Materials from the Media Training Programme

Media Training Programme,
incorporating Mass Communication

Training radio production (encompassing basic journalism/reporting) and mass communication in mainland China (as opposed to Taiwan or HK) was a fascinating experience... I had a group of very talented students interested in the media, but whom had already grown up in a landscape where 'the media' wasn't (and still isn't) thought of as a voice for the people, for advocacy, for education, or even accurate information.

For my students, 'the media', was a job/career opportunity where they could be creative, and have a lot more 'comfort' than in many other professions, but it held no hope for any role in altruism, accountability, or the truth.

Therefore, I had to take time, teaching the standard histories of both American and UK media, often having to convince students that even in the American capitalist system of commercial radio, there were/are associated institutions that encourage independence, transparency, etc.

It was hugely fulfilling to teach students how to research subjects, formulate coverage, and prepare questions (in fact, an early experience in CLIL, without actually knowing about CLIL!).

The next stage was showing the students how to use and handle field recording equipment, then it was on to teaching editing/mixing as single and multi-track projects, using OcenAudio and REAPER DAW systems.

Then it was back to theory again, to introduce and teach modes of documentary, being expository, observational, participatory, reflexive, performative (etc) an and after teaching the technical editing skills.

The students began, thinking that sound/radio' was a dead or, at least, an unimportant medium, but finished realizing that they had experienced a training and journey that was incredibility beneficial and fulfilling, as it was for me to teach it.