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There are a variety of interesting jobs to be done, and local volunteers bring a wide range of skills to the organisation. Some volunteers are in full time employment, others are retired and the mix is useful to cover either daytime or evening production sessions. It is important to us to have the right person in the right job, whether in front of the microphone or behind the scenes. Reliability and commitment are essential amongst all the volunteers.

Below is a list of the main jobs within one local organisation but every Talking Newspaper is slightly different. Operations and job titles will vary between local TNs.

JOBS

Whatever the job, all volunteers:

• Are able to join in with other volunteers

• Enjoy helping out

• Receive an introductory talk and appropriate training

• Make tea or coffee.

Producer

The producer is responsible for the content of each edition as well as its recording quality. Producers work on a rota system.

• Organises editor to provide news items. Organises engineer for recording.

• Puts together items to be recorded.

• Organises individual contributors.

• Organises producer contributions.

Editor

The editor selects the news stories for the tape from the local newspaper. It is important that the stories selected are a true representation of the week’s local news coverage.

Culls the local newspaper for the previous period. Selects enough stories to last the normal length plus 10 minutes for reserve. Edits out certain words e.g. today, yesterday etc. Ensures incomplete court cases are concluded with “case continues”. Looks for other items which may be used in the magazine section.

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