Those interested in becoming correspondents for Global Public Media need to have an understanding and continuing interest in the issues of oil and natural gas depletion, some understanding of the science of energy, a reasonable understanding of climate change, and a clear understanding of GPM's editorial position on these issues (no advocacy of "big polluting energy" (nuclear, coal etc), no promoting investing in speculation (eg gold, oil etc), no religious/spiritual themes, etc). Correspondents must also provide us with the following for evaluation:
1. A résumé with appropriate and/or related work experience (journalism, broadcasting, environmental, science, etc)
2. A video or audio demo of work in a related field. The demo must illustrate interviewing skills, research abilities (being well prepared for your interviewee) and technical abilities: equipment experience and management, lighting, composition, sound, etc.
3. Writing samples: these can be news articles, fact-based opinion, interview, investigative, even blog posts, so long as they display intelligence, basis on scientific reality and an adherence to journalistic style standards.
Our technical standards are as follows:
Audio ( either a) in person or b) over the telephone) or lectures must be recorded with a minidisc recorder, mp3 recorder, wav recorder (eg Marantz) or similar digital device - analog tape is unacceptable. All recording equipment must be supplied by the correspondent (or by GPM after the correspondent has gained some seniority within the organization).
Lecture audio should only be recorded directly from the sound board, from a wired or wireless lapel mic, or if absolutely necessary from the front row using a rifle mic and having as little room noise as possible.
Audio quality needs to be nearly flawless - devoid of background noise; speakers' voices need to be clear and present, without echo, phone noise, mic popping, etc. Some noise can be removed in post production but all efforts must be made for a clean raw audio file.
a) for 'in-person' recordings we require raw (unedited) files to be provided to the editor(s) in MP3 format, mono, 128kbps, 44.1kHz. Files that have already been edited can be provided in 64kbps, 44.1khz.
b) for telephone interviews, we require stereo, 128kbps, 44.1kHz MP3 files with the interviewer and interviewee well separated on the two channels (it doesn't matter which channels they are on, only that they sound as separate as possible). This high quality separation can only be achieved by digital devices called telephone modems or hybrids. We generally use the Broadcast Host, but there are a few other manufacturers, and we are not endorsing this device.
All files should be be sent using www.yousendit.com (not ordinary email).
Video must be recorded in a well lit space with a non-distracting background, using a wired or wireless lapel mic or a boom mic. An outdoor setting is fine assuming its quiet, still and well lit (and a lapel mic - wired or wireless - is almost mandatory). Camera must be on a tripod, all equipment to be supplied by the correspondent. Raw files should be provided to the editor/s in their native size and format, unless the correspondent also provides editing, in which case the final file should be 320px x 240px, no more than 100MB final filesize for 1 hour of material, and currently in Real Media format (though this will change soon). Delivery method is dependent on the correspondent's capabilities, but most likely correspondent provided FTP, yousendit.com or GPM FTP. GPM will soon be able to offer direct upload via the web.
Compensation for correspondents will be commensurate with experience. Please contact our editorial staff if you are interested in becoming a Global Public Media correspondent.
22nd December 2007
Julian Darley
Andi Hazelwood
