ISEO recognizes the importance and power of words, thoughts and communication. This event provides a platform for participants to interact, share their thoughts and feelings about ISEO 2009 and set forth the details in the form of an audio report (called a PodCast). This category encourages aspiring journalists to show their talents as reporters as well as audio presenters.

There are two parts to this competition category: the first, where the student will be required to make a written report, and the second, where the student will have to record an audio version of the same. Marks will be awarded on the basis of both parts.

So be ready for this great rendezvous at ISEO 2009.

Being a journalist involves more than being able to write. It involves being able to observe, ask questions, interpret, distill information and communicate with others. With the world fast moving towards increased interactivity, the ISEO is encouraging children to express their stories in the most effective manner possible.

What Makes a Great Reporter?

The "Who? What? Why? When? Where? And How?" of Reporting:

One of the first things a young journalist must understand is evaluating what is newsworthy. A good news story is an accurate account of an event and an accurate recounting of what someone said or did.

In order to provide information about people, events, trends and issues, and in order to take into account interests, timeliness, proximity, and familiarity, a reporter should remember to answer six basic questions in his or her news story - the five W’s and the H. These provide the core of information essential to the story. Most information that you put in your news stories will come from interviews. Interviewing styles vary from reporter to reporter, and you probably will settle into a comfortable style quickly.

Relax and use the opportunity to talk with people you otherwise might not meet. Ask questions about what they do, how they do it and why. Writing down a few important questions (perhaps 6 or 8, not 20 or 30) before the interview is a good idea. Face to face interviews are the best kinds and should be undertaken whenever possible.

Rules:

1. Each team will be represented by ONE participant only.
2. The reporter may write about any ISEO event(s) or activities of their choice. They are also welcome to report on one day or the entire ISEO experience if they choose.
3. The duration of the complete podcast should be no more than 2 minutes and can be in Urdu or English.
4. The reporters will be allotted specified times and days for a recording session of 10-minutes to record their final podcast.
5. Each podcast recording session will comprise a maximum of "3 takes" and the best "take" will be submitted unedited.
6. Marks will be allotted on the basis of pertinence of report, presentation and articulation.
7. The reporters will also be required to submit their written article in order to be judged.
8. The reporters may bring their own recorders, though they will be required to record the final podcast with the equipment provided by the ISEO organisers.

Note: Entries will be limited to the first TEN schools that register for the event.