Create an annotated radio diary. Record (or download), describe and analyse two radio news bulletins and two radio current aairs shows. Choose news bulletins and current aairs shows that are broadcast on the same day if possible, but at least in the same week. Suitable current aairs programs would be, for example, AM, PM or The World Today on ABC Radio National. Prepare a written commentary (approximately 400 words for each recording), describing its content brie‑yand analysing its approach to the news and issues of the day. Apart from the content, also note the following:
• the order in which stories were placed
• whether stories used actuality, voiceover and/or natsound
• how the current aairs related to the news agenda of that week
• how the news stories diered in structure from the current aairs pieces (it will be helpful to note the length of each item as a possible distinguishing characteristic)
• whether there were any ‘soft’ or ‘light’ items featured, and, if so, where in the bulletin or show?
Also note if there was anything that you would have done dierently had you been responsible for putting these programs together. Listen critically and write about what you think of the voices of the news reader/presenter and the reporters—do they have clear and eective radio voices? Note any other issues that you feel apply to your selection of news and current aairs.