Release Day Review- Out on the Wire: The Storytelling Secrets of the New Masters of Radio by Jessica Abel
When I received Out on the Wire, I didn't realized that it's a graphic novel. I was terrified at first because I am not a fan of reading graphic novels but the topic is so interesting to me that I decided to just give it a go. Three pages in and I was completely sucked in by Abel's wit, drawing and writing. I am a huge fan of radio, one of my all time favorite program is This American Life whose Host and Executive Producer- Ira Glass is prominently featured in this book.
Growing up my Dad always tuned in to NPR, so I listened to a lot of Morning Edition, All Things Considered, Fresh Air, Car Talk, Ask Me Another and wait... wait... don't tell me among many other programming that NPR produces. In a world where access to news is not an issue I still find myself recalling a lot of unique information that I listened to over the radio many moons ago than something that I just watched on TV or the internet.
Growing up my Dad always tuned in to NPR, so I listened to a lot of Morning Edition, All Things Considered, Fresh Air, Car Talk, Ask Me Another and wait... wait... don't tell me among many other programming that NPR produces. In a world where access to news is not an issue I still find myself recalling a lot of unique information that I listened to over the radio many moons ago than something that I just watched on TV or the internet.
In the introduction, Abel introduced a term she refers to as "driveway moments" which is "where you're listening to a story on the radio in your car and you arrive where you're going but you just sit in your car to hear the end of the story". I've personally had a lot of those moments and it's why for me personally this book is just a treasure. There's something immediate and gratifying when I listen to a This American Life story from the beginning to the end (which runs for about 20 minutes) at the end of which I am able to digest, process and recall the information. Compare that to me trying to watch/listen to a 30 minute news cycle on any channel or watching a TV show where I am probably: typing a blog post, scrolling on Instagram or reading a kindle. Listening to a radio program or a podcast for me requires and demands attention that is different than any other form of media.
This book covers other radio/podcast programs but since I'm a big fan of This American Life and Ira Glass obviously that's what stood out to me. The first chapter for example delved into how staff of This American Life and Ira Glass in particular would break a story, essentially how do you make an interesting story that would be good to a gold story worthy of 20 minutes air time for 2.2 million listeners. In addition, there were a few of interesting tidbits that I don't usually think about as a listener such as the importance of silence or inhales/exhales of breath. More importantly the book covers the hours spent in making sure that the listeners are able to imagine and follow along to the story without seeing or reading anything. In a way, for me personally there's a certain level of trust that I give when I am listening to a radio program/podcast that I don't often do while watching TV or reading a newspaper. Since I can't see what they are describing, I have to trust that they are using their best judgement by using words and sounds that fit the news/story.
Out on the Wire gave me a truly in-depth perspective on what it takes to maintain successful radio and Podcast programs (not just news-related) but also what it takes to have listeners keep coming back. If you are a fan of public radio, definitely give this book a read. You won't be disappointed.
Until next time,
Out on the Wire (Published August 25th, 2015) U.S. $17/$20 CAN
About the Author:
About the Author:
Cartoonist and writer Jessica Abel is the author of two textbooks about making comics, Drawing Words & Writing Pictures and Mastering Comics, written in collaboration with her husband. the cartoonist Matt Madden. She is also the author of a graphic novel La Perdida and a new science fiction comic series called Trish Trash: Rollergirls of Mars.
Disclaimer: I received this product to consider for free from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review, no other compensation was received. Most products on my blog have been purchased by me (unless stated like this one) and I will be honest about my reviews and will only work with brands who truly have great products. Please check out my full disclaimer page if you have any questions. Following guidelines provided under FTC 16 CFR, Part 225. I am an Amazon Affiliate, I may receive a small commission if you choose to use some of the links in this site and make a purchase.
Disclaimer: I received this product to consider for free from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review, no other compensation was received. Most products on my blog have been purchased by me (unless stated like this one) and I will be honest about my reviews and will only work with brands who truly have great products. Please check out my full disclaimer page if you have any questions. Following guidelines provided under FTC 16 CFR, Part 225. I am an Amazon Affiliate, I may receive a small commission if you choose to use some of the links in this site and make a purchase.
