 Radio documentary is a factual, informative audio program that is broadcast over the air by radio stations or streamed on the internet.  Radio documentaries can include recorded interviews, debates, and statistics to be shared with listeners.  Both historical events and current issues can be discussed.  As with radio dramas, radio documentaries rely on audio techniques to engage the audience, allowing listeners to visualize what is being described.  Tone of voice, use of background music, and choice of sound effects are all very important in developing a quality radio documentary.

 ✓ Radio documentaries can be accessed by diverse populations. ✓ Radio documentaries offer a voice to both people and matters that might otherwise go unnoticed. ✓ Radio documentaries can be recorded as podcasts and posted on personal or group blogs for further discussion.podcasts

 x The cost of creating a radio documentary can be high, depending on how it is broadcast. x It can take a lot of time to put together a well- informed and well-balanced documentary. x There may be regulations at radio stations that prevent sensitive topics from being discussed.

 The procedure for developing a documentary to be broadcast through a radio station can vary depending on the station, the project budget, and the cultural sensitivities of the region.

 You'll need to come up with a unique and flexible idea for a documentary and create a basic outline. The topics covered must be appropriate for the desired audience.

 You'll need to make a list of materials and equipment necessary for recording (portable microphones for capturing sound effects, stationary microphones for long interviews, pens and notebooks for planning, etc.) and then choose your team and set out responsibilities. Friends and family are a great place to start when recruiting volunteers for a social awareness documentary, as are community centers, health clinics, and schools.responsibilities

 Executive producers are the people in charge of the programming for radio stations. Radio stations are usually designed to appeal to a specific audience, so it is important to do some research and find the right station for your show. Local stations, as well as university/college stations, are a good place to begin when searching for the right match for the airing of your documentary. Radio stations may be willing to let you borrow their equipment or record in their studios if they are impressed by the proposal you'll be writing in the next step.

 You will need to write a detailed proposal that discusses the documentary’s subject matter, its length, the people who will be involved, and the overall purpose of the project. This proposal will give the producer all the necessary information he or she will need in order to accept the show. It will also put your team on an organized path to make the documentary.

 When developing a social awareness project, doing the proper research is mandatory! The information you choose to use must be accurate and as current as possible. You can start by visiting a local library, school, or health clinic, as well as doing research online if you have internet access. You may also want to look for people you can interview or who want to share a story. This will keep your show from being too focused on statistics and therefore boring for the audience.

 Although the storyline of your documentary is important, do not forget how essential it is to use music, background noises, and other types of audio techniques to illustrate the stories and information that you share. It is also important to ensure that ideas are communicated clearly, with language carefully chosen so as not to marginalize or stigmatize anyone.

 It can take a full day in the studio to record a half- hour radio program, so when it comes time to recording, patience is important! Be sure to ask questions, and have the station’s producer send someone in who can help with the equipment and give recording advice.  During the recording process, you will find out if your show flows well or if changes need to be made in order to maximize the audience's entertainment and understanding.

 You should now listen to your recorded documentary in full and answer the following questions: Is the language appropriate for the audience? Will the audience be engaged? Are there any parts of the show that are unclear and need to be re-recorded? If you do not have access to a recording studio and are responsible for doing your own editing.

 It's now show time! Try to select a time to air your show based on your audience. For example, if you have a created a documentary targeted at youth, try to get it played in the evening or on a weekend—sometime not during school hours. If you have internet access and can upload a copy of your documentary to a blog or website as a podcast, you do not need to worry as much about what time the show is played on the radio.podcast

Mixing different art forms can make your project even better! Some art forms that can be used in a radio documentary include:  storytelling  music  books and novels  poetry