Podcasts, Zines and TV News
25th April 2026
Image: Created by Google Gemini on the Walk and Talk for Men ‘Grounded’ podcast inspiration.
For me, this module began with a walk, so as we cross the finish line of semester 2 of the Fundamentals of Digital Media module, this final post looks back at the Podcasts, Zines, and TV News projects revealing a period of creative growth and mild technical trauma. Here is a review of how I tackled the briefs, what worked, what I learned, and where I can improve.
Podcasts: Grounded
The Brief & Delivery: I developed Grounded, a podcast focusing on men’s mental health through the St Neots Walk and Talk group’s virtual John O’Groats to Land’s End challenge. I met the brief by creating a pilot, using AI to design professional branding, and researching BBC Radio 4’s Ramblings as my industry benchmark.
What went well & What I learned: The project was a joy, and I learned how to record outdoor interviews using a Zoom H1 Essential recorder. I successfully published a pilot via Acast, which was well-received by the walking group that they asked me to produce a series of three more episodes.
What to do better: I admittedly skimped on formal audience research initially, relying mostly on my own interests and retrofitting the audience profile later. Next time, I would conduct proper demographic research before recording to better target my listeners from the outset.
Zines: Queerly Beloved The Brief & Delivery: I created a 10-page zine for LGBTQ+ History Month 2026, combining my personal 44-year journey in the closet with the political history of Scottish decriminalisation and Section 28. I met the multimedia requirement by embedding QR codes linking to my blog and an AI-generated video. I also formulated a distribution strategy targeting independent bookshops, zine fairs, and Pride events. What went well & What I learned: Conquering my fear of digital design tools by finally learning to use Canva was a major triumph. I successfully blended analogue “cut and paste” aesthetics with AI-generated imagery, learning how to structure a narrative that was both deeply personal and politically resonant. What to do better: While the QR codes and video links worked well, next time I would love to experiment with more advanced interactive elements, such as the AR filters suggested in the module brief. As I was developing the Zine, I attended an event on Section 28 at the University and gained inspiration talking to the authors of ‘The Log Books’, the actor Michael Cashman and many inspiring people from the LGBTQ+ community who attended the event.
TV News Programme: ARU Tonight – Film Festival Fever
The Brief & Delivery: We produced a mockumentary news show incorporating three media types: traditional studio news, on-location reporting, and documentary-style interviews. We met the highly technical brief by submitting production paperwork (like shooting schedules and lighting diagrams), using proxy workflows, and documenting our understanding of audio configurations (5.1, 7.1, IAB).
What went well & What I learned: I enjoyed my role as Line Producer by driving the creative vision, drawing on satires like The Day Today and For Your Consideration, and stepping in front of the camera as the self-important talent. I gained a good understanding of industry concepts like ISDCF naming conventions, and the necessity of keeping audio peaks between -20dB and -10dB.
What to do better: Because I am not tech-savvy, I relied entirely on the division of labour to survive the technical demands. When the edit’s pacing didn’t quite match the Curb Your Enthusiasm awkwardness I envisioned, it forced me out of my comfort zone and I began to engage with the professional editing software myself.
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