Page 36 - Electronic Media

36 Media Studies - II ELECTRONIC MEDIA

approaching producer about potential programming. Local stations,
as well as university/college stations, are a good place to begin when
searching for the right match for the airing of the documentary.

4. Write a proposal: Writing a detailed idea proposal that incorporates
logistics such as the program’s subject matter, the show’s proposed
length of time, the people who will be involved, and the purpose of
the project, will give the producer all the necessary information he
or she will need when being approached with the new idea, and for
making the crucial decisions that will allow the radio documentary
to move forward.

5. Research: When developing a social awareness project, especially
one that is devoted to promoting HIV/AIDS awareness, doing the
proper research is mandatory! The information dispersed by such a

show must be accurate, reliable, and current. Research can be
accessed via the Internet, library, school, or local health clinic. Doing
research for the radio documentary may also involved finding people
who have something to contribute to the documentary, either by
providing an interview, a story, or any other bits of material that can
give the show some added substance.

6. Write a script: As with any type of show, a radio documentary will
need a beginning, middle, and end. When writing the script for the
documentary, it must be kept in mind that radio is dependent on the
use of sound—incorporating music, background noises, and other
types of audio techniques will help to illustrate the stories that are
told and the information that is divulged. It is also important to ensure
that ideas are communicated clearly and effectively, and that the
written language is used in such a way so as to avoid stigma and
marginalization of specific groups.