Description:

This course serves as a general introduction to students interested in pursuing knowledge of or a career in radio and television broadcasting. The course includes a study of the industry's development, its form and function, job responsibilities, basic production techniques, audience measurement, FCC regulations and ethics. Class time will include discussion of current trends and issues in the field, with students developing an understanding of broadcast media. Productions in the college's audio booth and TV facilities offer an opportunity to experience the field of broadcasting. These experiences will allow students to evaluate broadcasting as a possible career choice. 3 hrs./wk.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Prerequisites: NONE

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Discuss broadcast history and its modern day developments.
2. Distinguish differences in the form and function of the broadcast industry.
3. Determine limitations and capabilities of the electronic media.
4. Identify job responsibilities of station personnel.
5. Perform basic production techniques, including editing and vocal work.
6. Evaluate the role of broadcasting as a news and entertainment medium.
7. Demonstrate knowledge of FCC regulations and ethics in the broadcast field.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. History and Development of the Industry
   A. Electronic media developments
      1. Describe the history and growth of radio.
      2. Describe the history and growth of television.
      3. Identify the impact of cable television on the industry.
      4. Provide insight into other forms of electronic media.
         a. Relate the growth of computers and satellites.
         b. Analyze corporate use of telecommunications.

II. The Broadcasting Industry Forms and Business Functions
   A. The hierarchy in a radio/TV facility
      1. Identify management responsibilities.
      2. Distinguish financial necessities.
      3. Create programming ideas.
   B. Advertising’s role in broadcasting
      1. Describe financial and advertising practices used today.
      2. Produce examples of ads and promotions.
      3. Identify controversial issues today and in the future.
   C. The importance of audience feedback
      1. Describe the rating systems used today.
      2. Measure calculations of ratings and shares.
      3. Analyze qualitative vs. quantitative research.

III. The Limits and Capabilities of Broadcasting
   A. Describe the controversies of emerging media.
   B. Explain the effects of corporate mergers and consolidations on
broadcasting.
   C. Analyze reasons for programming changes.
   D. Compare/contrast commercial and non-commercial broadcast formats.

IV. Employment in Broadcast Media
   A. Identify general management responsibilities.
   B. Describe the role of the finance, news, programming, engineering and
sales departments.
   C. Depict necessary qualities for job preparation.

V. Broadcast Production Functions
   A. Describe the television production studio setting.
   B. Explain the growth and purpose of the electromagnetic spectrum.
   C. Define the growing use of terrestrial, wire, microwave and satellite
distribution.
   D. Produce a radio commercial for airing.
   E. Produce and participate in a television program for airing.

VI. Broadcast News and Entertainment
   A. Create programming ideas for a fragmenting audience.
   B. Evaluate differences in program formats/genres.
   C. Analyze news and informational programming.
   D. Clarify issues related to children’s programming.

VII. Laws, Regulations and Ethical Decisions
   A. Describe the role of the Federal Communications Commission.
   B. Explain the roles of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial
branches in broadcast media.
   C. Relate First Amendment issues and controversies in broadcasting.
   D. List and discuss the controversy related to ethical decision
making.
   E. Identify the effects of social issues on the ethics of the
industry.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

Testing:                  35% - 45%
Projects/written work:    30% - 40%
Attendance/participation: 15% - 20%

Grading Criteria:

90 - 100% = A 
80 -  89% = B
70 -  79% = C
60 -  69% = D
Below 59% = F

Caveats: NONE

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.