Difference between revisions of "KDHX Podcast Guide"

Revision as of 21:20, 18 May 2015

General Guideline for Programs on KDHXtra.org

• include KDHX Community Media identifier phrases:
  • Opening?: "From KDHX Community Media in St. Louis Missouri, this is [show name], the podcast that...[super short show description]"
  • Ending: "[show name] is a production of KDHX Community Media in St. Louis, MO, brought to you by the generous support of our listeners. I‘m [host name] - thank you for listening."
• introduce self as host at beginning (and end) of podcast
• minimize fluff - get to the heart of the material quickly
• introduce topic and guest with credentials: "The focus of this episode of the program is [topic]. My guest is [guest name], [credentials, and/or position at organization they represent]"
• give framework and/or tease content to be discussed later in the program
• give follow up links to reference materials that are listed in the show notes - use of show numbers will simplify this
• outro - call to action! ask your listeners to do something - subscribe, re-post, etc
• provide written description to KDHX production staff prior to recording - Andy or John - containing guest name, credential, and short synopsis of program topic, with links to organization and/or other support materials to be posted with episode on podcast channel. Writing this in advance is good practice, and will be a part of your general preparation for the introduction, interview and, and closing

Technical Considerations

• we'll produce a catchy intro that we'll reuse regularly, and immediately follow with what’s in this episode, teasing content that will keep them listening
• during record, a consistent audio level from host and guest is key - maintain similar distance from mic throughout, and technicians will compress, normalize and master
• episodes should be numbered, and should lead strong. consider beginning show anew with the first episode
• edit away any trainwrecks, but don’t over edit - keep some rough edges to keep it real
• do not use music that you or kdhx doesn’t own or have rights to use in download. seek royalty-free music if you use any
• avoid time sensitive content by excluding these types of phrases:

 event promo e.g."X event is coming up on X date"
 references to the weather - ok to use as setting/context, but avoid if not relevant to this episode’s content
 references to day of the week - yesterday, tomorrow 
 "this week" (depending on frequency of production)
 "tonight" or "today" unless setting is relevant, e.g. recorded the day of a significant event, and the ramifications are being discussed

• avoid breaks or throw-to-messages - there won't be a break in the podcast
• avoid use of "88.1 fm"

Tips toward building audience on the Podcast Platform

• find the fun in what your doing, consider the possibilities of really connecting people with the info they want
• Build relationship with your audience by including personal information that you are willing to use in this context - enough that reminds that you are a person and not just an info source.
• encourage listeners to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes or by using the RSS feed link on the showname.KDHXtra.org show page

Some good resources for better understanding the Podcast Platform