Course Description
This course explores the history of television and radio. It compares public, commercial, and community models of broadcast media with newer multiplatform modes of distribution by examining ownership and the range of audiences, formats and content typical of each institution. The course also considers the production, reception and distribution of broadcast content, nationally, and globally. Celebrity-based programming and genre traditions, such as reality television, live radio talkback, news, sitcoms, drama and game shows are studied as ways of understanding the mobilisation of audience share, content flows, and revenue.
Learning outcomes
· Demonstrate an understanding of the operations television and radio industry in Ghana
· Demonstrate a general awareness of the role of broadcast media in understanding social life.
· Develop and implement effective Broadcast programming
· Exhibit mastery of the craft of writing for both radio and television
· Demonstrate a full grasp of the traditions of broadcast studies including the key literature and language used
Course content
· A brief history of radio & television; a look at evolution of Ghana’s broadcast media
· The sound broadcasting and television studios
· Putting together the broadcast script
· The interview and other programme formats
· Television production
· The news and the bulletin
· Programme, programme operations and programme presentation
· Growth and advocacy for sanity and professionalism: Roles of NCA, NMC, GJA and GIBA
Required Reading Materials
· Ghartey-Tagoe, D. (2010). The Broadcaster’s Companion. Ghana: Black Mask Ltd.
· Meeske, M.D. (2006).Copywriting for the Electronic Media: A Practical Guide. (5th ed.). USA: Thomson Wadsworth.