Radio Bulletin - News Story 2

News Story 2: Bluestar introduces extra buses 

Bus Operator Bluestar is introducing more buses to benefit commuters on the Winchester to Southampton route.

From February 26th there will be an increase of four buses an hour during peak times, compared to the usual three.

Commuters are advised to check the new timetable as departure times will change slightly.

Winchester locals proposed how they will benefit from this improvement.

First Vox Pops

We were set the task to produce a vox pops on a recent story, so Nadine and I set out in to town to ask the people of Winchester City their opinion! Although daunting at first, approaching strangers wasn't all that bad, and all in all I felt we got some good responses. With help from Harry we edited the recordings, found some backing music for the audio and recorded an intro to make it flow. Check out the team work!

Seminar Paper – Karl Marx ‘The Communist Manifesto’

Karl Marx is a German political philosopher, economist and social theorist. He is a very influential man, even to this day, as he published one of the most influential political manuscripts: The Communist Manifesto. This was written in 1848 with the help of Frederick Engels who he met in France when studying socialism. Marx is anti-capitalism, he says in Das Capital that “Capitalism produces all things in profusion, but most of all it produces its own grave diggers”.

His grave stone inscription reads “Workers of all the land unite… The philosophers have only interpreted the world, the point however is to change it” This quote particularly the second half presents to you the kind of man Karl Marx was, he wanted to make a difference. Marx enforced that man is the productive animal because we have the ability to make tools and co-operate. For Aristotle man is the rational animal, for Plato the political animal, for Kant the moral animal, for Hegel the historic animal.

Marx is a technological determinist, which means that he believed technology drove the development of social structure and cultural values. Marx believed you could explain everything about a society by analysing the way economic forces in shape, social, religious, legal and political processes.

Russell tells us that Marx won’t have anything to do with romanticism; his intention is purely to be scientific. He believed his methods were similar to Darwin’s, he would research every single aspect of society in order to understand it. Marx’s philosophy of history has developed through a combination of Hegel and British economics. Marx is a follower of Hegel, he agrees with Hegel’s theory that the world develops according to a dialectic formula. The Hegelian dialectic formula consists of a thesis, which is a proposition, antithesis which counteracts this proposition, and a synthesis which combines the two. For example the thesis would be the bourgeoisie, the antithesis would be the proletariat and the synthesis would be socialism. Although he agrees with this development he disagrees with the mysticism of the ‘Zietgeist’ which is the spirit, as he believes the real dialectic is matter not spirit. 

The Communist Manifesto

The Communist Manifesto is almost 150 years old; it outlines Marxist theories about the nature of society and politics. The first section presents two types of classes, the bourgeoisie being the rich upper class and the proletariats being the poorer working class. The Bourgeoisie are the class of modern capitalists, they are the owners of means of production and employers of wage labour. They are in constant battle with the proletariats who are a class of modern wage labourers with no role in society. Whereas the Bourgeoisies own all factories, farms and properties in society, the proletariats have no status and own nothing, they must buy from the Bourgeoisie.

Marx thinks proletarians are the class with the most revolutionary potential, moving humanity towards freedom. He takes the side of the property-less working class, because he believes “they have a world to win” and “nothing to lose but their chains”, the reference of “chains” relates to Rousseau’s famous quote “Man is born free but is everywhere in chains” essentially meaning we are tied down by laws and more significantly in Marx’s case by class struggles. The communist manifesto outlines his views on the struggle between the class of the bourgeoisie and proletariats; this is clear from the opening line “the history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles.” Every class struggle is a political struggle in Marx’s view, he thinks the proletarians will eventually rise to power through class struggle. They say that the Bourgeoisie are essentially giving the working class the weapons that will eventually lead to their downfall. 

The second section ‘Proletarians and Communists’ defends communism, by saying that communists advocate “free love” and claims that because people won’t have an incentive to work in a communist society therefore will not perform labour. It also outlines a set of short term demands that Marx and Engels believe if implemented would lead to a stateless and classless society:

1.     Abolition of property in land and application of all rents of land to public purposes.

2.     A heavy progressive or graduated income tax.

3.     Abolition of all right of inheritance.

4.     Confiscation of the property of all emigrants and rebels.

5.     Centralisation of credit in the hands of the State, by means of a national bank with State capital and an exclusive monopoly.

6.     Centralisation of the means of communication and transport in the hands of the State.

7.     Extension of factories and instruments of production owned by the State; the bringing into cultivation of waste-lands, and the improvement of the soil generally in accordance with common.

8.     Equal liability of all to labour. Establishment of industrial armies, especially for agriculture.

9.     Combination of agriculture with manufacturing industries; gradual abolition of the distinction between town and country, by a more equitable distribution of the population over the country.

10. Free education for all children in public schools. Abolition of children's factory labour in its present form and combination of education with industrial production.

Marx categorised a communist society as one close to Utopia and similar to the Garden of Eden. There would be no difference between the social status of a bin man or a doctor, as everyone’s job would be treated with justice and equality. “From each according to ability, to each according to need.” People would choose to work because it was something they enjoyed and were skilled at.  Marx believed that capitalism caused men to alienate themselves and from one another. He stated “I am not myself at work” he believed that work was the loss of the self because people have to put on a front and act a certain way rather then be their true self. There would be no reason to enforce a state as each individual would have an equal share of money.

Marx’s definition of socialism is that the state owns whole means of production, this is the difference between socialism and communism. Socialism essentially causes the liquidation of the Bourgeoisie and therefore there would be no class struggle if they no longer exist; this would be the transitional phase towards communism. Communism is where the state is non existent; it withers away so we live in a state of nature. This relates back to Rousseau, Locke and Hobbes who all hold views on the state of nature. Hobbes believes that in a state of nature we all have the right to do what we will, and therefore life would be “nasty, brutish and short” promoting chaos and “war of all against all”. Hobbes supported an absolute monarchy which completely opposes Marx’s idea of a communist society. Locke believed in natural rights, he stated that “no one ought to harm another in his life, liberty and or property” and if disobeyed then they would be punished. He proposes that people in a state of nature would come together and be governed by their own natural law which is Reason. Rousseau, who was also a keen thinker in the state of nature, believed in a general will, whereby the people come together to agree upon laws based on their own opinion. It is the idea that you represent yourself as an individual. Rousseau believes it is society that civilises us and corrupts us by making us obsess about possessions. Marx would agree with Rousseau view as he too believed we did not need a state to govern us. However, Marx disagrees with Locke's view on protection of property as he held that we should abolish private property in a Communist society.  However, this communist society has been criticised because the Soviet Union which based its principles on Karl Marx’s theories collapsed.

Before a state mankind were communists, through alienation, war, conflict and class division man is reunited with nature, and everyone ends up proletariat and owning nothing. The manifesto ends with a similar phrase to his gravestone, “working men of all countries unite!” showing his persuasion towards a communist society, where each individual would unite together for equality.

Finally I will end with the quote…

“Capitalism comes in to the world dripping from head to good, from every pore, with blood and dirt.”

Radio Bulletin - News Story 1

In a few weeks time we have to all record our own Radio Bulletin, so in the upcoming weeks we will be writing stories and gathering audio. Here is my first story on the death of Whitney Houston. RIP.


News Story 1: Whitney Houston's Death

Whitney Houston was found dead at her hotel room in Los Angeles.

Paramedics failed to revive the 48-year-old-singer after she was found unconscious in her bath.

An autopsy is due to take place, but it will take eight weeks for toxicology tests to confirm whether alcohol or drugs are involved.

Her body has been flown back to her home town, New Jersey, where she will be buried in the Church she sang in as a child.

Audio - From Fresh to Frozen Food

Get the chance to choose any topic in the world, and I choose food, not at all surprising...
No point me explaining it, have a click and listen, sorry for the deep sounding voice, I had a throat infection!


Script

I would like to think that I am not the only one whose mind is constantly distracted by what may be in my fridge. Even after every meal the comfort of reopening the fridge to check what else there is to eat is a habit I just cannot shake. However the contents of what may be crammed in to my small cupboard, or shelf in my fridge, is sadly far from the luxuries and quality of home. After coming to university, I can promise mum I will never complain about her cooking. What was I thinking when I would call her lazy if she chose to cook something quick in the oven? She would only ever make me microwaveable food now and then when she was short of time, and now, I do nothing but use the radiation machine. It has to be the most used kitchen facility in my flat; warming up my weekly supplies of Iceland’s cheapest micro meals, Heinz baked beans, and too often last nights Domino’s pizza. This may sound like I am just rambling on about food, and although that is what I know best, I am emphasising upon the point of appreciation for food with flavour, taste, and most importantly solidity. Although the idea of solid foods may seem absurd to you because this is the norm, I am exaggerating the fact that I have revisited my childhood of liquefied foods. For instance, “Smash” which although is probably one of the best inventions of mash potato, is purely powder and boiling water; a prime example of how artificial the food is that us students eat. I imagine my mothers crispy roast potatoes, but that is always short lived when my attempt at spicing up the food with some salt and pepper fails. I guess I have to accept that my taste buds are hibernating until I go home for the weekend. I have to say my weekly trip to Iceland has to be one of my highlights, purely because I am there to buy food, and food is what I love. But it is also largely down to the fact that it is cheap. As a student, budgeting our money is what all our parents nag on about, but it is true. For the first time ever, I brought my eggs from the 99p store. Now what does that tell you? Not only does it prove my point of buying it for the sake of it being only a pound, but the fact it is so cheap can only mean that it is of a poor standard. Lets be honest, buying eggs from pound land is just not right. From being brought up in a family where we eat only free range eggs, and organic chickens this is a mistake I won’t make again. I take my hat off to parents out there who cook everyday for their children; therefore I take my hat off to my parents. The moment I’d most look forward to from coming home after a long day at school and jumping in front of the TV, would be to ask mum what was for dinner tonight. Sadly this is now the question I dread to ask myself every day, because I know for convenience it’ll be something out of a box. My point being that due to money, time and quality of food, a balanced and healthy diet will have to be sacrificed in replace for a degree. It seems that my insides are going to have to suffer for three years, till I can swap packet soups for homemade soup, and return back to the pleasures I take for granted.

                                                                                                   

Radio - Lecture 2 + 3

Successful Radio Interviews

There are a few simple but effective techniques which result in a successful radio interview:

1. Sensible Questioning

- Good interviews sound like unscripted chats

- Jot down a few question but don't wrote long lists

- Avoid close questions

- Ask questions one at a time not multiple questions!

- Listen carefully to the answers to develop upon areas of interest

- Nod silently to encourage the interviewee

- Always be polite but in control

2. Use the recording equipment correctly

- Check batteries are fully charged

- Be fully aware of the controls

- Sounds daft but make sure it is actually recording!

- Microphones should be held about 6 inches away, don't move too much hold it firmly and avoid rustling paper

- When recording don't keep switching the machine on and off during an interview nor press the pause button just let it run, and at the end hold the mic still for a few more seconds to give an ambience at the end rather then an abrupt stop.

3. Choose the place to record wisely

- Don't always go for a quiet room, consider sounds around you as they will add texture to the audio.

- Avoid rooms with obvious echo, stand next to a curtain which can help deaden an echo. 

- Try keep away from heavy traffic, and turn your back from noise or wind

- If forced to record in a noisy place manually set the recording levels and hold mic really close to the mouth. 

Radio News Writing

We have been assigned a radio news project which entails producing a news bulletin of around 4-5 stories.  Rizzo set us off with some radio news writing techniques:

1. Grab attention immediately - get straight to the point.
2. Keep it short, cut out the waffle - no long words, complicated sentence structures or repetition.
3. Avoid Cliches melodrama and emotive language
4. Express yourself clearly
5. Remember your target audience
6. Say it out loud

Here is the news story I wrote in class, however it may need tweaking or changing, but its an example:

A murder suspect has been found hanged in his cell whilst awaiting trail.

Barry Morrow was accused of killing his landlady and her mother in Merseyside at the start of December last year.

A post-mortem is due to take place in Manchester later.

The mechanics:
- Have 1 1/2 line spacing
- It should only be one sided, because the microphone will pick up the rustle
- It should never be hand written

Using the Radio Cubicles
1. Turn on the mixer, the switch is on the back panel on the right
2. Make sure the two master faders are all the way up (These are the grey faders on the right labelled 'main mix'
3. Left hand fader is the mic
4. Turn on the laptop and open Adobe Audition
5. Record by pressing the red record icon on the transport controls at the bottom of the edit view. It will offer a new waveform window - select 44100 as your sample rate, then stereo channels - 16 bit resolution
6. Play back what you recorded, shut the mic fader on the mixer.
7. Remember when recording to switch the speakers  off, and then back on for play back.

Politics

Last week we attended a Town Forum meeting where councillors were discussing and in most cases debating over issues affecting the council. The main topics were on parking, markets and trees... just to give you an idea of how frighteningly dull the meeting was. However there were moments of a laughable nature, I'll say no more.

Today marked the start of our Public Affairs module; this made aspects of the town forum meeting become clearer. We began with some basics which made me (and I'm hoping everyone else) realise how little I know, but learning about new stuff is the fun part!

Background Basics  
Conservatives rule Winchester, our current MP is a Tory named Steve Brine. He has no direct control over the council or court, he just simply represents our views in Parliament.

Two Teir System - Responsibility is divided in to the County and District.
Highest power = Hampshire County Council (County)
                          Winchester City Council (District)
                          Town Forum
Lowest power = Parish Council *
* Winchester does not have a Parish council, however the Town Forum is similar to this.

Unitary Authorities - This is where large towns have just one level of local government which is responsible for all the local services. e.g Southampton City Council

Local Authorities 
More then 2 million people are employed by the local authorities. For example, teachers, police, social services and firefighters. Local Authority spending in England is £133 billion a year, it is funded by grants from central government (who get their money from tax payers), council tax and business rates.

Council Tax
Every household pays a sum of money depending on the value of their home. This is then used to fund services in the area. Although Council Tax only covers 1/4 of funding for the council.


Councillors
Councillors are responsible for making decision on behalf of their local community about local services such as land use, refuse, collection and leisure facilities. They agree upon the budget for local authorities and set the policy framework. In addition to appointing chief officers and making constitutional decisions.
Councillors are elected by the local people for a four year term from a ward. (MP's are elected in a constituency)

Hampshire County Council
There are around 40,000 staff that work for HCC, they deal with education transport, strategic planning, emergency services, social services, public safety and waste disposal. There budget is £1.8 billion.
On average 5000 articles are written about HCC; 56% positive, 30% neutral and 14% negative. They aim for a target between 85-89% to be positive/neutral and will do all they can to stop negative press.


Winchester City Council
WCC deal with bins, leisure, environment, health and parking. There budget is £12 million.