KPFT Notes

A little something for volunteers developing programming, courtesy of PRPD. This tipsheet focuses on drawing out core values in programming…

What is the purpose of the program?

Selecting and Shaping Content

· Is the topic right for your program and its (target) core listeners?

· What makes it appropriate for the show?

· What is the central purpose of the proposed topic?

· What is the essential story to be told?

· What are the “chapters” to be covered

· What questions will best shape and advance the discussion of the topic?

· What is the segment’s internal narrative structure – how will we tell the story?

· What information/research do we need to tell the story in a distinct way?

Shaping Content’s Local Service and “Sense of Place”

· What special/unique meaning does this topic have in our community?

· How does it interconnect our community with our nation, our world?

· Has it happened here before?

· Has it happened elsewhere?

· Is it part of a pattern?

· What is the cause?

· What is the effect/impact?

Selecting and Shaping Talent

· Are they curious? Are they eager to learn something new?

· Do they embody the purpose and goals of the program?

· Do they live the content? Do they do their homework?

· Are they engaged with public life and culture?

· Do they speak with and to listeners (not at them)? Do they connect?

· Do they respect the intelligence of the audience?

· Do they write well? Do they express themselves clearly and articulately?

· Are they genuinely interesting, someone you want to spend time with?

· Are they solution-oriented?

· Are they willing to let the content/the guest be the star?

· Can they be prepared but also listen to/respond to what the guest says?

· Is your format designed to bring out their best and hide their worst?

Selecting and Shaping Craft

· Interview: Who would be the best/most appropriate and articulate guest(s)?

· Call-in: What is the question for the listener?

· Commentary: Is there a point/opinion an “outside” voice can best make?

· Texture: Vox pops, movie clips, actualities, ambience, music

· Feature Piece: Will a setup piece help tell the story/frame the discussion?

· Reporter debriefing: Is there someone who can help set up the issue/topic?

Other Questions to ask:

· How can we promote this on the air both pre-show and during the show?

· Can we add value for listeners via our website?

· And finally…how do we sound? Are we sounding as good as we can?

The KPFT news office is now locked at night. Vanished equipment, inappropriate computer use and discovery of questionable items were the main reasons for this security change. I am sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

If you are coming up late at night for station business, please be as prepared as you can. If you are using production time, sign up a week beforehand, for example. Remember that people at the board may be new or are concerned for their safety, and they have the right to ask questions. No offense is intended.

If you are here late at night and someone you do not know comes to the door and you’re not comfortable letting them in the building (or their explanation for being there does not wash), you do not have to let them in. The instructions for using the white call box in the studio are posted in the studio. Politely give them my number (posted on the same page as the call box instructions) and instruct them to call me. If they want to get in, they’ll find a means to call me, either by mobile or at a pay phone at Walgreen’s. If I know who they are (and I usually will), I’ll call you back on the red phone (yellow light blinks, pick up red phone) and let you know if they’re okay.

People are permitted late-night entrance to the building for station business pertaining to programming. If someone says they’re here to do production, check the clipboard by the engineering room to confirm such. A person coming by on weekends or late nights to check email, surf the web or make calls does not qualify as station business, though they can call me and explain. I’ll be happy to call you on the red phone to clear them if it’s okay.

Our front door has taken some damage that has come from people leaning back with their weight and forcing the door open. Those who damage property in this fashion should be asked to leave and not return. Damaging KPFT property purposefully is not acceptable, fixing it costs listeners money, and doing something like yanking the door until it gives way is frankly foolish. I believe we’re pretty much in agreement about this.

If you are at KPFT when the door is locked, do not prop open the door or close it in a manner that leaves it open. I have seen this more often than not, and I’d prefer not to come down on anyone, but it’s a simple request people keep ignoring.

Gracie Allen Awards
Foundation of American Women in Radio and Television
Entry fees $40-165. Honors programming by women, for women or aboutwomen, as well as individuals who have made exemplary contributions tothe industry. Both national and local categories.
Deadline: December 23, 2005
Period of Coverage: Dec. 1 – Nov. 30
Award: Statute
Contact:
Melissa Lowe
American Women in Radio and Television
8405 Greensboro Dr., Ste. 800
McLean, VA 22102
(703) 506-3290 x3279
(703) 506-3266/Fax
http://www.awrt.org/awards/gracie_allen.html
info@awrt.org

Gracie Allen Awards
Foundation of American Women in Radio and Television
Entry fees $40-165. Honors programming by women, for women or aboutwomen, as well as individuals who have made exemplary contributions tothe industry. Both national and local categories.
Deadline: December 23, 2005
Period of Coverage: Dec. 1 – Nov. 30
Award: Statute
Contact:
Melissa Lowe
American Women in Radio and Television
8405 Greensboro Dr., Ste. 800
McLean, VA 22102
(703) 506-3290 x3279
(703) 506-3266/Fax
http://www.awrt.org/awards/gracie_allen.html
info@awrt.org