Audio Academy: learn to create radio programmes and podcasts

  • The Generator Hub
  • October 21 - November 25
  • 18:30 - 20:30
  • From £175
Event Website

Join the team behind online radio station Devonstream over six Thursday evenings, in-person or online, to learn about different styles of audio content, and plan and produce your own short audio feature for broadcast or podcast.

The course will cover:
— Listening to (and analysing/critiquing) different styles of audio content
— Planning a feature
— Writing for radio
— Interview technique
— Recording equipment and techniques
— Editing software and techniques
— Packaging and supplying finished content
— Preparing for broadcast and podcast distribution

You’’ll learn about audio production techniques, with guidance on how to plan and produce your own projects. You’’ll receive hands-on recording and editing training, with suggestions for ways to distribute your finished work, either online as a podcast, or for broadcast on air.

The course will run from 18:30–20:30 on the following Thursdays:
— 21 October 2021
— 28 October 2021
— 4 November 2021
— 11 November 2021
— 18 November 2021
— 25 November 2021

You can choose to join the course in person in Exeter, or join online.

This course is ideal if you are:
— Interested in telling stories in new ways
— Involved in community and arts projects, looking to share what you do with a wider audience
— Interested in podcasting
— A local/community radio presenter or producer, looking to develop your output
— Looking to develop a career in radio

Previous learners have included:
— Community radio volunteers
— People creating their own podcasts
— Oral historians
— Artists, theatre producers and dramaturges exploring audio as a medium

No prior experience in radio/podcast production is necessary, just basic Mac or PC computer skills, including:
— Opening and saving files
— Using the copy, paste and undo features common to most software
— Transferring files between different devices

If you join the course in person, you’ll need to bring a laptop computer with you (don’t forget your charger!). If you join the course online you’ll need access to a desktop or laptop computer. We’ll be using Audacity, the freely-available editing software, so it’s worth checking that this can be installed on your computer before the course begins as we cannot provide IT support during the course itself. Contact us before booking if there’s anything you’re unsure of.

This course will be run from the Generator Hub, in a historic building by Exeter’s quayside. (Sadly the building does not have level access: if you have access requirements, please consider joining the course online, or contact us to discuss options for alternative bespoke training in a more suitable location.) If you join the course in person, refreshments will be available.

The course will be led by John Wigzell. John is an experienced trainer with over 20 years’ experience with creative technology. He has led one-to-one and group training sessions for various organisations, including workshops for young people at BBC Radio 1’s Academy when it visited Exeter in 2015. John will be joined by guest experts from the world of journalism, radio and podcasting.

After the course we’ll share links to comprehensive downloadable/printable online resources (notes, factsheets, etc) – which will be kept up-to-date.

We’re available on social media and email after the course for further support on the topics covered. Further bespoke training in more advanced aspects of the software can be booked – contact us for details.

This course is presented by Devonstream in association with the Generator Hub co-working space:
— Devonstream is an online radio station for Devon, celebrating content created in and about the county. It’s a project of Ear, Knows & Throat Limited, a not-for-profit audio production company based in Devon, specialising in community and arts content. Other Ear, Knows & Throat projects include Fish Out of Water, a radio play telling the story of a fishing industry pioneer from Sidmouth recorded with a community cast; and Tech Monthly, a series of radio programmes and podcasts exploring the technology industry in Exeter and beyond.
— The Generator Hub is an independent local co-working space that was created by Neil, Jim and Liz because they wanted it. They wanted a flexible work space where they would be inspired and motivated by other driven professionals from a range of industries that could create a foundation for collaboration and an organic support network in the Exeter area.