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Writing for Radio

How to write a great radio broadcast

Course is closed.
Writing for Radio

WHEN Wednesday, August 27, 6:45-9:45 pm

WHERE University Settlement, 273 Bowery (at E. Houston), New York, NY 10002

PRICE
$65 ($50 for )
more info

Course Details

From the authoritative sound of NPR News to the intense human dramas of This American Life, public radio offers some of the most prestigious and exciting outlets in journalism. With the right pitch, you can take your story to air -- but don't expect to just hold your article in front of a microphone and read it! Whether it's commentary or reporting, writing for radio is a unique form, as distinct from magazines or newspapers as journalism is from playwriting.

Many radio outlets are hungry for the skills and depth of knowledge that print writers can bring to air, but producers are often too busy to cultivate them. We'll focus here on the craft of writing for broadcast, and the elements of a great radio story.

In this seminar, you will learn:

  • The critical differences between print and radio writing
  • Guidelines on successful interviewing for broadcast
  • The importance of "casting" your story
  • Five deadly sins of radio writing
  • Tips on reading copy for air (and still sounding human)
  • How to pitch your work to radio outlets

Related Courses

Tell me when courses like this are scheduled.
• Intro to TV News Reporting – New York (Class starts September 10)
• Op-Ed Writing Boot Camp – New York (Class starts September 18)
View all courses in Editing | Radio | Reporting | New York, NY

Instructor Bio

David Krasnow's Courses

No courses available at this time.

David Krasnow
David Krasnow is the Senior Editor of PRI's Studio 360 with Kurt Andersen, the hourly program on culture and the arts aired on 140 radio stations nationwide. He was part of the team that earned the program a Peabody Award in 2004. Before his miraculous conversion to radio, he was an editor in various print media and a freelance writer; his work on music and other subjects was published in The Village Voice, The Observer, The Forward, Artforum, Jazz Times, and other outlets. He remains a contributing editor for Bomb.

Testimonials


David was great. It was obvious he knew his subject, and the written and audio material he brought to the class helped us much more than just a boring old talk ever would have. He was willing to answer our many questions about the topic which made the seminar was interactive, while I got the information I was looking for. In addition, I enjoyed myself. This class is highly recommended. --Suzan Clarke

I am a print journalist-turned-minister who is just getting back into radio. This course offered insight and skills that can be used in any form of public speaking and delivery of material. Great teacher. Good material. Cares about keeping his students interested and informed. --Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway, interfaith minister


"David Krasnow is an experienced alchemist. He understands how to spot a good idea and help talented people turn it into great radio whether they have the background or not. He has a rare kind of insight that writers of all description will find valuable." -- Dean Cappello, Senior Vice President of Programming/Chief Creative Officer, WNYC New York Public Radio

"Writing for radio is a distinct, difficult and gratifying form of communication. As my editor at Studio 360, David Krasnow dramatically improved my writing, and I know he's done the same for the hundreds of incredibly eclectic contributors to his show." -- Matt Holzman, Producer, NPR's The Business; Host, Matt's Movies, KCRW Santa Monica

"David Krasnow's father doesn't own a radio station. He pitched a story to 360 and got an assignment. And that is the way he teaches--with the idea that the people taking his class have good ideas that they will turn into stories for radio. Then he tells you the best way to do it. This is an excellent way to start processing and learning how to write for radio." -- Kate McLeod

"David Krasnow opened a door to a new world of communication offering insights from his own personal journey from the traditional print world to a colorful and enticing world of storytelling for radio. While he was very blunt about some of the realities of the industry, his truthfulness was refreshing and his humor made it easy to digest. It was an enjoyable and energizing presentation." -- MaryLynn Schiavi

"David Krasnow was great! Engaging, knowledgable, excited about his job and his show. It was great and even though I have some experience working in radio I learned a lot from David. It was also good to feel his enthusiasm about the medium; helped me get excited about the field again." --Marley Magaziner

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