Broadcast Assistant

Broadcast assistants support producers and presenters with their research, planning and production so that a live or recorded show would run smoothly. The job role of a broadcast assistant is more commonly used within the BBC rather than commercial radio stations because commercial stations usually give the producer the job role of being a broadcast assistant alongside other important jobs. 

All Broadcast assistants must understand the purpose and format of their station that they're employed by. They must understand the characteristics of the target audience and know whether to use speech or music as the subject matter. As broadcast assistants produce material, they must produce the product while abiding to the media law. 

If you want to be a broadcast assistant, you must either have experience in radio production by either have voluntary experience but it must be over a long period of time. But if you have degree's in anything related to radio or media production, it also helps to enter this job occupation.

Essential Knowledge & Skills

Radio Broadcast Assistants need the following:

• strong organisational skills
• accuracy and attention to detail
• creative thinking and problem solving
• knowledge of the Radio market, different station and programme styles, and audience demographics
• the confidence and tenacity to pursue information and overcome obstacles
• ability to work independently but also as part of a team
• self-motivation and adaptability
• ability to work effectively under pressure, react quickly, and meet tight deadlines
• determination, diplomacy and excellent interpersonal skills
• empathy and patience, the ability to build rapport and draw information from people
• a good knowledge of subjects relevant to the Radio genre in which they wish to work
• a basic understanding of the law, ethics and industry regulation as they affect Radio production
• knowledge of when it is necessary, and how to acquire, the relevant clearances and licenses, including copyright and music clearances
• knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures
• a high level of IT skills - particularly good word-processing and data handling skills
• ability to learn how to use a variety of recording equipment, and to operate different radio studios
• ability to conduct effective internet research, use relevant computer software for audio editing, and, when necessary, to manipulate visual images or edit video, and upload all such material for use on websites

A degree is not essential for this role. However, for graduates hoping to work as Broadcast Assistants in Radio production, Radio employers do not necessarily expect the degree to be in a media-related subject.  They may even prefer their recruits to have degrees in other disciplines - particularly those related to the radio genre in which they wish to work.

For those considering higher education there are a wide range of media courses on offer, but it is important to determine whether a particular course offers a good grounding in practical Radio production skills, has good contacts with the Radio industry, and whether its students are successful in obtaining work in Radio.

Once in post, Radio Broadcast Assistants are expected to develop their skills on the job, but most employers also offer a variety of forms of training to keep their employees' skills and knowledge up-to-date, and to introduce new technologies. This training may be offered in-house, or supplied by external providers, depending on the size and structure of different Radio organizations and employers. Colleges and private training providers also offer a range of short courses which may support the personal development of individual Radio Broadcast Assistants, and may offer opportunities for them to gain promotion, or to change career direction.

Commericials Producer

Commercials producer makes adverts, jingles and station promos. In order to do this, you must have radio production skills as well as creativity. They can either be self-employed or be hired by a radio station.

Commericials producer’s work with their clients so they know what they want, like the music, voiceovers and what they are trying to sell in their advert. They can also be employed to promote events.  As part of their job, aswell as creating the advert, they have to get all the copyright clearances for music and voices used. They also need to understand and comply with media law, regulations and industry codes of practice.

They also need a high level of production skills including, how to operate a radio studio, audio production and editing using a variety of software packages

A degree may not always be essential, but candidates without a degree may need to start at more junior levels - usually  in Radio or in an advertising agency - and work their way up to the Commercials Producer role in Radio. Some of the larger broadcasters offer limited places on direct entry schemes, which may include the opportunity to work in commercials production. 

Whatever an individual's qualifications, employers expect to see evidence of interest in, and hands-on experience of, radio broadcasting, particularly skills acquired in community radio, student or hospital radio.

Essential Knowledge & Skills

Radio Commercials Producers need the following:

·         the ability to generate original ideas, and to think creatively about how to communicate them

·         excellent writing and story-telling skills which they can adapt for different audiences and platforms

·         knowledge of the Radio market, different station and programme styles, and audience demographics

·         a strong interest in advertising, and a good understanding of how radio and other relevant platforms can be used to promote and sell goods and services

·         confidence to interpret a brief, and to pitch ideas to clients

·         ability to work independently, but also as part of a team

·         self-motivation and adaptability

·         ability to work effectively under pressure, react quickly and meet tight deadlines

·         determination, diplomacy and excellent interpersonal skills

·         empathy and patience, the ability to build rapport and draw information from people

·         a thorough knowledge of the law, ethics and industry regulations as they affect radio production and advertising

·         knowledge of when it is necessary, and how to acquire the relevant clearances and licenses, including copyright and music clearances

·         knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures

·         a high level of IT skills - particularly good word-processing and data handling skills

·         the ability to learn how to use a variety of recording equipment, and to operate different radio studios

·         the ability to conduct effective internet research, use relevant computer software for audio editing, and, when necessary, to manipulate visual images or edit video, and upload all such material for use on websites

 

For people with a degree that is related to the media industry don’t need to work their way up as an entry level.

Programme Controller

Programme controller's job is to lead the programming teams in commericial radio. They make sure that each department meets the creative and commericial needs. Programme controllers often work with station managers or similar personell that shares the same amount of responsibilities to maximise sales and revenue.
The most important jobs of being a programme controller is that you are involved in recruiments, training and development, daily management of the staffs and encouraging creatvitity in each department.
Most programme controllers have previous experience of managing a small business, for example retail management.
Essential Knowledge & Skills
Radio Programme Controllers need the following:

• ability to generate original ideas, and to think creatively about how to communicate them
• excellent communication and presentation skills
• knowledge of the Radio market, different station and programme styles, and audience demographics
• sound editorial judgement
• business and finance skills
• confidence and decisiveness
• the capacity to work effectively under pressure, react quickly, and meet tight deadlines
• determination, diplomacy, and excellent interpersonal skills
• a facility for managing creative teams, and encouraging acceptable creative risk taking
• ability to coach, and to develop talent in others
• ability to give and accept feedback, and manage performance
• ability to deal effectively with team members of differing temperaments and morale
• ability to encourage frank and constructive reviews of output
• self-motivation and adaptability
• a thorough knowledge of the law, ethics and industry regulation as they affect Radio production
• knowledge of when it is necessary, and how to acquire, the relevant clearances and licenses, including copyright and music clearances
• knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures
• a high level of IT skills - particularly good word-processing and data handling skills

Reporter

Reporters research and identify news stories then they present them to their audiences. Some of their work is office or newsroom-based, but they are expected to spend much of their time out and about gathering information, witnessing and recording events, and interviewing those involved. They may report live from events as they unfold, or record and edit material to create pre-recorded items for inclusion in news bulletins, or produce longer features or documentaries.
 Radio Reporters may be required to work a variety of shift patterns - including night shifts, weekends and holidays.

There are broadly three entry routes into Reporting in Radio: traineeships offered by a few of the larger employers; moving into radio after first working as a print journalist; or completing an accredited pre-entry degree or post-graduate qualification.  Employers also look for evidence of interest in, and hands-on experience of, radio broadcasting, particularly skills gained through community radio, student or hospital radio. Some well-established specialist print journalists may be recruited at a very senior level into broadcasting because of their expertise in a given field.
Reporters need the following:

• a sense of what makes a good news story
• ability to generate original ideas and to think creatively about how to communicate them
• excellent writing and story-telling skills which they can adapt for different audiences and platforms
• an understanding of how to use their voice to communicate effectively with listeners
• knowledge of the Radio market, different station and programme styles and audience demographics
• curiosity and inquisitiveness, a willingness to ask questions but also to listen
• the confidence and tenacity to pursue information, overcome obstacles and pitch ideas to senior colleagues
• self-motivation and adaptability
• ability to work independently but also as part of a team
• ability to work effectively under pressure, react quickly and meet tight deadlines
• ability to cope with the demands of live reporting and interviewing
• determination, diplomacy and excellent interpersonal skills
• empathy and patience, the ability to build rapport and draw information from people
• ability to maintain objectivity in order to be fair and balanced in the treatment of stories
• an interest in news and current affairs and good general knowledge
• a thorough knowledge of the law, ethics and industry regulation as they affect radio and the practice of journalism
• knowledge of when it is necessary and how to acquire the relevant clearances and licenses, including copyright and music clearances
• knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures
• a high level of IT skills - particularly good word-processing and data handling skills
• the ability to learn how to use a variety of recording equipment and to operate different radio studios
• ability to conduct effective internet research, use relevant computer software for audio editing, and, when necessary, to manipulate visual images or edit video, and upload all such material for use on websites

Radio Presenter

Radio Presenters are the voice of the radio. They work on a variety of platforms including national, regional, satellite and cable television, online or radio. Their role is always to entertain and inform their audiences by presenting information.Radio presenter will often introduce, host (or co-host) a programme, creating links between items like sports, weather and general news, introducing and interviewing guests and interacting with the audience.

The typical work activites that they do are:

• Researching for infomation and background to be featured on their programme.
• Planning shows.
• Writing and memorising scripts.

During the broadcast they may be involved in:

• introducing and hosting shows.
• interviewing guests in the studio, by telephone or on location.
• Playing music.
• Reviewing music.
• Keeping the programme running to schedule
• keeping in contact with the director and production team in the studio gallery, through an ear-piece link.

this area of work is open to all graduates and diplomates, the following degree, HND or foundation degree subjects may improve your chances:

• Drama/performing arts
• journalism
• Media
• Multimedia
• Music Technology

Radio presenting doesnt nessesary need a degree but it would be useful especially if you have an unnessesary first degree.

But candidates must show evidence of the following:

• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Performing skills. 
• Clear voice.
• personable and interesting appearance.
• good research and interviewing skills.
• confidence and the ability to sell yourself.
• Awarness of Media law.
• the ability to take the initiative and make quick decisions under pressure.
• Team working skills.
• creativity and problem-solving skills.

Salaries of being a radio presenter vary enormously, depending on the presenter, if they work full time or they work freelance. Starting salaries can be as a low as £14,000, rising to £100,000+ with significant experience.

Radio Producer

Producers in music Radio work in a range of stations and programmes catering for all musical tastes.Wherever they work, Producers are expected to understand the purpose and format of their station or programme; to be aware of the of their target audience; and to be knowledgeable about the subject matter of output for which they are responsible. They normally are creative and organised people and they coordinate the content of the shows.
The typical activities you do in this job roles are:

• Researching for programmes and pitching for commissions.
• Developing content, writing scripts for material.
• Resourcing potential contributors.
• Selecting music appropiate to the the programme; the audience and station.
• managing getting people, resources and equipment together to the right place at the right time.
• checking that copyrights are cleared and understanding media law.
• using technology, such as Radioman, Cool Edit Pro, Protools and Adobe Audition, for editing and production purposes.
• ensuring that health and safety standards and trade union requirements are met.

A degree is not always essential, the majority of Radio Producers are graduates. However, Radio employers do not necessarily expect the degree to be in a media-related subject, and may even prefer their recruits to have degrees in other disciplines - particularly those related to the radio genre in which they wish to work.

Job Roles in Radio Industry

For this assignment, i will be looking at several different job roles which are in the radio industry such as;  reporter; interviewer; researcher; script writer; presenter; radio journalist; producer; studio assistant; programme scheduler; commercial trafficker; audio/sound engineer; editor; station manager; air time salesperson; station management; community training; volunteer support