Jodeane Brownlee Recap

On Monday, March 30, MavRadio faculty advisor, Jodeane Brownlee, spoke with Media Storytelling students about self-care, the emotional side of broadcasting, how to ask good questions to get even better sound bytes and how the coronavirus affects mediums such as the radio. 

When asked about her thoughts as a media expert, Brownlee began discussing the best way to support self-care when so much is going on in the news now. She started by giving examples of other shows to watch instead of the news (Tiger King is her new favorite). She also explained that news makes headlines because it’s different, and no one will be talking about the success stories of COVID-19 because the rising death toll rates will get more views. With that being said, she offered students the idea of looking into websites like the CDC and WHO to gather their information, not CNN or Fox News, when they want to look at the news.

Brownlee also gave her opinion on why emotional moments aren’t being broadcasted like they were when 9/11 happened.

“It hasn’t happened fast,” Brownlee said. “[9/11] was like a gut-check to everyone.”

Brownlee noted that the slow progression of this virus is the reason news stations aren’t providing more emotional content. She is hopeful that the analytics will be useful when it’s closer to the end. 

“He said, ‘We’re looking at an authoritarian regime’” Brownlee said.

Brownlee also described the best way to get solid sound bytes. She believes asking for clarification is important so that you’re not writing something vague when you go back to it. She doesn’t think reporters should frame questions to get the answers they want. When answers aren’t framed, they are stronger and more concrete than those that are prompted. 

“Research and know what you’re talking about,” Brownlee said. “You don’t want egg on your face.”

It is never bad to research before and during the time of an interview, especially if you want to make sure you call Mr. Secretary, as in Brownlee’s case, the right name. 

Brownlee thinks that radio has shown its importance during the time of the coronavirus. 

“People need the escape of the radio now more than ever right now,” Brownlee said. “We need the foundation of peace and routine when routine is hardly there anymore.”

Radio is more relevant than ever.