Summary of Sound Reporting: The NPR Guide to Audio Journalism and Production, by Jonathan Kern

Unleash your audio journalism skills with Jonathan Kern's 'Sound Reporting.' Learn storytelling, production techniques, and the NPR ethos!

Alright, folks, grab your microphones and let's dive into the world of audio journalism with Jonathan Kern's delightful manual, Sound Reporting: The NPR Guide to Audio Journalism and Production. This is a treasure trove for those who dream of becoming the next Bob Edwards or Terry Gross-because who doesn't want to sound suave while discussing serious topics over a mic, right?

So, what's this book about? Spoiler alert: it's not just about yelling "news!" into a recording device and calling it a day. Sound Reporting breaks down the essential elements of audio journalism into digestible nuggets, perfect for both rookies and seasoned pros hoping to polish their skills.

First off, Kern starts with the fundamentals of storytelling. He hints that you can't just report what's happening; you need to craft a narrative that gets your audience glued to their earbuds. He's all about the art of capturing the listener's attention. Think of it as a first date with your audience-if you don't engage them, they'll start scrolling through their social media instead.

Next, we dive into the technical wizardry of audio production. Kern explains the ins and outs of everything from recording techniques to editing magic-yes, even the moment when you accidentally recorded your cat meowing right in the middle of a serious interview. Don't worry, the cat can be edited out, but let's face it, it's still a nightmare in the moment.

Now, onto what makes this guide truly juicy: the NPR ethos. Kern provides a behind-the-scenes look at how National Public Radio crafts its programming. It's like having a VIP pass to the cool kids' table in journalism. Spoiler: the secret sauce is a combination of passion, ethical practices, and probably a whole lot of coffee.

Of course, no audio journalism guide would be complete without a few nuggets of wisdom about interviewing techniques. Kern lays down the law: it's not about firing off questions like a machine gun. Instead, slow down, listen, and let your guest's story unfold. Imagine inviting someone to your living room-nobody enjoys an interrogative police-style approach during tea, right?

Throughout the book, there are tons of real-life examples and anecdotes that make you feel like you're hanging out with a seasoned pro-the kind who's been around the block with their handy audio recorder and knows how to get the good stuff. Plus, for those worried about the ethical dilemmas of journalism (and who isn't?), Kern doesn't shy away from discussing the moral obligations that come with the mic, ensuring you remember that truth is sometimes stranger than fiction, and yes, it's your job to report it!

So if you've ever wanted to transform your audio setup from "home video" to "award-winning NPR podcast," or if you've just fancied learning about how to make compelling radio stories while snacking on some popcorn, Sound Reporting is your go-to guide. Just don't forget to practice your dramatic pauses; they're half the fun!

In short, Jonathan Kern serves up a delicious platter of audio journalism wisdom that's both practical and entertaining. Whether you're a budding reporter, a passionate podcaster, or someone who just wants to impress their friends by saying they "work in audio," this book is a must-have. Get ready to hit that record button-your future listeners depend on it!

Maddie Page

Classics, bestsellers, and guilty pleasures-none are safe from my sarcastic recaps. I turn heavy reads into lighthearted summaries you can actually enjoy. Warning: may cause random outbursts of laughter while pretending to study literature.