Universitat Internacional de Catalunya

The Language of Radio

The Language of Radio
3
16235
4
First semester
OB
Main language of instruction: Catalan

Other languages of instruction: English, Spanish,

Introduction

In this course, we will review linguistic aspects of the English language in the digital environment, the challenges and opportunities that this entails for the development of journalistic practice, and we will focus on audio and the use of the podcast as a journalistic tool in different fields (journalism informative, investigative, reports, etc.).

Pre-course requirements

None. 

Objectives

  • To familiarize students with different issues in modern media that directly affect journalists  

  • To enable them to competently engage in public and private conversations with journalists and subjects of journalistic interest around the globe. 

  • The ultimate goal is for them to be able to confidently report and cover news and work for a news organization anywhere in the world.

Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme

  • CN05 - Define concepts and specialised journalistic terminology in English.
  • CP01 - Work effectively in professional journalism teams, adapting to multidisciplinary and changing environments.
  • CP02 - Apply professional ethical principles and standards of academic rigour in journalism, recognising the current legal and ethical framework and respecting the fundamental right to equality between women and men, promoting human rights, a culture of peace and democratic values, including the use of inclusive, non-discriminatory and stereotype-free language.
  • CP03 - Analyse audiences within the digital media ecosystem in order to develop content for diverse audiences.
  • CP05 - Critically analyse national and international journalism in order to assess its influence on public opinion and current affairs.
  • CP06 - Produce innovative, multi-platform journalistic content using narrative techniques and approaches specific to each medium and format.
  • CP07 - Create innovative multimedia products by integrating graphic design, emerging technologies and elements of digital culture to communicate information in an engaging and accessible way across all devices.
  • HB01 - Interpret relevant data obtained from a variety of sources.
  • HB02 - Present and defend journalistic projects orally and in writing in Catalan, Spanish and English.
  • HB03 - Transform information into engaging and aesthetically effective messages.
  • HB04 - Use a range of media research and documentation resources.

Learning outcomes of the subject

Students will be able to:

  1. To develop creativity in order to devise innovative journalistic products.

  2. To communicate information and their own ideas persuasively, both orally and in writing.

  3. To identify different journalistic genres and formats, applying the appropriate linguistic style in each case and developing a distinctive expressive style.

  4. To master verbal and body language in front of a camera, before an audience or in a public-speaking setting, applying professional presentation techniques to make an impact through their communication.

  5. To recognise the functions and stylistic characteristics of journalistic language.

  6. To devise concise and persuasive headlines that summarise content while exploring the subject in depth.

  7. To develop the skills required to write texts on any subject in a professional newsroom, using different forms of language and cultivating a personal expressive style and independent opinions.

  8. To master verbal and non-verbal communication techniques for live broadcasts, managing unexpected situations and collaborating effectively with the production team to engage the audience and ensure that information is communicated clearly.

  9. To apply different advertising formats across various media, developing copywriting skills to produce persuasive texts, evaluating the most appropriate advertising approach for each client and product, and ensuring clarity, creativity and ethical standards in the creation of advertising campaigns.

  10. To master voice presentation techniques and vocal delivery, using sound resources effectively, structuring and presenting radio programmes across different genres, adopting a clear and dynamic style suited to the medium, and reflecting on the impact of radio language on audiences.

Syllabus

Topic 1: The digital environment and journalistic tools

Topic 2: The research process

Topic 3: The journalistic radio environment in English

Topic 4: The podcast

Bibliography and resources

Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/

Podbean : https://www.podbean.com/

Podomatic: https://www.podomatic.com/

Boling, K. S. (2019). True crime podcasting: Journalism, justice or entertainment? Radio Journal:International Studies in Broadcast &Amp; Audio Media, 17(2), 161–178. https://doi.org/10.1386/rjao_00003_1

Frary, M. (2017). Power to the podcast: Podcasting is bringing a whole new audience to radio and giving investigative journalism a boost. Plus, our handy guide to making your own podcasts. Index on Censorship, 46(3), 24–27. https://doi.org/10.1177/0306422017730789

Huntsberger, M., & Stavitsky, A. (2006). The New “Podagogy”: Incorporating Podcasting into Journalism Education. Journalism &Amp; Mass Communication Educator, 61(4), 397–410. https://doi.org/10.1177/107769580606100405

Journalism and media. Journalism and Media | Special Issue : The Rise of Podcast Journalism. (n.d.). Retrieved January 3, 2023, from https://www.mdpi.com/journal/journalmedia/special_issues/SQK59YH98X 

Lindgren, M. (2021). Intimacy and emotions in podcast journalism: A study of award-winning Australian and British podcasts. Journalism Practice, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1080/17512786.2021.1943497 

Martínez-Costa, M.-P., Amoedo-Casais, A., & Moreno-Moreno, E. (2022). The value of podcasts to journalism: Analysis of Digital Native Media Brands’ offerings, production and publishing in Spain. El Profesional De La Información, 31(5). https://doi.org/10.3145/epi.2022.sep.03 

Perdomo, G., & Rodrigues-Rouleau, P. (2021). Transparency as metajournalistic performance: The New York Times’ “Caliphate” podcast and new ways to claim journalistic authority. Journalism, 23(11), 2311–2327. https://doi.org/10.1177/1464884921997312 

Spotify (2021). Podcast Delivery Specification. Retrieved January 7, 2023, from https://bit.ly/3iosw0w