What Is Media Transcription?

Media transcription converts audio and video recordings into text formats, which can be used as reference tools in the future. A wide range of media might be transcribed, including radio or television shows, podcasts, business meetings, and interviews. Basically any event recorded via audio or video equipment can be transformed into a text document through media transcription.

The legal system routinely uses media transcription to obtain text documents of depositions or interviews with witnesses. A police audio interview with a suspect, for example, is usually transcribed, with each juror in a trial receiving a copy of the transcript. This allows jurors to follow the conversation in written form while listening to the audio version.

Media transcription might prove especially helpful when a person speaking on an audio tape talks with a heavy foreign or regional accent. It also makes a conversation easier to understand if a speech defect makes words unintelligible. In instances where several people join a discussion, the transcript allows the listener to differentiate between individual speakers.

Another form of media transcription involves podcasts, which might allow sharing information with a larger group of listeners. Some podcasts are converted to text and posted on Web sites with links to the audio versions or video clips. This preserves written records of each show.

Transcription companies typically provide these services, converting analog or digital recordings into documents. Many companies create documents in various text formats, including PDFs and word documents. Transcripts of business conferences, meetings, documentaries, political candidates’ speeches, and feature films make up some of the services offered by media transcription companies.

Time codes or time stamps might be inserted into each line of text if the customer requires those details. Films or television show transcripts might describe the scene, indicate the music used, and include cues used in the production process. They typically include the credits in text form.

Raw video footage, such as reality television shows that are not scripted, might be more difficult to transcribe. Media transcriptionists usually add a description of a scene or the person speaking to improve accuracy. They attempt to capture every spoken word in each scene, which might consist of several people speaking at once.

Media transcripts might be useful for business or educational purposes. Students might find transcripts of university lectures helpful as a study tool. A journalist might seek a written record of interviews to ensure accurate quotes, especially when working on in-depth investigative articles. Some psychologists use transcripts to create written material to share with colleagues during lectures.