Producing and Recording a Live Radio Program

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Before the days of Netflix and television, people listened to the radio for entertainment. To this day, radio drama and other programs are still staple forms of entertainment in many places.

Producing and recording your own radio program can be a fun project for your kids - or even for the whole family.

First, you write the script. It does not have to be long. You can tell an existing story or make up your own. Or, if drama is not your thing, you can do a documentary, an advertisement, a public service announcement on the importance of washing your hands - anything.

What matters is that your script uses a lot of sound, narration, and dialogue since your listeners will rely entirelt on what they hear to understand what your program is all about.

Then, assign roles and rehearse.

You should also make sound effects. There are many downloadable free sound effects online. But it would be more fun to make your own at home. For example, the sound of fire crackling can be replicated by crumpling a piece of cellophane in front of a microphone. The sound of horse hooves can be replicated using empty yoghurt pots. The footsteps of a marching army can be done by filling a jar with stones and shaking it rhythmically. Use your imagination.

When you are satisfied with the rehearsals, it is time to record your radio play. Most gadgets like mobile phones have audio recorders and built-in microphones and you can use those. You can also download Audible into your laptop and use it.

Some older tech-savvy members of your family can help edit the recording.

You and your kids will surely have fun recording your own radio program at home, and even more fun afterwards listening to it again and again.