Journey in audio programme kicks off

The first workshop for Journey in audio, a new training programme launched by the Society, took place recently. Through a competitive process, five applicants were selected to join a professional radio and podcast producer to learn the theoretical and practical skills needed to effectively showcase their upcoming geographical journeys and fieldwork by recording audio in the field.

The group were guided through production techniques, capturing scenes and interviewing, and shared ideas and feedback for the upcoming projects. Following a practical demonstration of using handheld recording equipment, the group tested their skills in Hyde Park and the streets of South Kensington, before playing their recordings back to the group.

The workshop proved to be a challenging yet insightful and inspiring day, and armed with recording equipment lent to them by the Society, the group left excited to put their learnings into practice over the coming months. 

One of the participants, James, commented: “Completing the first training day has made it possible to take the seedling of an idea and bring it to life. More important than the training, which has been great, is the motivation, momentum and accountability that goes with the programme - this really will make the difference between that initial idea getting filed under “maybe later” and growing into a real project. Having never done audio work before, this programme has opened up a whole new world for me.”

Another participant, Georgie, added: “It was a great networking opportunity, getting to chat to a lovely, interesting group of people. It was a friendly, unintimidating way to begin the project, and I’m really glad I could make it down for the day!”

Look out for updates in autumn to hear the geographical journeys in action, from the sounds and stories of a bird ringing group on the Yorkshire moors to the nature and communities of the Mongolian steppe.

Do you want to discover more opportunities like this? The Society offers a broad range of support for those undertaking geographical journeys, fieldwork or research expeditions. Find out more.