Jobs, Working Practices and Contracts

Broadcast Assistant; Broadcast assistants work in both speech based and music radio, offering practical support to producers and presenters. They have to do a wide range of  tasks to ensure live and recorded radio programmes run smoothly. They can also help in research, planning and production. This job is mainly used in radios like the BBC, it is not commonly used in commercial radios where the job title producer is broader. Broadcasts assistant's mainly work in small teams rather than independently. Their jobs balance between administrative and technical or production tasks. They need to have good communication skills because they are required to look after guests and programme contributors. individuals often succeed in getting these jobs after building a relationship with a station or programme through voluntary or casual work over a long period; or they move into programming or production from an administrative role elsewhere in Radio. For graduates their are two ways to get into Radio production, an undergraduate degree in media production or radio or a first degree in any subject with a post-graduate diploma or MA in Radio production. It doesn't matter about an individuals qualifications are, employers expect to see evidence of interest in and hands on experience of radio broadcasting, particularly skills gained through community radio, student or hospital. You need certain knowledge and skills to become an broadcast assistant which are; 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 tenancy to per sue information and overcome obstacles, the ability to be able to work both independently and in a team, self-motivation and adaptability, ability to work effectively under pressure and 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 and 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. A degree is not needed for this job, but if you do have a degree it does not necessarily have to be a media related subject. There salary is from £16,000 - £20,600 Radio news editor; They have to look at what story's the news team have produced and pick out the important information and maybe add some, they decide what goes on air, from local radio stations to international radio stations. The job title news editor is used throughout commercial radio stations, in the BBC the news editor may have different titles which are either Senior Broadcast Journalist or Programme Editor. They have to keep up with local, national, regional and international issues, which is relevant to their radio stations. They should also have good contacts within the community they're serving. They need to have certain knowledge and skills which are to have a strong sense of what makes a good news story, sound editorial judgement, 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, in-depth knowledge of the Radio market, different station and programme styles and audience demographics, 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 give and receive feedback and manage performance, ability to deal effectively with team members of differing temperaments and morale, ability to encourage frank and constructive reviews of news or programme output, the capacity to maintain objectivity in order to be fair and balanced in the treatment of stories, a thorough knowledge of the law, ethics and industry regulation, and broad experience of their application in radio and the practise 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 wide ranging interest in news and current affairs and particularly in those issues relevant to the communities and audiences served by their particular stations or programmes, 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,  to manipulate visual images or edit video, and upload all such material for use on websites and to have the ability to manage programme budgets and resources. This website gives more information about the job role. The salary;

Range of typical starting salaries: £13,000 - £18,000 in London.

Range of typical salaries at senior level/with experience, e.g. after 10-15 years in the role: £17,000 - £25,000.

Salary levels are fairly low in many parts of the industry.
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/radio_broadcast_assistant_job_description.htm

Jobs, Working Practices and Contracts

Radio Producer ;Radio Producers work in both speech-based and music Radio. Although they play a key role in creating what is heard by listeners, they are not usually heard on air themselves. They're responsible for creating and co-ordinating the content of radio programmes. The majority of radio producers work in a small team, but some manage much larger programme units. Producers in music Radio work in a range of stations and programmes catering for all musical tastes. Producers in speech Radio work in all genres from topical talk shows to documentaries, drama and comedy. For people who have graduated there are two educational paths into radio production, which are an undergraduate degree in Radio or Media production. Some of the larger broadcasters may offer limited numbers of direct entry trainee ships. Other radio producers may work their way up from entry level roles either with or without degrees. Their is a lot of knowledge and skills you would need to become a radio producer, these are having the ability to generate original idea, and to think creatively about how they communicate them, have excellent writing and story telling skills, which they can adapt for different audiences and platforms, an understanding on how to use their voice when communicating effectively to an audience or listeners, knowledge of the radio market, different station and programme styles, and audience demographics, the confidence and tenancy to per sue information, overcome obstacles, and pitch ideas to senior colleagues, ability to work both in a team and independently, 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, to be able to draw information from people, ability to be able to coach and bring out new skills in others, a comprehensive knowledge of the subjects relevant in the radio genre in which they wish to work, some knowledge of the law, ethic and industry regulation and how they affect the radio products. knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures, a high level of IT skills and 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. Although a degree is not always needed, most 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 subjects, particularly those related to the radio genre in which they wish to work.
This website gives more information about being a Radio Producer, for example; the salary.-

Range of typical salaries at senior level/with experience, e.g. after 10-15 years in the role: £30,000 - £45,000 for senior positions.

Freelance salaries vary from £150 to £300 a day, depending on experience.

 http://www.prospects.ac.uk/radio_producer_job_description.htm

Jobs, Working Practices and Contracts

Radio Marketing Executives may be involved in a wide range of activities in order to market the services and products of a radio station, or group of stations, to existing and potential listeners and clients. The aim is to increase brand awareness and loyalty, grow audiences, and attract advertisers. Marketing Executives may be expected to fulfil a range of both analytical and creative marketing functions: commissioning research and interpreting data about radio markets and audiences, maintaining contact databases for the station, designing and events that engage audiences and meet client needs. Developing the station's relationships with audiences and clients and ensuring consistent communication in all marketing output. They're expected to work closely with colleagues involved in sales, sponsorship, promotions, events, publicity and programming. They also are responsible for managing budgets, and for ensuring the efficient use of resources. They are also expected to ensure that their work complies with media law, regulation and industry codes. Although there is no set entry route for Marketing Executives in Radio, employers usually expect candidates to have both marketing qualifications and experience. 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. To become a marketing executive you would need the ability to think creatively and generate original ideas, excellent writing skills which they can adapt for different audiences and platforms, knowledge of marketing and communications, and how to build and manage brands, knowledge of the Radio market, different station and programme styles, and audience demographics, familiarity with the increasing range of communications platforms, and how they can be used in marketing campaigns, the confidence and tenacity to pursue information, overcome obstacles, and pitch ideas to senior colleagues , research skills, and the ability to interpret data and make the information accessible for non-specialist colleagues, attention to detail, 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 , a thorough knowledge of the law, ethics and industry regulations as they affect radio marketing, 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 and a high level of IT skills.  Many of those working for marketing teams in Radio are graduates. A degree in Marketing, or in subjects such as Communications or Business Management, could be a big advantage. However, other Marketing Executives may start out in Radio, or a related media area, and work their way up from an entry level role without a degree. Radio Marketing Executives are expected to develop their skills on the job, and they may choose to undertake further professional qualifications independently. Most employers offer a variety of forms of training to keep the skills and knowledge of their marketing staff up-to-date, and to introduce new technologies.

Jobs, Working Practices and Contracts

Reporter; The focus of the Reporter's role in Radio is to find and tell the stories that make up the news or current affairs output for the station or organisation for which they work. Reporters may work for a variety of different outlets, ranging from single local radio stations to international news organisations - and their related websites. Some reporters may also work from home. Radio reporters identify and new storeys then present them on air to a variety of different audiences. They're expected to be out as much as possible gathering information and new storeys, they gather information by interviewing those involved and recording information.  Radio Reporters may be required to work a variety of shift patterns - including night shifts, weekends and holidays. They must be prepared to travel, sometimes long distances, at any hour of the day or night to get good research on their story. Reporters may cover a wide range of stories, or focus on a specialist area such as politics, finance, sport or foreign affairs. but they are also responsible for generating ideas, researching background data, and assessing the value and accuracy of ideas and information from other sources. They must also pitch ideas and present news items for consideration by Editors, Commissioners, or other decision makers. There are three routes to get into being a reporter these are trainee ships 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. They need to have certain knowledge and skills, they need 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, an understanding of how to use their voice to communicate effectively with listeners, knowledge of the Radio market, 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 practise 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 and ability to conduct effective Internet research, use relevant computer software for audio editing, and, to manipulate visual images or edit video, and upload all such material for use on websites.
A degree may not always be essential, the majority of Reporters are graduates. However, Radio employers do not necessarily expect this to be in a media-related subject, and may even prefer their recruits to have degrees in other disciplines.  Specialist knowledge in fields such as politics, business, science or languages may be advantageous - particularly for those wishing to become specialist Reporters. A reporters salary is quite high, depending on the story and how big it is will depend on how much they get paid, also it depends on the company. There salary is £15,173 - £60,000.

Introduction

I am going to research about different jobs within the radio industry, some of these are Radio presenter, Reporter, Marketing Executive, Radio News Editor, Radio Producer and Broadcast Assistant. The 6 I have mentioned I am going to explain what they do, qualifications, knowledge and skills which are needed.

Jobs, Working Practices and Contracts

Radio presenter; They're responsible for creating the tone and style of the radio output and to make a relationship with listeners. Presenters in music Radio work for a variety of stations and programmes, catering for all genres. Presenters in speech Radio work in all genres, from topical talk shows to documentaries, light entertainment and comedy.Wherever they work, Presenters are expected to understand the purpose and format of their station or programme; to be aware of the characteristics of their target audience and to be knowledgeable about the subject matter of the output they present. Radio Presenters may present live or recorded shows, scripted and unscripted. They can be required to generate original ideas, carry out research, write scripts and links, work from a brief supplied by other members of a production team. When recruiting Radio Presenters, employers' concern is evidence of hands-on experience and time taken to develop technical and presentation skills as well as a personal style. A degree or other qualifications are not essential for the role. A lot of radio presenters start off in entry level roles on radio and they try to get as much experience to develop there skills until they are able to get a secure full time job. Radio employers do not expect the degree to be in a media-related subjects and may even prefer people with degrees in other disciplines, particularly those related to the radio genre in which they wish to work. Radio Presenters are expected to develop their skills on the job. Most employers also offer a variety of forms of training to keep their Presenters' skills and knowledge up-to-date, and to introduce new technologies. To become a radio presenter you need to know certain things, such as excellent presentation and performance skills, ability to generate original ideas and to be able to think creatively about how to communicate them, an understanding on how to use there voice effectively for the radio, determination and tenacity, ability to build credibility and rapport by communicating knowledgeably and engagingly with audiences, excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to draw information from people, knowledge of the Radio market, a comprehensive knowledge of subjects relevant to the Radio genre in which they wish to work, 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, 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, ability to learn how to use a variety of recording equipment and to operate different radio studios, ability to present while operating studio controls and co-ordinating a range of simultaneous technical activities and 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. In commercial radio we see some large salaries for local radio presenters, for instance one northwest radio station mid morning presenter shares his £80,000 wage.