Pitches

Regarding FSRN, I intend to get in the habit of writing scripts for whatever audio I gather, enabling myself to condense, for example, 15-20 of audio to 3-5 min features.

Kelley Benjamin’s report seems to focus on creating for listeners vicarious experience. He describes the physical details of the encampment in his narration and involves logistical details such as the protesters getting meals, using restrooms, staying warm and dry. His report seems to focus on the question of what it’s like to be there. Neither his audio clips nor his narration involve him or his sources exploring in-depth questions.

I may want to try this what-it’s-like-to-be-there approach. Yet, on the other hand, the more abstract and in-depth inquiry approach I seem inclined toward might distinguish my reports from the work of some other journalists such as Kelley Benjamin.

I suspect going in-depth is not a problem keeping me from making more money as a reporter. Instead, my problem seems to be that I’m not proficient with the entirety of the process of (1) writing pitches; (2) gathering photos and audio material (3) writing scripts; and (4) putting that together into a 3-5 min feature and a 1500 word article that’s compelling to listeners and readers.

http://fsrn.org/audio/occupy-wall-street-encampment-organization-and-independent-media-take-hold/9227

I also need to work on organizing my written and audio reports thematically, interweaving quotes from multiple sources. I’ve allowed myself to get into the habit of posting single source articles, as well as audio reports that involve largely unedited material bookended by announcer intros and outtakes. The audio is more compelling when the ideas are condensed into a briskly paced mixture of reporter narrative and audio clips/quotes.

The shorter sentences with more basic vocabulary that radio scripts require (according to FSRN) can be used for written articles with some modifications.

I shouldn’t expect people to organize their thoughts, and then have me audio record them. Some might want to do that, but many if not most won’t. They expect me to do that work.

My pitch to FSRN would be this : what is going on with efforts to repeal SB-5 has national relevance in terms of fighting back against the ‘attacks on the poor, working and middle classes.’

It seems that regarding environmentalism, animal rights, labor issues, and other issues, it’s a good idea to find settings in Columbus, or other locations accessible to me, that are good examples for helping people get more involved with ‘movement building.’