Evaluation - Development from Preliminary and Final Extract.

After comparing the development in my skills regarding both the preliminary and main task. It is evident that my ability to research and plan has progressed significantly. My first advancement in skills is emphasized by my considerable development in terms of using the editing software (Adobe). This has enabled me to adapt a wider understanding of the technology available and has broadened my ability maximize the use of software. In addition, from the development of my preliminary task to my main task, there has been a dramatic improvement in my 'research and planning' skills. When undertaking my preliminary task, I did not take into account the importance of  research and planning my radio extract. This is the main factor of why my preliminary task does not sound as authentic and realistic as my main task. On the contrary, when comparing it to my main task, I successfully conducted detailed research and planning in order to ensure that my final task was as authentic and realistic as a real radio show. Moreover, my development  these two features has culminated with a more authentic and realistic radio show.



When I carried out my preliminary task, I was apprehensive with the technology and equipment required to create my media extract. This was mainly because I have very little experience  and knowledge with navigating my way around the necessary programs, this resulted in me not maximizing the potential use of the technology available. However, the completion of my preliminary task came at a benefit, as it provided me with enough experience and a sense of idea, of what will be required of me, when editing and recording my final radio product. After the completion of my final task, I was introduced with more complicated programs, providing different forms of 'Editing', such as 'Adobe'. From the confidence and experience I had learnt from my preliminary task, I compiled enough confidence to undertake more diverse programs, providing more ways in making my extract sound more authentic.

In addition, it is evident from the comparison of my preliminary task and main task, that my skills in 'research and planning' have improved dramatically. This 'dramatic' improvement is primary based on the completion of my preliminary task, as it allowed to to seek the area of the extract, which sounded most unrealistic, resulting to it sound less authentic. However, this came with a benefit to me when conducting the research and planning of my main task, as I knew which areas had to have more attention, in making the extract sound authentic and realistic.

Representation
News Story Research

There is a direct contrast in terms of my creativity when comparing certain aspects of preliminary task to my main task. The increase in knowledge and understanding of the software, resulted to me gaining enough confidence and enthusiasm, to create more complex and challenging adverts and news stories. My creativity can also be shown in my main task, as I included complex components, such as; vox-Pop's , outside broadcasts and correspondents, which all require me to edit and add related sounds in making the extracts sound realistic (Outside).

Below is an example taken from my preliminary task, of me not conducting the correct research - resulting to voice sound unrealistic.



Below I have attached two different clips from the same advert. This can show my development in terms of technology, as I recorded each voice separately and then through the use of Adobe, I merged them into one flowing audio clip.





Once I had finished the recording and editing of my preliminary task, it was clear that several elements of my extract needed to be improved. Therefore, I made a clear list of all the elements which were in need of improvement to ensure that I made them sound as realistic as possible in my final extract, these included:

• Selecting voices which are more relevant to the character at stake, to make the extract sound more authentic. 

• When writing my script, use more appropriate language, which is specific for the character. 

• Use a wider range of voices, which will make the extract sound more authentic. 

• Choose music which is most appropriate to my target audience.

• Use the editing software to its potential, this would enable me remove muttering, resulting in it sounding more authentic. 

Evaluation - Technology

After completing my preliminary Task I had very low confidence in using the technology and applying it to my radio extract. There were a number of different instruments I had to use in order to record and edit my extract. At first I was very unfamiliar with the layout of the editing software of Adobe Audition, However, after a lot of experience in using the equipment, it has led me to become very fluent and confident in recording, editing and adding sound effects to my media extract.

The main benefit I gained from completing my preliminary task, was gaining enough confidence and experience, to then go and create my main radio product. As a result of gaining the confidence from my preliminary task, it then allowed me to have a better understanding of what equipment I had and how I could then utilize the equipment, in making my radio sound more realistic and authentic.

When it came to recording my radio extract, I used a number of different pieces of equipment in order to record, edit and structure my radio extract. I used a 'Shure SM58' microphone to record both my preliminary task and the full main task. However, when it came to the editing of my preliminary task, I had noticed that some voices that I had recorded had 'popping' sounds, when recording. This resulted in the recording sounding less authentic and unrealistic. Therefore, in order to prevent this I used a 'Pop Filter', which is designed to prevent fast movement and 'Popping' sounds. Therefore, as a result of using a Pop filter, my radio extract sounds more authentic and realistic.

All the sound effects used in my preliminary and final task were from 'BBC sound effect library'. The BBC library allowed me search for relevant sound effects which I could then incorporate into my media product, making it sound more authentic and realistic. For example, when recording my News correspondents, I was able to search for street sounds, allowing my news correspondent to sound as if he was actually at the scene.



Adobe Multitrack enabled me to edit, clean up and overlap a number of different files, in order to make my finale edit sound like a continuous piece of recording. Adobe also enabled me to clean up all my recorded files. This meant that any mutters or interference's occurred during the recording, through the use of the editing software, I was able to remove the sounds.





The multi-track feature on the 'Adobe editing software' meant that I was able to layer a number of different audio files and then mix them in a way which allows music, sound effects, dialog to be heard at the same time and appear to the listener to be recorded seamlessly. The 'multi-track' feature was also useful when creating my News stories, adverts and Jingles, as it allowed me have different layers, where I could insert a number or different files, after editing each audio track individually.











Throughout the recording of all my voices I systematically labeled each file, in order to make it easier to assess the files I wanted, when mixing and editing my audio files. I then created separate folders for my News Stories, Adverts, and the final mixes of each separate element.

Evaluation - Target Audience

The target audience of my radio show (media product) is directed mostly to women between the years of 18-35/40. The priority of my radio station is to meet the needs and wants of my target audience, if i'm not successful in meeting these needs, then my station will not be appealing to my target audience.

Questionnaire

Results from my questionnaire (primary research) indicate that in terms of gender more women are attuned to the gossip, scandal and genre of music, presented on Capital when compared to men. I feel that my station caters to women, due to representation, adverts and choice of music.





However, as well as my radio show appealing to the female sector, males are still likely to tune in to Urban City FM if they enjoy the music that is being played. Regarding age, my target audience  are between the years of 18 to 35/40. One may argue that this target audience is too broad and filled with diverse wants and needs from the audience. Nevertheless, this is not the case; despite the fact my audience could be considered 'too broad', this is not the case, as my target audience share similar needs and wants, which are provided by my radio extract.

After a lot of research on my target audience, it occurred to me that the best time to play my media show would be during the morning, this is because most of my listeners would be on their way to work, school or dropping their kids to school and listening to the radio on the go.

When I carried out the research regarding my target audience, I ensured that both my adverts are directed to my target audience, in order to ensure a direct link between my target audience and 'Urban City FM'. As a result of linking both of my adverts to females, I was to tackle both sectors of my target audience, which is teenage girls and mothers. 

However, when it came recording, it was essential to include both male and female presenter for my news stories as well as young and old people throughout my radio extract. This gave me a variety of different tones to work with, when it came to the final editing of my extract. In addition, working with a variety of different age groups and voices it allowed me to become more familiar and experienced with the technology. This was because when it came to the editing, different voices needed different elements changed to them. For example, when it came to recording young people I was more likely to have to lower their voice on Adobe, then I would have too, when recording older people. 

I put a lot of thought and consideration in choosing the best voices, for all parts in my media extract. The most significant role in my final product is the news presenter. The role of a news presenter is an essential factor of the success of any radio station, as he/she, sets the mood for the audience. A news presenter who is boring and dis-engaged from the audience, will result to a board and dis-engaged audience. However, an energetic and vibrant presenter, will lead to a alert and fully engaged audience. Therefore, selecting a news present was a significant factor in ensuring that my audience will remain full engaged and that my present remains relevant to the audience. I also made sure that the news stories I chose were relevant not just to the gender of my audience but also to an audience living in London - as you can hear each of my stories has some relevance to London.

Below, I have attached two voice clips, which are examples of how my radio extract incorporated diverse age groups as well as different genders (Men and women). 

Evaluation - Institutions

When I first thought of who my target audience could be, I knew it would be in-between, Capital (Radio station) and Heat (Magazine). This would allow my radio station to have the same foundation as Capital, however, incorporate the gossip and celebrity scandal of Heat magazine. Both Capital and Heat have more or less the same target audience, which is women aged between 18-35 and both play modern music.

Capital is a commercial radio station, which is funded by adverts. This is the main and largest way in which the commercial radio station gain capital. I did a bit of research in who owns the station, and found out that it is own by both, 'Global Group' and 'Communicorp'. Both these business, own a chain of variety of different radio stations.

Just like Capital, my radio station is going to be a commercial radio station. I will be broadcasting adverts that are most relevant to my target audience. This would be both useful to the company I am advertising and to my target audience, as it would be something that is most relevant to them.

Below, I have attached my show Jingle which will be used to broadcast my show and to clearly establish what type of station mine is.

Evaluation - Representation

How does your media production represent particular social groups?

Throughout my research and planning for my Radio production 'representation' has a been a key feature, as I made different choices with which voice sounded best for the particular part.

Representation - Choosing Voices

In the process of writing my script a lot of ideas regarding representation came into mind, I collected all these ideas by writing them down on a separate piece of paper and formed a separate set of notes, focused on representation. After my script was complete, with the help of my notes on representation, I gave a lot of thought of which voice is best suited for the particular part. It was essential that select the appropriate characters for each individual part, in order to make my extract sound as authentic and realistic as real radio. Therefore, in order to ensure suitable character were selected (as part of my research and planning), I created a table of who is most suitable for each part of my extract and why they are most suitable. By carrying out this research and planning, it has ensured that the most suitable actors are selected for my radio extract, making it sound more authentic and realistic.

When I set out in trying to find the most suitable Radio show presenter I had a very particular idea of who I wanted to play the role. I wanted a male voice, a very friendly and warm voice, which is easy for my target audience to listen too. I selected Jon (My Teacher) to play the role of my radio presenter as he has a lot of experience in the radio industry and also has all the characteristics I am looking for as a radio presenter.



After selecting my show presenter, I thought that the next essential character of my radio extract is my News presenter. When I thought about what type of presenter I wanted to present my News stories, I wanted the presenter to be Female, due to the softer tone of voice - I thought that a female news reader would appeal to my predominantly female audience. This is why I chose Louise to my my News presenter. Louise has a lot of experience in acting and is excellent at putting on accents (I was able to use her more than once in the show as a result of this). Louise has a smooth tone but still keeps a serious tone to her voice.



I then had to think about someone to be the the voice of my Station Jingle and News Jingle. After some thought I chose Alex (My Teacher), as I found that he has a professional tone to his voice, and is able to ensure that the Jingles sound authentic and realistic.



When making my adverts, I once again had to ensure that the characters chosen also were perfect in making my adverts sound authentic and realistic. For my 'Diamond  Drive' advert I had to ask two friends of mine to play the roles of two teenage girls. This was because I wanted this specific advert to be directed at one of the segments of my target audience, that is teenage girls. Therefore, by selecting two teenage girls, it would help direct the advert to my target audience. By choosing two teenage girls to play the role, it would make my advert sound more authentic and realistic, compared to making a middle age women put on a Teenager's voice.



In the research and planing of my 'Starbucks' advert I had to ensure that the representation of Loiuse, who played the role of busy House wife, had to be perfect, in order to make it sound as authentic and realistic as possible. Louise was perfect for this advert, as she was perfect in changing her tone of voice in making it sound more urgent towards the end, in order to make the end result, 'Starbucks', the key feature of the advert. You can really hear her getting more stressed as the day wears on.



However, when it came to the research and planning of my Vox-Pop's I took a different, yet effective approach. The main use of a Vox-Pop is gather the views and opinions of the general public. Therefore, in order to make my Vox-Pops as authentic and realistic as I could, I did not put as much stress into choosing characters, as they are representing a member of the general public. However, this did not mean I put less time and effort in making sure my Vox-Pop's sounded good, in my opinion they were harder to recorded as people had to sound more relaxed and natural.



Due to all the research and planning I carried out on my voices, it took me a long time to find people to be in my radio. I mostly preferred to use adult and teachers, as they had a more mature and experienced voice, and were able to adapt their voice, in order to fit it in to my extract. Nevertheless, I still used teenager's, as some adverts and news stories were targeted at that specific age group.

Evaluation - Conventions

In what way does your media production (Radio Extract) use, develop or challenge forms & conventions of real media products?

When carrying out my preliminary task, I took it upon myself to listen and analyse a range of different Radio shows and stations, in order to gain a stronger understanding of what Radio should sound like.

Analysis of Kiss FM - Breakfast Show
Analysis of Magic FM - Drivetime Show

By carrying this out it enabled me to produce a more authentic and realistic style of radio. When carrying out my research, it became clear that every Radio station has their own, Radio shows, Radio Schedules and especially their own target audience - which offers the specific target audience different services, needs and wants. The radio stations I have compared includeCapital and Heart, alongside any I thought are most relevant to my own target audience.

Target Audience - Analysing Websites
Target Audience - OFCOM

In the development of my Radio product, much research and planning was undertaken. One of the main focus points was the understanding of Radio Conventions and their uses. All areas of my final script incorporates the research gathered from relevant stations, such as Capital and Heart, but also Magic and various BBC Radio stations. As a result of analysing these existing radio stations, it has enabled me to see, the effect of conventions and where the uses of conventions are most needed.

News Stories, News Values and the 5Ws
Conventions of News Bulletins
Representation

My research and planning has been the main source of inspiration in creating my ideas and development of my News Jingles, My News stories and my Adverts. These elements of my final script are similar to existing radio, as I have used key features from real radio and highlighted the effect they have to their target audience.

My Final Script

Every radio station contained similar features (For example, Genre of music), some more then others, however, the similarity's depends on the station's 'Target audience. I used music that was appropriate for my genre and that I thought would appeal to my audience, just as I had heard on existing stations - often with the show presenter introducing the song, or mentioning it after it had finished.



Before I created all the News stories and Adverts in my Media product, I did a lot of listening to existing Radio News bulletins. One of the things I had learnt from listening to a lot of radio is that the News is on every hour, on the hour (For most stations). Most stations contain at least 3 to 4 News stories and 2 to 3 adverts. Most stations I had listened too had background music during the News, that was very serious. This was beneficial for me as I was able to do the same when creating my News stories and Adverts.




The first time I set out to create my adverts, I focused both of them at women. However, after listening to a lot of existing radio and analysis, it became clear to me, that although my target audience is women, I have different segments of different age women, that come within my target audience. For example, my radio station is targeting female teens and middle-aged mothers. As a result of this analysis, I set out by creating two adverts, one directed at female teens & the other at female mothers.



Through the use of conventions the way in which my News stories are reported have become more diversified, by illustrating and elaborating on certain areas. These conventions include; Correspondent, Voxpops, Soundbites, Outside Broadcast, Experts/ Guests and Archive Clips. As a result of including a variety of theses factors across my News stories, it has made my stories more authentic and realistic. 
For example, when looking at my 'Murder' story I have used a variety of different conventions, such as, Outside broadcast and Vox-Pop's. By having a variety of different conventions it has left me with a more realistic and authentic piece of radio. This is done by the conventions making the story sound more urgent and important as Michael Miller (The Correspondent) is at the scene (I changed the voice from a male to a female when it came to record, as I was let down by one of my actors).




I also include a number of jingles in my show as this was a convention I found on every radio station that I listened to. The conventions of jingles that I included in my station jingle were a dominating powerful voice, the name of the station, the station's frequency, a slogan that indicated the genre of the show and the type of music played, music, impact sounds and effects on the voice that I used.

Urban City FM - 105.4. London's Smoothest Grooves - Finished Show

Attached is my final Radio production completed.
Enjoy!