Radio In the Age of Spotify

Course Description
The rise of powerful, low-cost digital tools for producing, editing and distributing audio has revolutionized the thing we used to call ‘radio.’ This class will examine some of these tools, and will use them in a hands-on manner to produce broadcasting for Sound Bricks Radio, AAU’s internet radio station, which offers a variety of programming, including music as selected by student DJs, rebroadcasting AAU lectures, longform conversations with AAU lecturers and visitors, interesting podcasts and other content as we find it. Our goal is to produce truly freeform radio, as practiced by independent broadcast and streaming stations worldwide such as:

• Berlin Community Radio
• Worldwide FM in London and Los Angeles
• BBC Radio 6 in the UK-KPFA in Berkeley, California
• WFMU in New York-Resonance FM in London
• Monocle24 in London-Radio Bilingue in California

A computer capable of working with sound is a requirement for the class; a smartphone capable of recording audio is strongly recommended. Nice-to-haves include sound production equipment such as microphones, digital recorders, mixers and editing software.

Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Create compelling radio content.
• Create their own weekly shows for the AAU internet radio station, Sound Bricks.
• Be familiar with the basic tools of creating digital radio, especially digital audio workstation software such as Adobe Audition or Audacity.
• Be familiar with internet radio software such as Airtime.
• Be familiar with concepts of live streaming.
• Make promotional materials and station identifiers.
• Create live broadcasts using mobile phones or tablets.