Dear Prospective KCR News Members,

Thank you all for attending the Orientation meeting. I’m really excited about this semester as that we have a great crowd of people, the technology to stream worldwide, and the enduring public/student support.

Our next meeting is tentatively schedule for Wednesday, September 17, 2003 at 5:30pm outside of KCR. This meeting will essentially:

-Cover the basics of broadcasting/producing.

-Give information about story researching and formatting.

-Provide a FAQ.

-And ultimately place students into news teams.

This meeting is mandatory for everyone whom applied this semester (new or old), as that this meeting will have very important information. If you have any questions please feel free to email me.

Neil Wolstenholme

Assisting KCR News Director

KCR News Procedures

A. Each Team Member and Producer should arrive 30 minutes prior to the scheduled show outside of the studio.

B. Organize and Review News Material (Completed Outside of KCR)

1. The producer should complete a "KCR News Log" with the title, order and member delivering the story. These sheets can be obtained inside the designated show folders marked by News hour and News day. These folders are found in the boxes labeled, "KCR News Prep" within the studio mailboxes. (Note: News should start from a broader category to a local perspective. i.e International to San Diego State News)

2. The producer should then assign an opener and a closer for the newscast. The opening and closing for each newscast should be done by a different person each week. The opening and the closing can be found on the back of the folders corresponding to the correct News show in the "KCR News Prep" box located within the studio.

3. (20 minutes before show) The team should now read through their stories in the scheduled format and identify problematic sentences as well as words that are difficult to pronounce. After finding various problems, the team should actively participate in rewriting each others sentences.

4. When all the above have been completed and the necessary modification have been made to each story then the team is ready to commence to Step C and enter the studio.

C. (5 Minutes prior to show) News Team should enter the studio

1. After entering the studio a team member should make sure that the door is securely locked.

2. The Producer can now sign in on the log located next to the board for each news member present.

3. After signing the log, the KCR News Cart can be loaded. (Located in the boxed headed, "KCR News Prep". Using the Cart is optional and is up to the discretion of the producer)

4. A team member should now equip headphones to the audio amp (to the right of the board, below the Cart Machine) for each team member in order for them to hear the live broadcast.

5. The DJ and Producer should then come to some consensus to when the most appropriate time to break with news should be.

D. (Show Time) The newscast can now be executed.

E. (After Newscast)

1. Stories as well as "KCR News Logs" should then be placed in the folder corresponding to your News show. (These folders will be identified by News hour, News day)

2. If anyone has any questions or comments they can be written on the "KCR News Log" addressed to the Director. (Currently Neil Wolstenholme of Spring 2003)

3. The News team should review the Message Board for any upcoming events and information that may be posted.

4. After reviewing the Message board the team can then exit the studio in a tidy fashion and securely lock the entrance to the studio allowing the DJ to commence with the entirety of their broadcast.

5. The Producer may optionally provide each member with helpful criticism and identify members who excelled in some particular area.

6. Finally, the producer will assign each member 2 new story categories for the following broadcast.

FAQ's

My producer has not shown up for his/her scheduled show. What should I do?

It is very possible that a Producer may forget their scheduled news shift with the rigors of college and more so with life. If a DJ is present then notify them of the situation and perform the news procedures outlined above in name of the producer. If however a DJ is not present then leave the studio and contact Neil Wolstenholme with information regarding the situation. You can contact him via email [email protected].

I'm doing my news show and for some reason I am having trouble operating or I am currently experiencing technical difficulties. What should I do?

If you have any immediate questions or doubts when working with the board politely ask a DJ for assistance if possible. For further information about training please contact [email protected].

I have a question regarding content. Does my news content lie within the focus or format of KCR?

Questions about format should be addressed by Rachel Bradley, KCR's General Manager. She can be contacted via email at [email protected].

I can't make a show because of X. Who do I contact?

Try to contact your Producer a few days prior to your broadcast to ensure early notice.

What is the KCR 2-Flake policy?

After 2 unattended, as well as unannounced absences the Producer/Team Member will be asked to leave KCR for the duration of the semester. KCR is a non-profit free forum radio station that requires the focus and dedication of individuals who are willing and able to give their time and effort. It is only fair that after signing a contract declaring your commitment that you follow through. Working at KCR is just as equivalent as working at a job. We do however understand that college is stressful and can be demanding. In these cases if you cannot make a show please contact your Producer and an exception can be granted.

I'm producing and my team has only submitted a few stories. How can I fill time?

A very common problem here at KCR. A box of public announcements/meeting notices are in the "PSA" box. If you are inclined to fill time use a Public Service Announcement.

Is it okay to copy news off the Internet?

The answer is a very strict no. As small as KCR is, we are a radio station and must report the news in a sound and ethical manner. Utilizing the Internet's vast array of resources and rewording or paraphrasing a selected piece is fine. But cut-and-paste journalism doesn't fly at KCR.

I'm a Producer and I will not be able to make my scheduled show. What do I do?

Contact Neil. A fill-in for that time period will be found or your show may be cancelled for that session.

I'm getting ready to leave the studio with no DJ on-air. What should I put on the air?

Play a compilation CD located somewhere in the volumes of CD's within the KCR studio library. Make sure that the repeat button for the entire CD is selected so the CD will not stop after being played once.

I have an interest in bringing in guest(s) for my news segment. How do I obtain approval?

Rachel Bradley, KCR's General Manager is the only person who may approve guests. Fill out a Guest Approval Form located in one of the KCR boxes and then place completed forms in Rachel Bradley's box.

As a news team member what is expected of me?

We expect each team member to create, provide and finally deliver thoughtful news items of a variety of scopes to listeners of KCR Radio. We also expect each member to provide a dignified manner and a responsible atmosphere towards crew, equipment as well as DJ's.

I'm having problems with my producer/team member. How can I handle these difficulties?

Try to settle disputes in a calm and peaceful manner. If intervention is required please talk with Neil.

This informative sheet did not cover the specific question/problem/concern I am having here at KCR or I have an idea I would like to suggest. Who do I contact?

Neil at [email protected]