Customer Reviews

Radio Production Worktext, Third Edition

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have used the 6th edition and 4th edition of this book in previous audio production classes and have found it to be the best basic audio production book since the old O'Donnell "Modern Radio Production" went out of print. Its good for learning more about basic production skills and the enclosed CD provides a lot of good samples and exercises.

About the only hangup is that the book is quite dated, particularly in the chapters on new tech and internet production - but its not a killer short-coming. If anything, the examples of web sites and editing software show the book's age, but that's it. Everything else in here is top-notch.

The good news - a seventh edition is planned for publication sometime in 2013 - so these shortcomings should be corrected. That's a good thing, because it will just make a very strong book even better.

Selecting a text for an undergraduate audio production class is a dicey proposition. There are a limited number in print, and some are commercial-focused, while other skew towards documentary, video, or music. Technical scope is another issue. Some read like pure technology primers while others simply skip over the physics smarts one needs to understand why audio tools work the way they do. And currency is always an issue, so regular updates are a must.

Whether someone creates content for broadcast, web, or power point presentations, good AV skills are an essential communication competency. This book works well in providing an up-to-date generalist's guide

to producing decent quality audio. It also includes key topics like copyright and ethics, which are useful in making the point to novices that just because you CAN do something doesn't mean its OK to do so.

The self tests and step-by-step exercises are useful in reinforcing concepts by matching them with ears-on learning. An enclosed CD lets anyone with a pc and speakers begin to make the kinds of intellectual and auditory correlations needed to make a lasting impression.

As someone who teaches audio at the undergraduate level, I've used several texts over the last 4 years, and am pleased (and relieved) to say that the 6th edition of APW is the book I'll be moving on to in the coming academic year.

The quality of the book was very high. Unopened. Bargain price and was shipped in a timely matter.

If you are considering working in broadcasting, or just have a curiousity about what goes on behind the scenes, then this will give you the feel of broadcasting work. Experience it, and go from there.

The book and CD was delivered as promised. I received my materials in just two short work days. I also saved nearly 30% of the book store price. Thanks!