Sound Reporting: The NPR Guide to Audio Journalism and Production

Perhaps you've always wondered how public radio gets that smooth, well-crafted sound. Maybe you're thinking about starting a podcast, and want some tips from the pros. Or maybe storytelling has always been a passion of yours, and you want to learn to do it more effectively. Whatever the casewhether you're an avid NPR listener or you aspire to create your own audio, or bothSound Reporting: The NPR Guide to Audio Journalism and Productionwill give you a rare tour of the world of a professional broadcaster. Jonathan Kern, who has trained NPR's on-air staff for years, is a gifted guide, able to narrate a day in the life of a host and lay out the nuts and bolts of production with equal wit and warmth. Along the way, he explains the importance of writing the way you speak, reveals how NPR books guests ranging from world leaders to neighborhood newsmakers, and gives sage advice on everything from proposing stories to editors to maintaining balance and objectivity. Best of allbecause NPR wouldn't be NPR without its array of distinctive voiceslively examples from popular shows and colorful anecdotes from favorite personalities animate each chapter. As public radio's audience of millions can attest, NPR's unique guiding principles and technical expertise combine to connect with listeners like no other medium can. With today's technologies allowing more people to turn their home computers into broadcast studios,Sound Reportingcouldn't have arrived at a better moment to reveal the secrets behind the story of NPR's success.

Jonathan Kern is the executive producer for training at NPR. He has worked in almost every position in radio news, including executive producer of All Things Considered.