RFI - INTERNATIONAL TRAINING

JOURNALISM AND PRESENTING

INTERVIEW TECHNIQUES
The interview is one of the cornerstones of radio whether it is used for gathering information, or to create an atmosphere or a radio moment. There are no bad interviewees, just bad interviewers!
Some of the skills acquired in this training include defining the target of an interview, putting together a question strategy, putting the person you are talking to at their ease, and guiding them through the interview towards the goal whilst being aware of timing and technical requirements.

Target Group
techniquesJournalists and radio presenters who are looking to acquire or improve radio interviewing practices.

Training Goals

Learn or improve radio interview techniques.
Manage the interview.
Carry out a sensitive intervention.

Content

The rôle of the interviewer.
Different types of interviews and question strategies.
Interview Preparation: Knowledge of the subject, guest selection.
Putting together the interview: script preparation for the interview and the rules, the live interview, recorded, over the phone.
Managing a difficult interview.

Teaching method
The training is organised around practical work and theory.
Rôle play within work situations, practical exercises with evaluation in a group work setting.
Use of film technology to allow course members to self-evaluate within the situation and to correct their attitudes.

Materials used
Agency dispatches, Internet, press and archives.
Digital recorders and computers.
Cameras for video recording.

Duration 1-2 weeks.

TECHNIQUES OF RADIO REPORTING
Reporting is like the world bursting onto the radio, all of life with noise, smells and action. How do you set about finding this world and getting it on air, how to master the set-up and all the technical side, plan the reporting bearing in mind how it is to be used on the air, how to treat the report on your return so that it can be used in a news bulletin or a magazine programme. This module allows the participant to gain all of these skills.

Target Group
Journalists and magazine producers.

Training Goals

Knowledge of different kinds of radio reporting.
How to organise reporting around its content, bearing in mind its final purpose (the contacts, the angle, documentation).
How to master the technical aspects of reporting.
How to work on the ground.
Upon your return, how to put together the report.

Content

The importance of reporting on the radio.
The basics of radio reporting.
The different types of radio reporting.
The elements of reporting.
The Stages of a report.
Steps and precautions to take.
The content of a report.
Recording a report.
Building the report.
The basics of sound production.
The scripting of reports.
Production, listening, analysis and correction of some reports.

Teaching Method
Interactive method using theoretical supports and with shared experiences of the course participants.
Practical rôle plays.
Interviews and recordings are heard and critiqued in the group setting.

Materials used
Digital recording and production equipment.
Studio.

Duration 2 weeks.

WORK ON ELECTION COVERAGE
Election coverage is an important event in the life of a radio station. All available manpower and equipment is mobilised, and coverage can create popularity for the station or discredit it, and is always risky. These modules are intended to strengthen the skills of both the station and its journalists to provide responsable, professional and balanced election coverage. Depending on what is needed, on-site training for the whole production team can be provided, or more classically, sessions for journalists from a variety of stations. Working in real-life situations is central to the training. Our trainers are experts in the geographical areas concerned and their sociopolitical issues, with experience on the ground and working with teams during election periods.

Training Goals

To train managers in how to put together and produce a range of programmes for an election time.
To train journalists in how to balance news coverage during an election.
To help managers and journalists to plan strategies to manage political pressure.
To produce specific programmes (3 week module).

Teaching method
Where the budget allows we recommend that we relocate to your site, to enable us work with the whole editorial team on how the work is organised, editorial management, and how the programme range is put together.

Duration 2 to 3 weeks.

VOICE TRAINING
News itself is very important but if it is not well-delivered to air it is likely to bypass its targeted listener or viewer.

This workshop provides participants who are already radio and tv presenters with the vital elements of vocal techniques and voice work. It focuses on diction, breathing from the abdomen, relaxation techniques, concentration, balance, nerves, self-confidence, the importance of the image that you project, visualisation etc. We do not claim to create a dream voice; instead we make the journalist aware of his own voice and what can be done with it, to optimise on-air expression.

Target Group
Journalists, radio and tv presenters and reporters..

Training objectives

To become aware or your voice and what it can do.
To learn the techniques of vocal work.
To train your voice and use it to the benefit of the information conveyed.
To reach your audience..

Content

Vocal characteristics and their impact on the listener.
Breathing techniques.
Stress management and dealing with fear, nerves and emotions overall.
The level of the voice and its presence.
Articulation, diction and intonation.
Punctuation, accentuation and rhythm.
Recording, playback, analysis and correction of radio scripts.

Teaching Method
Pratical exercises, followed by critique sessions.

Materials used
Studio

Duration 1 week.

RADIO PRESENTING
The presenter has to make the listeners feel as if he is with them, alongside them about their daily business. He has to be dynamic with a smile, imaginative, reactive, know his subject intimately, and grasp all the elements of his chosen profession. The job is far from easy. Radio presenters were generally trained on the job, as journalism schools often relegated radio, compared to written journalism, to the second league. But with the opening up of the airwaves and the creation of many new stations, the need for training becomes ever more clear, to face up to the competition and to gain market share. Today if the presenter does not have training or the necessary skills, he can cause questions to be asked about the whole radio station. He remains more than ever the link between the production team and the listeners.

Target Audience
Radio Presenters.

Training Objectives

To understand the specifics and the different types of programmes for radio presentation.
Learning to write for radio presenting.
To learn how to use the voice.
To look at interactive ways of working with the listeners.
To learn the rules of interviewing and reporting for this kind of programme.
To understand the basics of broadcasting of presented radio programmes.

Content

Basic rules of radio programme presenting.
Defining the listener and selecting appropriate subjects.
Writing for radio presenting.
Placing the voice and adapting it to musical rhythms.
Techniques of interactivity with listeners.
Interviews and reports in presented programmes.
Musical programming.
Producing presented programmes.
Putting together your programme and prepare the presenter.
Rules and attitudes to follow up when broadcasting.
Production, listening, analysis and correction of some presented programmes.

Materials used
Studio.
Telephone Inserts.
Reporting recorders, analogue and digital.
Production software.
Course

Duration Between 1 and 4 weeks, depending on the level of the course participants.

PRESENTING INTERACTIVE PROGRAMMES
One of the best ways to gain listenership at a low cost is to enable listeners to express themselves live on air on their favourite subjects. But it is also one of the riskier radio options in terms of or political or legal sanctions, as well as the chances of things going off the rails. Despite these dangers new radio stations go for this sector regardless of the risks.
This module offers participants the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and know-how required to prepare and present programmes that invite their listeners onto the programme, in the studio or on the phone.

Target Group
Journalists and presenters.

Training Objectives

To grasp the risks and issues associated with this kind of programming.
To know how to select appropriate subjects for this kind of programme.
To know how to prepare an interactive programme.
To know which technical and human controls to put in place, in order to stay in control of an interactive programme.
To master the essentials of telephone interviewing.
To know how to control and keep phone comments on the right track.
To know how to manage both guests and listeners needs, on and off air.
To know how to deal with the unexpected, and the challenges of broadcasting live (how to interrupt or cut off a speaker, calm a listener down or a discussion, and how to end a broadcast piece...)

Teaching Method
Interactive method using theory and shared experience.
Role play and work in situ in the studio.
Interviews and recordings are listened to and evaluated in a group setting.

Materials used
Internet-connected computers
1 Studio equipped with an incoming telephone unit

Duration 2 weeks.

PRODUCING PROGRAMMING TO CREATE AWARENESS
When used correctly radio is a strong support to development, as well as a powerful tool in helping to change behaviour.
Consolidating partnerships with development and aid agencies is a vital element in the economic survival of radio stations. This module is intended for producers of programmes that create public awareness: battling against infectious diseases, environmental protection, minority rights and protection, underpinning democracy. All of these issues can be addressed by radio, and radio can be an important development tool. The module is also intended for NGO staff who wishes to master techniques of radio communication to support their actions on the ground. One of the goals is to reinforce collaboration between NGOs and radio stations.

Target Group
Radio journalists, presenters, producers and NGO staff.

Training Objectives

Identify the possibilities and the limits of radio to help change behaviour.
Identify effective formats to create awareness and to help change behaviour.
Know how to identify sources and obtain information related to the themes.
Identify and work together with the right organisations.
Identify the target audiences in relation to the subject and the target.
Know how to select subjects and programme angles.
Master interviewing and reporting techniques.
Know how to identify and formulate the essential message.
Know to approach and communicate with the target audience on the appropriate level.
Know how to produce an effective programme as regards change in behaviour.

Teaching Method
Interactive method with theoretical content.
Practical situational work.
Interviews and recordings are listened to and evaluated in group work. Themed news workdays can also be arranged.

Materials used
Internet connected multimedia computers.
Digital reporting devices.
Digital production software.
Radio studio.

Duration 2 weeks.

TECHNICAL

STUDIO OPERATION
This workshop allows technicians and sound operators to improve how they operate studios for broadcasting and radio production.
Partly theoretical, it deals with the basics of the analogue and digital equipment. Largely practical, it enables technicians to handle all of the equipment which make up the studios of today. While not claiming to train sound engineers, it enables everyone to make recordings and programmes of professional broadcast quality at their own pace.

Target Group
Technicians, technical directors

Training Objectives

Know the theoretical basics of analogue sound.
Understand and use digital sound tools.
Know how to create high quality sound in the studio.
Know how to use a sound desk and associated hardware.
Learn the techniques of live programme production

Content

Definition of sound elements of the range of analogue and digital sound.
Connectors and sending the signal
Microphone technology and sound recording techniques
Conversion of analogue signal to digital signal.
The choice of formats of compression and conversion
Using digital production software
Practical exercises, including mixing and mastering
Technical direction of a live programme.
Practical exercises in using the mixing desk and hardware.

Teaching Method
30 % theoretical teaching, against 70 % of practical exercises

Materials used
Analogue/digital studio, computer and digital sound software

Duration 10 days

TECHNIQUES OF EDITING AND MIXING OF A RADIO PRODUCTION
With the digitalisation of radio stations, particularly smaller-scale stations, it is vital for journalists and producers to be able to work alone.
This module enables participants to acquire the necessary knowledge and know-how to produce a programme using computer support. It includes transferring sound elements from external sources to the computer, being able to use different digital formats, using several types of production software, understanding digital signatures, and production for final mixing.

Target Group
Radio journalists, sound technicians.

Training Objectives

Know the different kinds of radio editing software
Computer-based sound editing.
Understand the basics of radio editing.
Be informed about the different kinds of radio editing ( text, interview, reporting)
Be informed about computer-based radio mixing.

Content

Editing and treatment of sound on the computer.
Identity and the rhythm of the edit
The basics of editing using sound effects.
The basics of editing using music.
The basics of mixing using a variety of sounds.
Carrying out, listen back, analysis and correction of exercises.

Teaching Method
Practical use of digital software.

Materials used
Each course participant has a work station equipped with digital editing applications..

Duration 2 weeks.

RADIO DESIGN: CREATE YOUR STATION’S OWN SOUND SIGNATURE
Create your station's sound signature to strengthen the image of the station.
A tune that is easily memorised, a known voice, a positive catchy slogan, a radio signature...
Every radio station needs to have an effective sound signature to survive and stand out from the growing competition.
In just the same way as with a visual identity radio needs to convey an effective, coherent sound identity.

Target Group
Producers – Technicians – Station managers

Training objectives
By the end of the course the participants will know how to put in place the basics of an original sound plan and will put together some elements of an original personalised sound signature.

Content

Put together an original sound plan.
Devise, create and develop the station image.
Offer a sound signature in a variety of forms.
Increase the station's visibility.
Show what makes the station different compared to the competition.
Make the programming positive and exciting.
Make the programme content more appealing and more accessible.
Radio signature- Image-flyers-adverts
Station programming-flyers.
Set up and and structure of a department responsible for radio image.

Materials used
Studio.
Editing software.

Duration 1 to 2 weeks.

PLANNING AND SETTING UP AN INTERNET SITE
Gain the knowledge and the skills necessary to plan, create and run a website, whether it be setting up or improvements to an existing site.

Target Group
Journalists, producers, technicians, station managers.

Training objectives
RFI’s international training will show you how to gain the knowledge and skills to conceive, set up and maintain a new website, or to improve an existing site.

Content

What’s at stake when creating a website
Key factors in success.
The risks
The phases of the project.
The lifespan of a site.
Methods and tools for creating a site.
Retouching images with Photoshop for the Web.
Converting and inserting sound into an Internet format.
Creating html pages with DreamWeaver (page set-up, style sheets, framing).
forms, links, tables, clips), managing a site, design, publication, promotion...

Materials used
DreamWeaver, Photoshop, audio and video editing.

Duration 1 to 2 weeks.

MANAGEMENT AND PLANNING

IMPROVING TEAM MANAGEMENT IN LOCAL RADIO
Managing involves leading a group of people in a given context, who must reach a common goal or goals, which fits with the overall objectives of an organisation and its members.
Being a manager is not something you are born with, which is why this module is made up of practical exercises : simulations of recorded situations, which are analysed on a theoretical basis around the dynamics of communication, the carrying out of tasks, and regulation.

Training objectives
Enable the manager to gain and develop the skills needed to put together, organise, run, regulate and improve the efficiency of a team. This is learned through: the ground rules of effective communication; developing relational skills; manager multi-skilling.

Target Group
Everyone who manages a radio team, directors or station chiefs, technical managers, senior editors.

Content

Role plays to develop the 8 elements of the manager’s work:
Organise, inform, produce, regulate, train, delegate, check, lead.
How to motivate your team bearing in mind the needs, behaviour, and skills of a variety of radio journalists.
Develop assertiveness skills (self-affirmation in respect of others) with role plays.
Discover your management style: Directive/persuasive/associative/delegating.
Identify and use the 4 cards of the manager and the four communication schemes which go with them.
Present and fixobjectives:
Formalising objectives.
Negociating the objectives.
Knowing how to delegate fairly.
Key phases in delegation.
Optimise how meetings are run.
Manage a one to one interview.

Teaching method
Role play with video recording, case studies and situational group work. Theoretical contributions are provided to back up group work and role play, preferably following evaluation.

Duration 10 days.

SETTING UP AND MANAGING A RADIO PROGRAMMING TIMETABLE
Following on from the liberalisation of the airwaves and the creation of many new radio stations, it is increasingly vital to be extremely precise when putting together and managing programming. Squaring up to the competition, keeping listeners happy, and to gaining a greater market share are all vital.
This course looks at the stages which are necessary to create successful programming, from initial ideas to final execution.

Target Group
Anyone working in radio who wishes to understand how programming is devised and managed.

Training objectives

Study the parameters which determine programming.
Understand a variety of audience research, and its importance in successful programming.
Learn to define the editorial line of a radio station.
Gain knowledge of the different categories of radio programmes.
Know how to define the station identity.
Know how to construct and manage a programming timetable.

Content

Definition of a programme timetable, the objectives, its means, and its relationship with other radio departments.
Planning rules of programme timetabling.
Definition of the objective, the editorial line, programme content, and the specifications.
Quantitative and qualitative research needed to create successful programming.
Programming strategies for generalist stations and specialist stations.
The role of new communication technology in programming.
The importance of an image in defining a station identity.
Basics in building a radio timetable.
Self-promotion- its importance in a radio station.
Planning programmes around specific events.
Managing programmes and relations with their managers- journalists, assistants, directors etc.
Practical work.
Study and analysis of programming timetables.

Duration One week.

POLLING AND MARKET RESEARCH
rfi has a long and rich experience in both quantitative and qualitative research, and carrying out regular audience polls, particularly in Africa, together with other international broadcasters.
rfi also possesses an audience database in a number of areas of radio.

rfi can contribute in the training of radio professionals in research and in relations with listeners by organising courses:

Considering and responding to questioning from partners around the role and place for research, how to create a research department etc.
Creating and improving methodologies and concepts of audience measurement (putting together questionnaires, how to use the results), and their applications (audience and competition analyses), as well as in programming and marketing.
Training participants in sales arguments, creating pricing ranges for sales and marketing managers.
Dedicated to audience relations: managing mail and internet groups. These courses focus on internet panels which enable users to carry out research at a minimal cost.

Target Group
Station managers /Programming – Journalists – Chief Editors, sales managers

Duration 1 week.

COACHING
As well as its classic training sessions, rfi international training can offer radio stations coaching support.
Management coaching, coaching the editing team or the technical department, we can help to work with a whole area of an organisation, bearing in mind the set up and the organisation chart, as well as the interactions between different trades and professions.

Coaching sessions are organised in three stages:

Audit and diagnostic.
Recommandations
Help putting in place the required changes.

Duration 10 days x 2 sessions minimum, follow up on what has been learnt in the first set of changes can not to be missed.

The coaches
rfi's international training team is in close contact with a team of experts from France and Africa who are specialists in coaching for commercial or community-based radio stations, especially in the areas of editorial and technical management.

COUNTRY STUDIES
On request the international training team of rfi can carry out assessments of stations or areas of radio.

Visits and assessments of stations, analysis of legal, economic and political situations, identification of issues and ways to strengthen the station. The data gathered is collated in report form, with recommendations for implementation.

Research has been carried out in:

South Africa, Madagascar, Senegal, Mali, Burkina, Benin, Cameroon, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Other training

These training sessions are generally carried out on the partners’ sites, within the professional context of the participants, so as to be as effective as possible.

Mastering health journalism: Know how to treat medical news and information to make it as accessible as possible.
Target audience: radio journalists who work on health and science issues.
Duration 2 weeks.

Mastering balanced coverage in crisis zones.
Target audience: Journalists, chief editors and directors of radio stations.
Duration 2 to 3 weeks.

The comment: Editorial, news, critic (cinema, arts, music, literature).
Target audience: This high level training session is intended for experienced radio journalists, but can also be taken by press journalists. It is targeted at chief editor level. A perfect level of written and spoken French is required for this training.
Duration 2 weeks.

Press releases on the radio.
Target audience: This high level training session is intended for experienced radio journalists.
A perfect level of written and spoken French is required for this training.
Duration 2 weeks.

Writing and presenting news.
Target audience: This training is intended for radio journalists with a minimum of 1 year’s experience.
Duration 2 weeks.

Mastering how to manage discussions and debates.
Target audience: This training is intended for journalists with a fair amount of broadcasting experience.
Duration 2 weeks.

Working on sports journalism.
Target audience: Radio sports journalists.
Duration To be arranged with the prospective participant

Reporting and radio interviewing.
Target audience: This training is intended for radio journalists with a minimum of 1 year’s experience.
Duration 2 weeks.

Mastering digital production and magazine presentation.
Target audience: Radio presenters or producers, even beginners.
Duration 2 weeks.

MADE TO MEASURE TRAINING
For the trainings that we call “made to measure”, international training studies all the requests it receives, so that we can set up a training programme which is well-suited to the participants ‘needs.