[Reader-list] Regional Workshops on Science Broadcasting

Yousuf ysaeed7 at yahoo.com
Thu Aug 11 09:56:39 IST 2011


Vigyan Prasar, Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India
in partnership with SEVAKS, New Delhi and Host Institutions

invites applications for participation in

Regional Workshops on Science Broadcasting
at Lucknow, Kolkata, Thiruvananthapuram, Pune

Context
Broadcast sector in India has grown rapidly in the last two decades. For the viewers and listeners, the supply is more than they might demand in terms of the number of channels to choose from. However, most regional language channels are still trying to imitate each other, vying for scoops and sensationalism in a bid to survive and if possible, to grow.

In such a scenario only a few of the existing channels will survive into the next decade. If advances in technology do not wipe out some channels, the lack of adequate number of viewers/listeners will. Those who survive are those who are willing to meet the demands of the public for news, views and entertainment – content that is relevant for their day-to-day lives.

Engaging content dealing with issues related to livelihood, health of family members, technologies that they have to deal with and may look forward to, and their own physical, biological, psychological, social, economic and political environment. Content that is authentic and credible, scientifically accurate, fair and balanced.

Background
VigyanPrasar in partnership with SEVAKS, an NGO organized a National workshop on Science Broadcasting in Delhi to overcome the problem. The workshop had an
appreciable impact on the participants. The regional workshops are improved versions of the National workshop.

Objectives
The Regional Workshops on Science Broadcastingaims to build the capacity of TV and radio producers
• to use a wider set of information sources quickly and efficiently,
• to assess the quality, relevance and credibility of the content,
• to deal with complex ideas and concepts,
• to structure and tell the stories well through broadcast media

The Workshop
The workshop will focus on improving the skills needed to quickly locate scientific content relevant to specific target audiences and to structure the content in comprehensible and engaging ways. The workshop will provide tools, tricks and tips for covering issues related to health, agriculture, environment and technology. The workshop will orient the producers to the best practices used in attracting audiences in a competitive media environment.
Who should participate?
The workshops are intended for TV & Radio Professionals, Amateur video makers with demonstrable interest in science communication, Community Radio Producers and Script Writers, Science Communicators in laboratories and voluntary organizations, Faculty members of journalism schools, with experience in science video production and science communication / journalism through electronic media will also find the workshops particularly useful.
Participants under the age of 40 will be preferred. The medium of instruction will be English interaction will include oral and written submissions.

Minimum qualifications:
• At least 2 years of experience in production. (Relaxable in cases of community radio stations).
• The workshop will be conducted primarily in English. Ability to participate in group discussions using English language.
• Computer skills – Experience with some basic uses of MS Word or equivalent, besides browsers like Internet Explorer or Motzillafirefox and search engines like Google.

Expected Output and Outcome
Towards the end of the 5 days, the participants will have worked out the concepts, done research, worked out a treatment for producing programmes which they can produce easily - after the workshop. In other words, the output will be story ideas backed by reasonable amount of research.
There has been an explosive growth of TV and Radio channels in India. After a period of “more of the same” channels are struggling to specialize and to capture niche audiences. The ability to handle content that meets the information needs while satisfying the entertainment values of the viewers and listeners will ultimately determine the survival of most of the existing channels. This workshop provides an opportunity to train the content producers and to build their capacity to handle diverse contents efficiently and effectively.

The trainer
K P Madhu started out as a freelance science journalist in 1978 and in the last 3 decades have had extensive experience in print and television media. He has worked as a producer for UGC programmes in Jamia Millia Islamia, as producer for Turning Point, a popular science serial, as chief producer Medical Television, as Joint Director, CEC, coordinating UGC production and transmission, and as a media consultant to NGOs.
He has published several academic papers in media journals. He is the lead author of “HIV on TV: Getting the Story and Telling it Right”, a UNESCO Journalism Education Series for TV trainers and Producers. His book “Social Media: Tips and Tricks for Citizen Journalists” is presently under publication by publication division of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
He has a passion for training. His skill sets as a trainer was refined when he worked as a Progamme Manager in the Asia Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development and conducted training workshops for TV and radio producers in many countries of the Asia-Pacific region.
He has conducted workshops on Science for producers in Indonesia, Malaysia and Sudan. This led to the development and testing of a training material titled “Broadcasting Science”, published by AIBD and UNESCO. This resource allows the training to be focused on skills rather than knowledge.

A National Workshop on Science Broadcasting was held in Delhi, based on these experiences and expertise. The participants of the National workshop on science broadcasting had this to say:
“The workshop is very helpful.”
“Now I can make programme on science. The techniques of studying scientific journals and useful websites and new searching techniques will improve my programmes.”
“Now I have a clear idea of the objective of my programme. So I will practice all the skills learnt here. It will improve the quality of my programme
“Making and broadcasting programmes through community radio – this workshop gave me various ideas.”
“It will be useful to enhance the quality of my radio programmes and also the research for it.”

Registration fee
Registration fee: Rs. 3000/- is to be sent along with application cum registration form by crossed demand draft/multi city cheque drawn in favour of “Vigyan Prasar”, payable at New Delhi.

Accommodation and Food
Modest accommodation and food will be provided to the participants. Workshop will be totally residential to increase the interactions and to allow adequate time for group work.

Travel expenses if any will have to be borne by the participants.

For exact dates, venues, and application forms etc., please contact at the following addresses:

Application form may be sent to Vigyan Prasar by the following emails: sciencebroadcasting at vigyanprasar.gov.in,
sciencebroadcasting at gmail.com, sevaksindia at ymail.com

Address for sending application form along with registration fee:-

Nimish Kapoor
Coordinator, Science Broadcasting Workshop
Vigyan Prasar
Plot no. A 50, Sector 62
Noida – 201 309 (U.P.)
Phone: 0120 – 240 2009 (D), 2404430, 35 (Extn.: 205)



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