"
3. They have 30 business days to respond.
4. If it takes them longer than 3 hours to search for the records, they can charge a fee.
5. If it at any point you want a second opinion you can email me or call BC's Office of Information and Privacy Commissioner or BC's Freedom of Information and Privacy Association -- they answer questions over the phone and are nice.
6. There are two big barriers to FOIPOP. a) Public employees lack of knowledge about their legislative duties. b) Applicants not realizing how much power they have. The proper mind-set for public employees and applicants to have is to think of records in the custody of public bodies (with limited exceptions e.g., protecting personal privacy) as being like books in a public library. This is a dramadical.
Here's a website with the texts of a bunch of foi's I've made....
http://www.opengovernmentrecords.net/ogr/index.php/fjpsc/ogr/publishedrequests
Mark
1. The act is called BC's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
2. The text of the request has to satisfy one basic condition: it's a request for records that's specific enough that someone with experience in the office can find it.
3. Email the request to a high up official or clerk. Some places have Privacy Officers or Information and Privacy Officers. Technically as soon as you ask for documents, FOIPOP kicks in. The reality is that most public employees probably don't know their duties, so if you add "This is a freedom of information request" then it should wake our public employees up.
Tip: Texts of request should be records or documents, not information or questions. In this way, FOI is misleading... it should really be called "Freedom of Records".
Examples...
Bad: "How many people work at city hall?" (this is a question)
Good: "Send me records that reflect the number of people who work at city hall" (this is good because it's for records
Better: "Send me records that reflect the number of full time employees who work at city hall as of Aug 1, 2009 (this is very specific; it shouldn't take them long to find it)
Tip: If they ask "Why do you want it?", answer "You don't need to know" (hard to say, but I did say it once :)
Tip: If they ask for a written request with a signature, say "That is not required under section 5 of the FOIPOP Act"
3. They have 30 business days to respond.
4. If it takes them longer than 3 hours to search for the records, they can charge a fee.
5. If it at any point you want a second opinion you can email me or call BC's Office of Information and Privacy Commissioner or BC's Freedom of Information and Privacy Association -- they answer questions over the phone and are nice.
6. There are two big barriers to FOIPOP. a) Public employees lack of knowledge about their legislative duties. b) Applicants not realizing how much power they have. The proper mind-set for public employees and applicants to have is to think of records in the custody of public bodies (with limited exceptions e.g., protecting personal privacy) as being like books in a public library. This is a dramadical.
Here's a website with the texts of a bunch of foi's I've made....
http://www.opengovernmentrecords.net/ogr/index.php/fjpsc/ogr/publishedrequests
Mark
Thursday, April 9, 2009
BC's online newspapers
http://www.onlinenewspapers.com/canadabc.htm
When you're looking for reporters to interview for spoken word shows, cruise these papers.
When you're looking for reporters to interview for spoken word shows, cruise these papers.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
ELECTIONS BC MEDIA SITE
Elections BC media package available
The May 2009 General Election and Referendum on Electoral Reform are only a few weeks away.
To assist in planning and developing your news coverage of these events, Elections BC has put together a media package on our website.
In our online Newsroom, you’ll find a set of story ideas, backgrounders, maps, previous election and referendum results, and other sources designed to give you the information you need to generate story ideas and pursue your coverage.
I encourage you to take a look at our Newsroom and bookmark our website that we’ve tailored to the upcoming election and referendum.
Feel free to contact me for more information or interviews. I look forward to working with you to inform British Columbians about this important part of our democracy.
Kenn Faris
Manager, Event Communications | Elections BC
Phone: 250-387-2949
Toll-free: 1-800-661-8683 / TTY 1-888-456-5448
Fax: 1-866-466-0665
Location: 1117 Wharf Street, 2nd Floor, Victoria
Email: Kenn.Faris@elections.bc.ca
Website: www.elections.bc.ca
The May 2009 General Election and Referendum on Electoral Reform are only a few weeks away.
To assist in planning and developing your news coverage of these events, Elections BC has put together a media package on our website.
In our online Newsroom, you’ll find a set of story ideas, backgrounders, maps, previous election and referendum results, and other sources designed to give you the information you need to generate story ideas and pursue your coverage.
I encourage you to take a look at our Newsroom and bookmark our website that we’ve tailored to the upcoming election and referendum.
Feel free to contact me for more information or interviews. I look forward to working with you to inform British Columbians about this important part of our democracy.
Kenn Faris
Manager, Event Communications | Elections BC
Phone: 250-387-2949
Toll-free: 1-800-661-8683 / TTY 1-888-456-5448
Fax: 1-866-466-0665
Location: 1117 Wharf Street, 2nd Floor, Victoria
Email: Kenn.Faris@elections.bc.ca
Website: www.elections.bc.ca
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Places to file as a reporter: Free Speech Radio News
From: Catherine Komp
Date: Sat, Mar 28, 2009 at 8:41 AM
Hi …
FSRN does have a very open process. In terms of news production, FSRN has about 150 freelance reporters around the world, and much of our daily newscast is driven by the stories they pitch to us. We work with journalists who have many years of experience, and those who are just beginning. We do require contributors to have their own equipment. Here's a link to FSRN's pitch and reporting guidelines:
http://www.fsrn.org/content/reporter-guidelines/5
If there's anyone out there interested in becoming a contributor, send your CV and any audio samples (ideally similar in format to what FSRN airs - 60 seconds to 4 minutes in length) to producers [at] fsrn.org.
Some of FSRN's news is also driven by listeners who send us ideas and news tips. You can send those to both producers[at]fsrn.org and comments[at]fsrn.org.
In addition to what comes to us from reporters/listeners, FSRN staff does make editorial decisions each day. We have a DC editor and reporters who evaluate the top news on Capitol Hill. We have a headlines editor that incorporates a lot of breaking news. We also choose topics to be examined through one-on-one interviews with our host. All of these things are discussed during a morning editorial meeting and as news breaks throughout the day.
FSRN has a number of paid staff, many of whom were first reporters, staff subs, volunteers or SC members.
In terms of the bigger organizational structure, FSRN has a BOD and a Steering Committee (SC). FSRN members elect both the BOD and SC. A person is considered a member after filing (in one year's time) three or more features or investigative stories or six or more headlines, or a combination of both where two headlines equal one feature. People who volunteer 40 hours are also considered members as well as staff and the BOD.
FSRN staff, BOD and SC members live in cities across the globe. We often say this is our greatest strength (diversity of people and places) and our biggest challenge (hard to coordinate telephone conferences, much less in-person meetings). In a recent conference call brainstorming ideas about FSRN's future, we had 25 people together (reportes, staff, steering committee and board members) from cities including New Delhi, Kampala, London, DC, San Francisco, Madison, Denver, and New York.
Hope this answers some of your questions - let us know if there's more we can share with you.
Best, Catherine
Catherine Komp
FSRN's Features Producer
Date: Sat, Mar 28, 2009 at 8:41 AM
Hi …
FSRN does have a very open process. In terms of news production, FSRN has about 150 freelance reporters around the world, and much of our daily newscast is driven by the stories they pitch to us. We work with journalists who have many years of experience, and those who are just beginning. We do require contributors to have their own equipment. Here's a link to FSRN's pitch and reporting guidelines:
http://www.fsrn.org/content/reporter-guidelines/5
If there's anyone out there interested in becoming a contributor, send your CV and any audio samples (ideally similar in format to what FSRN airs - 60 seconds to 4 minutes in length) to producers [at] fsrn.org.
Some of FSRN's news is also driven by listeners who send us ideas and news tips. You can send those to both producers[at]fsrn.org and comments[at]fsrn.org.
In addition to what comes to us from reporters/listeners, FSRN staff does make editorial decisions each day. We have a DC editor and reporters who evaluate the top news on Capitol Hill. We have a headlines editor that incorporates a lot of breaking news. We also choose topics to be examined through one-on-one interviews with our host. All of these things are discussed during a morning editorial meeting and as news breaks throughout the day.
FSRN has a number of paid staff, many of whom were first reporters, staff subs, volunteers or SC members.
In terms of the bigger organizational structure, FSRN has a BOD and a Steering Committee (SC). FSRN members elect both the BOD and SC. A person is considered a member after filing (in one year's time) three or more features or investigative stories or six or more headlines, or a combination of both where two headlines equal one feature. People who volunteer 40 hours are also considered members as well as staff and the BOD.
FSRN staff, BOD and SC members live in cities across the globe. We often say this is our greatest strength (diversity of people and places) and our biggest challenge (hard to coordinate telephone conferences, much less in-person meetings). In a recent conference call brainstorming ideas about FSRN's future, we had 25 people together (reportes, staff, steering committee and board members) from cities including New Delhi, Kampala, London, DC, San Francisco, Madison, Denver, and New York.
Hope this answers some of your questions - let us know if there's more we can share with you.
Best, Catherine
Catherine Komp
FSRN's Features Producer
Why your recorder might not cut it for radio
The following is a letter sent to a producer who proposed doing some event recording for the syndicated program WINGS. The information also applies for recording for CJSF and other stations. - FW
Dear K___,
Thanks for the information about your recorder. I'm going to give you some not really great news about it.
I looked online and found the specifications about the Olympus VN-5000 model, and it's really a recorder for taking lecture notes or dictation and not for recording for broadcast. I'm not seeing from the description online whether there is any way to transfer the recorded files out of the machine onto a computer for editing. If you can do that, you might email me a sample of something recorded on your highest quality setting and I'll give a listen - maybe we can squeak by with it.
If there's no way to get the files out digitally, then the only way to get the audio out would be to play it back from the line-out of the recorder to a line-in on a computer, in real time. M___ may be able to show you that, or I could email you more information. There's a free and open-source software called Audacity that you can get, if you don't already have it.
Here are some of the things that make me dubious about the sound quality coming out of this recorder. I'm sending you the information because it will help you evaluate the next recorder you choose. :
One, is the sampling rate - this is something like how many dots you have in a picture printed in a magazine or newspaper - the more dots, the better the picture, and the more samples, the clearer the sound. Here the sampling rates available for the three settings on this model, Olympus VN 5000:
HQ: 17.6 kHz
SP: 10.6 kHz
LP: 6.6 kHz
What we use is 44.1 kHz, although sometimes we get audio that's been posted online sampled at 22.05 and we convert it to 44.1 by playing it in another system and re-recording it. So, at 17.6 kHz, even your "high quality" setting is not great for broadcast. Some people use this type of recorder to get 10-second sound-bites, but to listen to lower-quality audio for a long time on the radio is difficult.
Second, looking at features, this recorder has Voice Activation. It's to keep you from wasting space recording pauses. I don't know if that can be turned off - if not, you might lose both the pauses (which can be meaningful) and the beginnings of some words in a speech you record, as the machine turns itself on and off, giving a choppy effect.
Third, what are called "voice recorders" typically have an Automatic Gain Control feature to help you pick up the voice of a lecturer all the way from your seat in the auditorium - but that also bring up all the noises in the room along with it. It's not usually possible to get that kind of noise out of the recording afterwards.
If you have one of the noise-cancelling mics they describe as possible accessories for this recorder ( see page http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1388&fl=5&acccategory=all ), that might help keep the noise down, but it could be hard to position it correctly to pick up the voice of the person giving the talk. You could try using a strip of duct tape to attach it to the speaker's own microphone if you're allowed to do that by meeting organisers. I have no idea how formal the setting will be at WAM, but I think it's gotten pretty big, so the speakers probably use microphones.
Fourth, your recorder has a choice of using a built-in mic or a mic input, but no line input. Ideally, for recording a big event you'd want to have a recorder with a line-in jack, so you could record from the house mixing board or from a "press box" (also called a "mult") set up for the media to record. It's also possible to get a line-out from a headphone jack, in cases where headsets are used. (You need a cable to attach from the line-out to the line-in - could be one of 2 or 3 types.)
If you do try recording an event with this and you can't get your recorder on the podium and attach a mic to the speaker's mike (or, for instance if there are multiple speakers each with her own mic), it's possible you'd find a loudspeaker mounted close enough to the floor that you could hold your mic up to it and record the sound from that. You'd need to get it close but not too close, because if the sound is too loud it would be distorted. Only experimentation could prove whether this works.
I see this recorder is priced under $40. While there are new things happening every day in the audio world, so far I haven't found a recorder priced under at least $100 or more that has broadcast-quality sound. Typically you'd be looking in at least the $150 range or more. If you're thinking of buying another recorder, you might look for a ZoomH2. They have a lot of convenient features, are easy to use, and have a rather good sound quality. I ordered some from New Jersey for our station, and they were $175 apiece, but in New York you might find a better price.
I'm sorry to be discouraging about your device. Is there one at IWTC you could borrow that is better?
In sisterhood,
Frieda
Dear K___,
Thanks for the information about your recorder. I'm going to give you some not really great news about it.
I looked online and found the specifications about the Olympus VN-5000 model, and it's really a recorder for taking lecture notes or dictation and not for recording for broadcast. I'm not seeing from the description online whether there is any way to transfer the recorded files out of the machine onto a computer for editing. If you can do that, you might email me a sample of something recorded on your highest quality setting and I'll give a listen - maybe we can squeak by with it.
If there's no way to get the files out digitally, then the only way to get the audio out would be to play it back from the line-out of the recorder to a line-in on a computer, in real time. M___ may be able to show you that, or I could email you more information. There's a free and open-source software called Audacity that you can get, if you don't already have it.
Here are some of the things that make me dubious about the sound quality coming out of this recorder. I'm sending you the information because it will help you evaluate the next recorder you choose. :
One, is the sampling rate - this is something like how many dots you have in a picture printed in a magazine or newspaper - the more dots, the better the picture, and the more samples, the clearer the sound. Here the sampling rates available for the three settings on this model, Olympus VN 5000:
HQ: 17.6 kHz
SP: 10.6 kHz
LP: 6.6 kHz
What we use is 44.1 kHz, although sometimes we get audio that's been posted online sampled at 22.05 and we convert it to 44.1 by playing it in another system and re-recording it. So, at 17.6 kHz, even your "high quality" setting is not great for broadcast. Some people use this type of recorder to get 10-second sound-bites, but to listen to lower-quality audio for a long time on the radio is difficult.
Second, looking at features, this recorder has Voice Activation. It's to keep you from wasting space recording pauses. I don't know if that can be turned off - if not, you might lose both the pauses (which can be meaningful) and the beginnings of some words in a speech you record, as the machine turns itself on and off, giving a choppy effect.
Third, what are called "voice recorders" typically have an Automatic Gain Control feature to help you pick up the voice of a lecturer all the way from your seat in the auditorium - but that also bring up all the noises in the room along with it. It's not usually possible to get that kind of noise out of the recording afterwards.
If you have one of the noise-cancelling mics they describe as possible accessories for this recorder ( see page http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1388&fl=5&acccategory=all ), that might help keep the noise down, but it could be hard to position it correctly to pick up the voice of the person giving the talk. You could try using a strip of duct tape to attach it to the speaker's own microphone if you're allowed to do that by meeting organisers. I have no idea how formal the setting will be at WAM, but I think it's gotten pretty big, so the speakers probably use microphones.
Fourth, your recorder has a choice of using a built-in mic or a mic input, but no line input. Ideally, for recording a big event you'd want to have a recorder with a line-in jack, so you could record from the house mixing board or from a "press box" (also called a "mult") set up for the media to record. It's also possible to get a line-out from a headphone jack, in cases where headsets are used. (You need a cable to attach from the line-out to the line-in - could be one of 2 or 3 types.)
If you do try recording an event with this and you can't get your recorder on the podium and attach a mic to the speaker's mike (or, for instance if there are multiple speakers each with her own mic), it's possible you'd find a loudspeaker mounted close enough to the floor that you could hold your mic up to it and record the sound from that. You'd need to get it close but not too close, because if the sound is too loud it would be distorted. Only experimentation could prove whether this works.
I see this recorder is priced under $40. While there are new things happening every day in the audio world, so far I haven't found a recorder priced under at least $100 or more that has broadcast-quality sound. Typically you'd be looking in at least the $150 range or more. If you're thinking of buying another recorder, you might look for a ZoomH2. They have a lot of convenient features, are easy to use, and have a rather good sound quality. I ordered some from New Jersey for our station, and they were $175 apiece, but in New York you might find a better price.
I'm sorry to be discouraging about your device. Is there one at IWTC you could borrow that is better?
In sisterhood,
Frieda
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Using an iPhone for Broadcast-quality Interviews
by Alisha Edgelow
First of all download the italk application to the iphone.
Then make sure before recording to go to settings and make sure airplane mode is on so no calls can interrupt.
Then also make sure in settings to go to General, then Auto-lock and set it to Never, this will ensure the screen will not disappear off the italk application when it is in use.
You can use your iPhone microphone to record.
The recording is very simple: you just type in the name of your recording and press the big red circular record button; as it's recording the button turns green and there is a gauge at the bottom that shows your levels. To stop recording, you just press the green button; and you can press it again if you decide to continue recording, or, press stop to save your recording.
Then when you are ready to get your interview just plug your iphone into your mac *make sure you have your phone set to the same Wi-Fi connection as your computer and also make sure you have the italk application open on your phone.*
Isync will find your recordings and then you can just drag and drop what you want onto your desktop, or double click and it will go straight to your itunes library.
Have a great day :)
First of all download the italk application to the iphone.
Then make sure before recording to go to settings and make sure airplane mode is on so no calls can interrupt.
Then also make sure in settings to go to General, then Auto-lock and set it to Never, this will ensure the screen will not disappear off the italk application when it is in use.
You can use your iPhone microphone to record.
The recording is very simple: you just type in the name of your recording and press the big red circular record button; as it's recording the button turns green and there is a gauge at the bottom that shows your levels. To stop recording, you just press the green button; and you can press it again if you decide to continue recording, or, press stop to save your recording.
To get ready to move your recording to a computer for editing, google isync, and download the isync application to your mac (PC users, shame on you, I can't help there).
Then when you are ready to get your interview just plug your iphone into your mac *make sure you have your phone set to the same Wi-Fi connection as your computer and also make sure you have the italk application open on your phone.*
Isync will find your recordings and then you can just drag and drop what you want onto your desktop, or double click and it will go straight to your itunes library.
Have a great day :)
Friday, February 27, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
What Can You Say/Not Say on the Air? New Content Rules from CRTC
Several people have been asking station execs questions about this lately. There are two documents you need to consider to answer this question. One is the station's Code of Conduct (posted on the wall by the couch at the station). The other is CRTC regulations, which affect our ability to continue to broadcast. Here's a detailed response from the Programming Coordinator to one inquiry.
In general, you cannot play anything racist/homophobic/ageist (etc) that promotes discrimination, hatred, ridicule or abuse of any particular ethnic/social group.
In this case, the theme of censorship (or an examination of the definitionof 'PC') is not sufficient to justify playing offensive work, nor is a warning to listeners sufficient if you do, nor is waiting until after 10pm (when children may not be listening). None of these will operate as get-out-of-jail-free cards.
Coincidentally, the CRTC applied a new code of standards to our sector concerning this area just today. You can find it online here: http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2008/pb2008-23.htm
In applying these standards, it has been consistently stated that it is not the mere mention of an identifiable group that will constitute a violation of the Code of Ethics. The comments must be abusive or unduly discriminatory, or, in other terms, extremely negative or insulting towards a group, or constituting negative generalizations about the group as a whole.
If you are uncertain, I would recommend you pass the material on so we can vet it before airing it yourself.
It would be difficult for one person, representing one viewpoint to produce a fair and balanced discussion of a topic where offensive lyrics or speech are aired and then the hosts attempts to nullify the insult by contextualization. This is a line you need to tread carefully, because if you take this too far, you will be suspended. So we (programming, spoken word) are fully available to you to make sure you know where that line is. We want you to be able to produce the programming you want, but within broadcast standards please!
Charlotte BourneProgramming Coordinator, CJSF RadioOn Air Request Line: 778.782.CJSF Phone: 778.782.4423 www.cjsf.ca
In general, you cannot play anything racist/homophobic/ageist (etc) that promotes discrimination, hatred, ridicule or abuse of any particular ethnic/social group.
In this case, the theme of censorship (or an examination of the definitionof 'PC') is not sufficient to justify playing offensive work, nor is a warning to listeners sufficient if you do, nor is waiting until after 10pm (when children may not be listening). None of these will operate as get-out-of-jail-free cards.
Coincidentally, the CRTC applied a new code of standards to our sector concerning this area just today. You can find it online here: http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2008/pb2008-23.htm
Key Points:
Clause 2 – Human Rights
Recognizing that every
person has the right to full and equal recognition
and to enjoy certain
fundamental rights and freedoms, broadcasters shall ensure
that their
programming contains no abusive or unduly discriminatory material or
comment
which is based on matters of race, national or ethnic origin, colour,
religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status or physical or mental
disability.
Clause 6 – Full, Fair and Proper Presentation
It
is recognized that the full, fair and proper presentation of news,
opinion,
comment and editorial is the prime and fundamental responsibility of
each
broadcaster. This principle shall apply to all radio and television
programming, whether it relates to news, public affairs, magazine, talk,
call-in, interview or other broadcasting formats in which news, opinion,
comment or editorial may be expressed by broadcaster employees [and
volunteers - FW], their invited guests or callers.
Clause 7 –
Controversial Public Issues
Recognizing in a democracy the necessity
of presenting all sides of a public issue, it shall be the responsibility of
broadcasters to treat fairly all subjects of a controversial nature. Time shall
be allotted with due regard to all the other elements of balanced
program
schedules, and the degree of public interest in the questions presented.
Recognizing that healthy controversy is essential to the maintenance of
democratic institutions, broadcasters will endeavour to encourage the
presentation of news and opinion on any controversy which contains an
element of
the public interest.
In applying these standards, it has been consistently stated that it is not the mere mention of an identifiable group that will constitute a violation of the Code of Ethics. The comments must be abusive or unduly discriminatory, or, in other terms, extremely negative or insulting towards a group, or constituting negative generalizations about the group as a whole.
If you are uncertain, I would recommend you pass the material on so we can vet it before airing it yourself.
It would be difficult for one person, representing one viewpoint to produce a fair and balanced discussion of a topic where offensive lyrics or speech are aired and then the hosts attempts to nullify the insult by contextualization. This is a line you need to tread carefully, because if you take this too far, you will be suspended. So we (programming, spoken word) are fully available to you to make sure you know where that line is. We want you to be able to produce the programming you want, but within broadcast standards please!
Charlotte BourneProgramming Coordinator, CJSF RadioOn Air Request Line: 778.782.CJSF Phone: 778.782.4423 www.cjsf.ca
Friday, January 23, 2009
Recording with Your iPhone
Alisha did it and it worked fine. She put the phone on Airplane mode so it wouldn't ring, then set up to record her files and used the phone's built-in mic as her microphone. She recorded all the interviews for a one-hour Clubs Day special this way (over the course of 2 days, with an evening of battery-charging in between). She has promised to give more details of how to do it, in future.
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