Introduction

Location links are usually used by broadcasters to introduce a piece, and then to bridge subsequent audio inserts. They are recorded or broadcast ‘live’ on location because doing so adds to a narrative credibility and pictures in brilliant colour.

Location links, usually no more than 15 seconds, need to be structured but they’re most effective when they sound ad-libbed, natural and, importantly, not perfect! Coupled with ‘on location’ ambience and sounds, they engage and involve listeners better than clever scripts and careful mixing. For example, a narrative about wind-power that comes from the bowels of a windmill is much more engaging than a clever script and sound effects.

Fluent ad-lobbing is a bit of a lost art for many reasons. The tide will turn and the broadcaster who can talk fluently on any subject, however superficially, will be more valuable and a good step ahead of most colleagues?

Oh, one other thing, clever ‘location links’ save a broadcaster a huge amount of scripting and editing time!

Tips on Great Location Links

1. Right mic: make sure you have the right mic for the job and that you set the right recording levels;
2. Headphones: always use them – it’s the best way to hear what’s going into your recorder: ambience, voice/ambience balance, input levels etc
3. You’re the Eyes imagine being the eyes of a blind person;
4. Create pictures: memorable, imaginative words and sounds will bring your piece alive;
5. Think before you start, hear how and where your location links might add colour or bridge various points in your piece;
6. Hear ‘hear’ what you are going to say by rehearsing;
7. Jog notes if it helps use ‘jog notes’ or a spider-gram;
8. KISS keep your links simple – don’t be too ambitious – a 15 second link is ample; don’t record too much material – it’s a nightmare to edit;
9. Facts equip yourself with a few relevant facts that will advance our understanding and/or knowledge;
10. Language be natural; no cliches, no hyperbole, no jargon, no long words;
11. Record button ON: try to avoid switching the record/stop button because it can add a nasty click to your recording
12. Cock-ups: if you muck up a location link, don’t worry; start the sentence again; don’t get frustrated; remember cock–ups can give a link veracity and involvment;
13. Overlap: if you muck up, say “Overlap” and start over; you don’t need to start your whole piece again; the word ‘overlap’ will help you to find the edit point quickly; when you start again, make sure you talk at the same pitch and at the same pace and with same background ambience;
14. Easy editing: leave enough time for edits that are natural and well-paced;
15. Wild-track: record wild-track wherever you are;
16. Sound clichés: avoid really obvious and/or clichéd sounds; don’t use sound for the sake of it;
17. Explaining the obvious don’t bore/patronise listeners by, first, using sounds that are easy to decipher and, second, stating what the sound is;
18. Strange noises: don’t ‘confuse and lose’ listeners by using sounds that are hard to decipher;
19. Practice: practise talking about a word, a phrase, a topic or a scene for as long as possible in a way that is fluent, coherent and informative; record yourself – it’s the best way to improve
20. Listen to Just a Minute on BBC Radio 4!

The creator of the UK’s largest commercial radio group has committed his company to offering hundreds of work attachments for youngsters wanting to break into the radio business.

Speaking at the Student Radio Conference in Leeds, Ashley Tabor said his company would offer 500 work experience placements each year.

Mr Tabor led the acquisition of GCap and Chrysalis and formed the Global Radio Group. The new company continues to make major structural changes to its stations. Many staff have been fired. Insiders say that Global’s stations badly need the extra bodies that free work attachments will bring, but that permanent, full-time work may be harder to find.

Ashley Tabor said he wanted Global to provide the opportunities that he had been given as a youngster.

Corinne Rhoades graduated from the NBS radio news course just before Christmas 08. She won the Jon Snow Trophy for Best News Student. She then did well to secure a valuable work attachment at Southern FM in Sussex under the experienced direction of News Editor, Tim Humphrey. Before joining the NBS, Corinne graduated from Cardiff University with a first class degree.