Regulatory Bodies

 Ofcom

Ofcom is the regulator for TV, radio, video on demand sectors and other frequency related networks. It makes decisions on whether these shows are breaking any rules or not, and ensures that the public is not offended or exposed to harmful content in any way. There are 10 sections in total however I will be focusing on the following:

1. Protecting the Under 18's

Section one exists to help protect children under 18 from being exposed to any explicit content that could mentally harm them in any way. By restricting certain content from them it ensures that they are not desensitised to any type of content. Since my radio drama is aimed for some under 18's, I have ensured that the content is not gruesome enough to leave a damaging impact on them. Though my character talks about being deformed on social media, it is not so in depth therefore it will be suitable.

2. Harm and offence

Section two states that the content produced should not harm or offend someone in any way. This means that my content should not contain any sort of slurs or related topics that could offend a certain demographic. This thought has been implemented in my radio drama, and I have ensured that the content made is not offensive or harmful to a certain group.

3. Crime, disorder, hatred and abuse

Section three states that the content made by people should steer away from having any crime, disorder, hatred and abuse. This means that the content in my radio drama should not portray any incriminating activities to be morally or lawfully correct and should not be fully justified. My radio drama demonstrates this well as though I have talked about a crime, I have then shown someone going to a police station to report the matter presenting how it is not legal and the ways you could tackle the problem. 

7. Fairness

Section seven states that broadcasters must avoid unjust or unfair treatment of individuals or organisations in programmes. Now even though my show involves a person being treated unfairly, the actor has consented to being portrayed in such a way, which is the exception permitted by ofcom. It is also an imaginary character, therefore the persons real reputation is not being harmed by him acting in my radio drama.

8. Privacy

And for my last selected section I have chose section eight which talks about how broadcasters should avoid any unwarranted infringement of privacy in programmes and in connection with obtaining material included in programmes. This means that all the content in my radio drama should be copyright free and also free of any disclosure of any private information, e.g. Home addresses, crime cases or talking about topics that are ongoing cases. My radio drama is free of all of this because all of the information and things used are recorded by me, and the topics talked about are fiction and not based on any real life experiences.

Script

Production Log 4

Production week/date: 28.04.24

Individual Contributions this week
Name	Specific Individual Contribution – evidence in detail and judgements
Tavleen	I managed to finish almost all my planning documents: Key Personnel, Risk Assessment, Legal and Ethical Constraints and Audio Assets. I also completed my 'explain the processes and technologies involved in producing a radio broadcast' task.
My Successes
Managed to double down and complete most of my planing documents, which gives me less of a workload.
My Challenges
The M2 task did take some time since I was unsure at points, so I ended up procrastinating at times. The Legal and Ethical constraints took some time too.
Key Learning Points
Try to use Google and a lot of sources to help with tasks.
My next aims / next tasks
Finish pre-planning production documents and start filming

Audio Assets

Scene One:

Audio required:

Intro music.

Why is it required:

This will inform the listeners that the episode has begun and that they should start listening, acting as a gateway to the episode.

Scene Two:

Audio required:

Host introduction from Jaskirat Gill.

Why is it required:

The audio will be needed to introduce the episode to the audience and inform them of what is going to happen in it.  This is because it is a new story and even previous listeners will not know what the episode will be about. It also informs the audience that they should watch with discretion incase they may relate to the topics.

Scene Three:

Audio required:

Interviewer asking prompt from Svita Ahmedi

Daniel responding from Aksanty Mpiana

Why is it required:

This will allow the episode to actually start and allow us to hear what story the show has to offer today. Daniel will also be able to introduce himself to the audience and allow himself to make any connections with anyone from the audience if they relate to him or his background.

Scene Four:

Audio required:

Reenactment from Aksanty Mpiana

Foley and Wild Tracks of a noisy pub

Why is it required:

This will be the main base of the episode as we hear the story line. We listen to a flashback of what happened to Daniel and what got him here. This will be the part that will help engage the audience and spike their interest to keep listening to his story. Using foley and wild tracks will help to add a sense of verisimilitude to my episode which will make it further engaging.

Scene Five:

Audio required:

Interviewer asking prompt from Svita Ahmedi

Daniel responding from Aksanty Mpiana

Why is it required:

This will further intrigue the audience as after listening to the flashback they may have questions or wonders as to what he did about that situation. This helps to fill the audiences curiosity and keep them further engaged. 

 

Scene Six:

Audio required:

Police man from Miss Adu

Daniel interacting from Aksanty Mpiana

Why is it required:

The use of this dialogue will help to further push the episode and fill any curiosity as to what Daniel had to do. This is also necessary even if audience members were not interested as incase someone has a similar experience they will learn how to deal with it and get help.

Scene Seven:

Audio required:

Outro music.

Why is it required:

This will inform the audience that the episode has now come to an end.

Legal and Ethical Constraints

Constraint	Describe the details of constraint	Explain how the constraint will directly impact on your work
Voice artist release forms- Clearances and permissions	This means that I must get consent on paper from all the voice actors. If they are under 18 it means I will also need consent from their parents.	Parents may not give consent which means I will have to find new actors. Although, if consent is given actors must commit.
PPL	This means I will need permission to use recorded music in my show, similar to how I must have no copyright songs.	The music in my radio drama must be used with permission, otherwise I must find alternatives.
PRS	This means I must have permission to use the lyrics and the musical composition in my drama.	I must make sure that all the lyrics in any music used must be used with permission.
Royalties	This is when I will need to pay to the copyright holders of an IP money to use their music.	If any songs that I use have copyright, I will need to pay the holder of the royalty.
Copyright	This means that any music or content created by them is protected and can only be used with permission	I must ask for permission before using any music, otherwise I can be sued.
Offensive content	This refers to any explicit language and anything that is said that could offend a demographic.	I must make sure that all the content I record is not offensive or harmful in any way
Slander,	This is when words are used to offend or purposely ruin a person’s reputation or public image.	I must not use or refer to any real names to harm someone’s image or name.
Defamation	When you ruin somebody’s public image through any means, not just words.	I must not use or refer to any real names to harm someone’s image or name.
Representation	This is when you talk about a specific demographic in a certain way, representing it to the audience.	I must not use or refer to any specific type of person or group to harm their image or name.

Risk Assessment

Hazards	Risk rating (High, Med, Low)	Controls
Wires may come in the way and cause people to trip on them.	Med	Ensure that they are properly organised and kept to a side as much as possible to avoid this.
Water may spill on equipment if kept open and near.	High	Ensure that any liquids are always properly closed, and that they are kept at a safe distance from the electrics.
Equipment could be accidentally damaged if not used properly or mistreated.	High	Ensure that equipment is treated with carefully and cautiously so that nothing damaged.
Recording could stop if there is a limit.	Low	Ensure that someone is constantly checking the recording device so that the speakers are prepared for a stop.
Voice actor’s vocals could strain if they have been talking for a while.	Med	Ensure that frequent breaks are taken and that there is water on site so that their vocals do not dry.

Explain the processes and technologies involved in producing a radio broadcast M2

 

Key Personnel

Role/ Job	Possible Person	Strengths and Weaknesses of the person
Voice Actor	Aksanty	S: Has done Drama GCSE thus has experience in acting. W: Very busy and many people want to use so rescheduling may be likely
Voice Actor	Jaskirat	S: Has good confidence and is my close friend, therefore it is very likely she will be there for the role W: No experience in media, film or drama as a subject, therefore, may lack some experience or knowledge
Voice Actor	Svita	S: Avid to do the role and would be willing to try her best. W: Again, has no experience in acting, film or media so there will be lots of knowledge gaps.
Voice Actor	Me - Tavleen	S: I will be willing to do my role and I will know exactly what I want W: May not be able to both direct the episode and voice act.

Production Log 3

Production week/date: 21.04.24

Individual Contributions this week
Name	Specific Individual Contribution – evidence in detail and judgements
Tavleen	These past few weeks I managed to complete a bunch of different tasks: BBC poster, Initial ideas/ mindmap, treatment, scheduling, audio storyboard, budget, launch date, running order and release forums.
My Successes
I was able to come up with some ideas for my radio drama, as well as start some planning documents for it, and overall get a good scope on what it'll look like.
My Challenges
It was my first time using Excel, so I had to learn how to use the software to create my budget. I also had to come up with ideas which took some time.
Key Learning Points
Try to remember that you can use YouTube when you're stuck.
My next aims / next tasks
Finish pre-planning production documents

Release Forms

Running Order

SEGMENT NUMBER	DESCRIPTION	ROUGH DURATION
1	In the first segment the intro music is played to inform that the show has started. This could also act as a jingle.	10 seconds
2	In the second segment there will be a dialogue intro, where the host describes what the show is about briefly. This will also be catchy to keep people listening.	15 seconds
3	In the third segment of this episode, we start with an interview of the main character, Daniel, and he introduces himself and what happened to him that brought him on this show.	30 seconds
4	In the fourth segment we will listen to a re-enactment of how he found the account and what he was doing. In this part specifically, he is eating food and scrolling on Instagram when he stumbled across the hate account.	1 mins 15 seconds
5	In the fifth segment we switch back to him speaking as he talks about the vile and gruesome things he found. He then moves on to telling us about when he went to the police and how he was shocked at their response.	2 mins 25 seconds
6	In the sixth segment we then hear an outro music which informs us that this episode has ended, but because of the cliff-hanger we know it is to be continued. A voice is then heard telling us to tune in at a specific time to hear the next episode.	15 seconds

Budget

Launch Date

The launch date I have decided to use is the 27th of July 2024. The reason I have chose this date is because it is when the summer holidays for the UK start. Since my main target audience is in the UK I have chosen the UK's summer holidays date. The reason why I have left a weeks gap is because some schools may vary with their dates, therefore I am ensuring that everyone is on holiday. It is also a time when a lot of adults may have holidays for summer, allowing me to target my whole age range target audience. The reason for why I did not chose in school days is because lots of kids may be having exams, either mocks, GCSE's or A-levels and therefore may not get time to sit and listen to my show. Therefore by doing this, I am introducing my show to people when they are most free.

Audio Storyboard

 

Scheduling and alignment

The time my show I've Got a Fan would air would be at 7pm. This is because it is the generic time that those aged 15-35 would be at home, perhaps after school or their 9-5. The reason I have left a gap is because I am also taking to account that they would want to unwind and get ready for the evening, making sure the majority are not just making it in time to tune in. It allows for any chores, homework, work or any other errands needed to be done, done. 

Moving on to the days that my show would air, it would be on every Saturday. This is because typically all school kids are at home as well as adults. Therefore, it means I will be able to have a higher listener count and have as many viewers possible. The reason why I have not picked a weekday is because they usually tend to be busy for the vast majority of people, therefore I have picked the weekend when people are most likely to be off school or work. Moreover, it also may be seen as a reward or something that listeners may look forward to at the end of every week after a long week of work.

However, there is still a very likely possibility that many may not be able to tune in for the live airing. Therefore, the episodes will be repeated the following morning on Sunday at 11am when people are likely to be awake and free. If they still fail to join in, the episode is then released on the website and can be played back at any time.

Overall, I believe the times I have chosen are the best possible since it ensures that I cater to everyone possible at the most optimum times. This way, I am ensuring that I will be able to educate as many kids possible about the harsh realities of cyberbullying.

Treatment

"I've got a Fan Online" would be a docudrama radio drama that focuses around people who have fallen victim to online hate accounts. It re-enacts the events of what the victims have faced, and in between there are moments where the victim talks about how it made him feel. In this episode we focus on a man,  Daniel who is 24, who faced hate accounts online that ruined his opportunities during his time in school.

There are many elements of sound that I could use to make the episode as realistic as possible. One of the ways I would do so is through both foley and wild tracks. For example, if I want to show that the man is in school, I would have sounds of typing and writing and a faint voice of a teacher. Or, if I wanted to show that he was going to call someone I would use a phone ringing sound effect. By taking into account where Daniel is at the time, it will allow me to consider all the sounds that would be heard. For example in THIS drama "Bat Girls" we can hear the girl is outside because of the birds chirping and the abundance of white noise; this helped to make the episode feel more realistic and add verisimilitude. This is what I'd like to do with my radio docudrama as it will help to engage the audience more and provide a higher quality sounding episode. Another way I could use sound is through dialogue, with dialogue it will help to clearly explain my story and add to the verisimilitude of the episode. Throughout the radio drama linked, it uses lots of dialogue to show the interactions between the characters. By using this, I will help make my episode coherent and understandable. Finally, I could also use sound effects to help add to the realism. For example, if I wanted to add suspense I could add a tinnitus which would bring an eerie feeling. 

My target audience would be those aged 15-35 as it raises awareness and educate to those who are young and are in school, but could also serve as a form of entertainment for the older ages. Additionally, the younger ages are more likely to relate since they most likely use social media much more than the older ages. However, it could also inform the older ages about the experiences that people can have on social media, and how to protect themselves from such attacks.

Initial Ideas mind map

Initial Ideas

 I've Got a Fan Online:

A docu-drama that explores the experiences people have had with online hate accounts. In the episode we talk to a guy who talks about how he experienced a hate account online, defaming his face and tarnishing his reputation. He then tries to seek help from a police officer to resolve the problem. Throughout the radio drama it is narrated by a host, who will ask the questions for the audience, and then there will be flashbacks into when the actual events happened. Will he stop the account?

Talk of the Town:

In a school there is an anonymous blog page that uploads gossip about peoples lives in school. One day, a girl who tried to keep her relationship a secret gets exposed on this account. The girl is very poor, and she is dating one of the richest and populous guys in her school. Everyone who finds out is furious and jealous of her, and they start to bully and torture her. After going through all this torment, she realises that she must find the owner of the account and make him pay for the mess. Will she succeed, or fail?

I'm Cancelled??:

A girl from a school unexpectedly got famous overnight on TikTok, and is now the most trending creator on the platform. As a result from this, people in school start to surround themselves around her and won't leave her alone. One day, a person asks for her signature who is also coincidentally disabled as well. Since she was running late for school at the time, she refused to do so and went on with her day. As a result of this, her school starts to dislike her and tarnish her name, attempting to cancel her on TikTok. Will she get past the allegations?

Broke(n):

A girl who struggles with poverty one day breaks her only phone. Since she is unable to buy a new phone, she decides to take it to a really cheap phone repair store that is in a secluded area. What she didn't realise is that the man who was fixing her phone actually installed a recording software inside of it, and filmed everything she did with her phone - even when she would take a shower. With this, he threatens the girl for money if she doesn't want her pictures leaked. Will she be able to pay the price?

The Catch:

A girl one day stumbles upon an account that has been using pictures of her face, and impersonating her. It is clear that they have made a catfish account, and are trying to scam people. Surprisingly, the catfish account has more followers and likes than her, so when she tried to report it the actual account got banned instead. She realises that in order to stop the account, she must play the owner themselves. She sets up a meeting with the person, and plans to arrest her when she arrives at the location. Will she send the account owner to jail?

LO4: BBC RADIO 4 POSTER