[Imc-newsroom] FYI: Upcoming shows/production schedule for Making Contact - seeking pitches

Tue Feb 26 12:27:51 CST 2002

If you're interested in getting paid cash-dollars for media production (as
well as garnering fame and national reknown (at least in some circles)),
check this out:

***

Hi Everyone!

It's been a while since you have heard from us. Some of you may be
hearing from us for the first time. Free Speech Radio News thought many
people who work with them would like to be on this list. For anyone who
would like to be removed from it, please just write back to the return
address on this msg.

We have launched a new weekly program called "Beyond Headlines," which
is airing currently on about 20 stations that we know of. Please check
it out. It's on our web site as well. It is more timely and oriented
toward issues concerning the war on terrorism. Right now, we do not have
a freelancer budget for Beyond Headlines, but if that changes, we will
definitely let you know.

As it is, Stephanie Welch and Shereen Meraji are co-producing Making
Contact. We have attached the current production schedule (subject to
changes, of course). Please send any pitches you have as producers. And
for everyone else who receives this who isn't a producer, please offer
any suggestions, contacts, etc that you would like to send.

The deadlines are quite rigid and some of these shows are already in the
works, so the sooner the better. If you have never worked with us,
please send a sample of your work and other contact information. If you
received an extra version of this, let us konw. Of a preferred email
address.  I have also attached submission guidelines, recording tips and
equipment suggestions, which can also be found on our web site.  Please
send any questions you have or if you need clarification about any
details of the schedule.

As usual, we accept pitches for shows that aren't on the schedule. So
offer those at any time. Also, please consult our guidelines and follow
them as best you can when pitching.

Thanks so much. Hope you are all doing well. And thanks to all of you
for your continued support of the National Radio Project!

Best wishes,

Stephanie Welch and Shereen Meraji
_______________________________________
Making Contact Production Schedule
Uplink dates: April 10 - May 2002 and beyond...

April 10: Toxic Cover-Ups

Deadline for freelance submission: March 6

Chemical companies and other industries that produce toxic waste pollute
air, water and soil all over the world. How are communities living
closest to these facilities affected by this waste? Are they aware of
the dangers? Terrorism concerns have made it nearly impossible to obtain
basic information about the threat of chemical accidents. On this
program, we take a look at communities most affected by toxic pollution
and what they are doing to confront the companies responsible.

April 17: Food Security

Deadline for freelance submission: March 13

A look at how food security for many people around the world is affected
more by distribution and economic policies than on a lack of food. A
focus also on how food "aid" to needy countries often disrupts their
national economic systems when the aid is already a basic staple grown
by local farmers.

April 24: Right Wing Movements in the U.S.

Deadline for freelance submission: March 20

The day before Christmas last year, the Washington Post declared that
George W. Bush was the defacto leader of the Christian Right. Gary
Bauer, a leading conservative, was quoted in the article as saying that
Pat Robertson's resignation in December as president of the Christian
Coalition was particularly apt because "the position's already been
filled" by Bush. The far right has been off the radar screen for some
time, but there are many critical issues that need to be raised: How
strong are anti-abortion forces? Have the right-wing militias gained
strength under the Bush presidency? Why haven't there been questions
raised about right-wing militias in light of the recent anthrax attacks?
What is the agenda that is being enacted now?

May 1: Env'l Impacts of War

Deadline for freelance submission: March 27

This show looks at the environmental repercussions of war: preparing for
war, the immediate effects, and the aftermath of war. As war becomes
increasingly technologically advanced, the impacts on the environment
become longer-lasting.

Here are other upcoming programs for which we are seeking pitches.
Deadline for freelance submission for all shows: April 10

Alternative Economic Visions

This show will explore economic theories and practices that transcend
and look beyond capitalism. We take a look at groups that are currently
using alternative models in businesses and collectives to demonstrate
that it not only can be done, but is being done now.

Privatization of Services

A look at the privatization of services globally. A focus on the General
Agreement on Trades in Services, where it stands and how it will affect
services such as health care, electricity, water etc. Some big
development projects such as dams will be looked at specifically.
Segment on South Africa in the works. Need one good segment looking at
GATS, domestically and internationally. Other pitches welcome.

U.S., the United Nations and Human Rights

A look at current cases being reviewed by the U.N. Human Rights
Committee, including Leonard Peltier case, abuses at Pelican Bay, and
Food Not Bombs case. Discusses U.N. criticisms of U.S. for racism,
poverty in the midst of plenty, police brutality esp against people of
color, sanctions against Cuba, the rights of indigenous peoples and
others. Current situation with prisoners of war and secret courts also
considered. Includes Chirac's scathing criticism of the United States in
his address to UN.

Palestinian Resistance

What does the Palestinian solidarity movement look like after September
11 in the United States and abroad? Who's organizing and what are the
recent campaigns, including divestment, etc.?

USAID

USAID funds hundreds of projects around the world, many of which have
been complete failures in terms of the stated goals and in how they
mostly benefit multinational corporations and private sector at the
expense of locally affected populations. The majority of USAID projects
occur in poor countries  and countries which have recently experienced
war. They are able to take advantage of the lack of infrastructure and
governmental oversight to establish themselves and promote free trade
policies within the fledgling governments. We are seeking segments on
specific USAID projects around the world, as well as a focused segment
on the program itself, its history and reputation.

Waste

This is a show focused on municipal waste. On this planet, there is no
"away." Only about 30% of the country's household waste is recycled.
What happens to the rest? What about the level of production and
consumption in the U.S. in general? Who is responsible for it? Have they
really found a safe way "to get rid of" it? Who is benefitting from the
current system? On this program, we look at what many view as a
technical fix to a social problem. It will also look at some solutions.
Would love a segment that rides along with a garbage truck on its route
from home to dump, incinerator etc. Also one on Zero Waste, which is
being pioneered in places like Halifax, Canada and Cairo, Egypt.

Congo

This show takes a look at the current situation in the DRC. The fragile
peace process, U.S. corporate involvement, and UN involvement. We have
some tape on the history of colonialism in the country, so we are
seeking current stories. The voices of Congolese people is key.
_________________________________________________
Making Contact Submission Guidelines (May 2001-May 2002)

Making Contact adheres to the highest standards. Please follow the
guidelines carefully:
1. Record on digital format or cassette tape (high bias preferred)
2. If available, choose Dolby setting when recording
3. Use professional microphone and tape machine
4. Please clearly label recordings and accompanying material
5. Meticulous recording habits are appreciated
6. Narration should be conversational, not glossy or heroic
7. Please submit contact information for interviewees (address, phone,
email, etc.)

Editorial process:
1. Get story approval and deadline
2. Submit script and recorded segments
3. Discuss any changes or re-writes
4. Record and edit narration
5. Submit final edit and script
6. Final mix conducted at the National Radio Project

The National Radio Project pays $175 for edited segments 7 to 10 minutes
in length.  $150 for 5 to 6 minutes.  Other lengths, terms discussed.
Kill fee $25.  We also consider unedited recordings of interviews,
speeches and events.  Rates vary.  A production of the National Radio
Project, Making Contact is a half-hour weekly public affairs program
that  broadcasts on 165 community and public radio stations in the
United States, including 18 in Canada and 2 in South Africa.  MPEG and
RealAudio on the internet.  Short-wave: Radio for Peace International

To pitch a story for Making Contact, please write a two paragraph
description, including potential interviewees.  Keep in mind that Making
Contact is not a "news" program and focuses primarily on political
trends.  As a general rule, stories must avoid time-dating and should be
relevant up to six months after broadcast.  Before pitching a story,
please be familiar with the mission of the National Radio Project: To
heighten public consciousness, broaden public debate on critical social
issues, and encourage civic participation by giving voice to diverse
perspectives and opinions not often heard in the mass media.

In making your pitch, please consider the following questions:
* Does the story relate public interests to governmental policies and
corporate priorities? * Does the story give listeners a historical,
political, or social context of major national and international events?
* Does the story shed light on social and economic inequities? * Does
the story link grassroots issues to national or international trends?

Submit pitches by email, fax or mail to co-producer Stephanie Welch.
Pitches received by Monday will be reviewed and responded to by the
following Thursday. phone: (510) 251-1332, swelch at radioproject.org

_______________________________________________________

Recording Tips

* Be sure interviewee is "on mic." Microphone should be pointing
directly at the speaker's mouth from about six-inches away.

* Avoid P-pops and sibilance. Listen carefully as you're recording and
adjust mic position if the speaker is popping their P's or hissing their
S's. Try pointing your microphone slightly off to the side of the
speaker's mouth to avoid catching air blasts from P's and S's.

* Avoid "microphone rustling." Recordist should keep his/her mic hand
steady. Any movement of the microphone or the mic cable is likely to be
picked up on the recording.

* Watch your levels. Recording levels should be strong, but not hot.
Stay away from "the red." Also, avoid weak levels. Always monitor
recording levels during interviews and adjust as necessary.

* Avoid hums and buzzes. Sometimes fluorescent lights or ungrounded
electric outlets can introduce hums and/or buzzes in a recording. Try
turning out the lights, changing outlets, or finding another room. Hums
and buzzes may also be introduced when plugged into other audio
equipment, such as a mixing board or a mult-box. Look for loose cables
or un-grounded equipment. Sometimes, another recording device plugged
into the same system that's in pause can cause a hum. If unsure of
recording conditions, make a test recording one-minute or so in length
and listen to the playback carefully.

* Do not record on recycled reel-to-reel tape or on unerased cassettes,
mini-disks, or DATs.

* If recording sound elements, or ambiance, be sure to record for at
least one-minute without an interruptions. In general, recording at
least 30-seconds of "room tone" before all interviews can be helpful
during editing.

Note: A list of audio recording tips can be found at the Radio College:
westernpublicradio.org/rc/tips.html
<http://www.westernpublicradio.org/rc/tips.html>

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Suggested Equipment

There are many brands and models of professional recording equipment.
Below is a list of professional field recording equipment we use and
recommend at NRP. This is not a comprehensive list, but a list of
suggestions if you're looking to purchase field recording equipment, or
if you need a benchmark by which to gauge the equipment you're currently
using.

Microphones:

*

* Shure VP-64
* Shure BG 3.1
* Sony ECM-30
* ElectroVoice 635 A/B

Recorders:

* Sony portable mini-disk player/recorder models
* Sharp portable mini-disk player/recorder models
* Sony Walkman Pro cassette recorder
* Sony TCD-5M cassette recorder
* Marantz PMD 101 cassette recorder (or higher model)
* Sony TCD-D8 DAT

Notes on mini-disk recorders: Be sure to check on the availability of
replacements for the in-unit battery (typically a Lithium-Ion or
Nickel-Cadmium battery). Also, try to get a unit that has a manual
recording level option -- many do not.

If you are not sure that the equipment you are using is "professional,"
please call or email us.

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