Unit 9 AO2 Radio Jobs

Unit 9: AO2- Radio Job Roles

Task 1

For this task I will be looking at the job roles in BBC Radio 6Music and explaining the different job roles, what they do, the most important person out of all 3 job roles and what the role of the producer is during a show, with elucidated examples.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/academy/collegeofproduction/videos/radio/guide_to_a_radio_studio_radio

6Music is run by just three people. The job roles in this station are: Producer, Presenter and Assistant Producer. Even though the Producer has the most to look after and ensure, they all have very important job roles in running the radio station. There is constant planning, checking and improvising is being done. When a guest is delayed or late they have to come up with something to buy time with as another song is playing.

The most important job role in the studio is the Presenter because, even though they are only on for their show, which is around three hours, the station wouldn’t be able to air if the presenter want there to present their show. The Presenter controls the desk and has control of the music. It isn’t that hard because the radio station plays so much music that the presenter has enough time to plan, write notes and put the next song in order.

Task 2

1.  Broadcast Assistant

All broadcast assistants must know and understand the remit and purpose of their station or programme. Broadcast assistants can either be working with the station or only be working for one programme. They also need to know the stations target audience and have knowledge of the subject output whether it is music or speech. For example, If a broadcast assistant was working with BBC Radio 4, they would have to know the remit, the target audience their programmes are aimed at and have knowledge in the use of speech programmes the station are going to broadcast.

Broadcast assistants also have the job of looking after guests and programme contributors, answering and logging calls for phone-ins or competitions, organise payments and contracts for contributors, performers or freelance staff. Their job also involves obtaining permissions or licenses for recording or broadcasting at a location. They need to know booking resources and facilities, record the stations expenditure, and assisting with programme budgets might be part of their liabilities.

Whether the BA is dealing with music, sound effects and audio archive material, or in some cases, still or moving images for a website, the BA must know how to obtain these resources legally, taking into account Copyright Law and Music licensing.

Broadcast Assistants don’t just constantly do their jobs, they have the opportunity to contribute to programme ideas, record basic interviews and other material, edit an audio using suitable computer editing software and only when needed, present short items for broadcast. In addition, Some Radio BA’s may be asked to write material for websites, blogs, and social networking sites.  Lastly, BA’s would be asked to prepare audio and visual material for online.

One important thing that a broadcast assistant would need to do is keep the visual information for TV, online and DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) players up to date by telling you what song is playing and ways to contact the station. This has to be done for every song that is played, every programme change-over and sometimes when the presenter is talking.

Most Skills Needed For A Broadcast Assistant:

ü   Strong organisational skills.

ü   Knowledge of the Radio market, different station and programme styles, and audience demographics.

ü   Ability to work effectively under pressure, react quickly, and meet tight deadlines.

ü   A basic understanding of the law, ethics and industry regulation as they affect Radio production.

ü   Knowledge of when it is necessary, and how to acquire, the relevant clearances and licenses, including copyright and music clearances.

ü   Knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures.

ü   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.

Qualifications and Training for a BA

In order to be a BA, you do not need a degree. If you already have a degree, the Radio employer would not expect the degree to be in a media related subject. It is sometimes preferred to have degrees in another subject that is related to the radio genre in which they want to work with.

You aren’t expected to have every skill as soon as you’re employed, unless you have had plenty of experience. Normally, you’re expected to have some of the main skills like: ability to organise, creative thinking, problem solving, multitasking, ability to work in a team as well as independently, Ability to work under pressure and IT skills.

Most Radio employers will provide their employees a variety of training to make sure their employees’ skills and knowledge are up-to-date, and to introduce them to new technologies.

Importance of this Job Role

A BA has a very important role. They are relied on to make bookings, ensure music, pictures and audio used is legal and not breaching any copyrights. As part of this they need to arrange the licenses and permissions. They also need to make sure that guests are booked and make sure they arrive on time, if not; they need to inform the presenter so they know to improvise or play music to buy time. Also guests may come early, so it is the BA’s job to make sure they are okay, happy and comfortable as they are waiting. The BA is can also be used as a back-up when broadcasting. If needed, they can quickly present or stay in control of the playlist, news or adverts if needed. They also have the job of completing contracts and payments for programme contributors, performers or freelance staff.

2.  Station Manager

It doesn’t matter what type of radio station it is, the Station manager must have a clear understanding and knowledge of the purpose and format of their station and its target audience.

The station manager helps determine the station objectives and is expected to tell all other staff the objectives, motivating them so that the objectives can be met.

Station managers make sure that the station is running smoothly and times are accurate. They are in charge of co-ordinating jobs to staff. One of which includes the development of multi-platform content. This is about putting all content online, in a podcast, live streaming, listen again and on the new BBC radio website.

For commercial radio, the station manager’s focus is to maximise revenue for the station, managing budget and resources. On the other hand, in non-commercial radio, the station manager’s focus would be programming and delivering content efficiently.

Station managers are also expected to represent the station externally as well as internally. This would help build relationships between the community they serve because it shows that they want to appeal to the area and understand what they want from the station.

They must ensure the station complies with laws, regulations and industry codes governing Radio broadcasting. As well as making sure that any complaints are dealt with responsibly.

Most Skills Needed For a Station Manager

§    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.

§    Business and finance skills.

§    Sound editorial judgement.

§    The capacity to work effectively under pressure, react quickly, and meet tight deadlines.

§    A facility for managing creative teams, and encouraging acceptable creative risk taking.

§    Ability to coach, and to develop talent in other.

§    Ability to give and receive (accept?) feedback, and manage performance.

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

Qualifications and Training for a SM

Most Radio Station Managers acquire some of their management skills whilst on the job or from a previous occupation. They would have acquired skills from doing previous work in radio and would have been suggested as management potential. Some may have been offered management training by their employer in order for them to be promoted. Furthermore, some people might have independently pursued professional development independently by funding for their own short courses or qualifications in management just so they could raise their chances of getting a promotion.
Employers often expect a Station Manager’s skills to develop on the job but most employers do offer a variety of training programmes in order to make sure their knowledge is up to date.

Importance of this Job Role

The station manager watched over every member of staff that is under them to make sure their jobs are being done properly. As well as doing work, the station manager has to ensure that everything that is being done is complying with the laws and within their licences.

In a commercial radio station, the station manager’s main concern would be revenue. They would need to ensure that targets are being met and the advert requests keep coming in. The thing is, in order to have more adverts; the station will need to have more listeners because the advertisers want to know how many people their advert is going to reach to.

There are deadlines within the workplace that will pressure the Station manager but one of the skills needed is for them to be able to deal with these situations. Without the Station manager, there would be nobody to check that everything is being done correctly, meeting objectives and within the station format.

3.  Programme controller

Programme Controllers must have a clear understanding of the station format and purpose of the station. They must also have knowledge of the stations target audience and business objectives. Their role in the Radio industry involves planning programmes to meet objectives. Programme controllers work closely with Station managers and other personnel who have a high responsibility for the station.

They are involved with controlling recruitment, training, skill development and management of all staff on the programming departments. They also need to encourage creativity amongst others and commercial awareness in their programming team. This means that they need to come up with ways to promote the station through its programmes.

Programme controllers are required to work collaboratively with all different departments of the station whilst contributing to the development of multi-platform content (online, podcast, BBC Radio, listen again.). They must also devise new programming to attract and retain their current audiences whilst making the station up to date with the latest trends in programming.

Lastly, just like every other member, the Programme Controller must ensure that all their content does comply with the laws regulations and industry codes that govern Radio broadcasting.

Most Skills Needed For a Programme Controller

§   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.

§   Business and finance skills.

§   Confidence and decisiveness.

§   The capacity to work effectively under pressure, react quickly, and meet tight deadlines.

§   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.

§   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.

§   A high level of IT skills - particularly good word-processing and data handling skills.

Qualifications and Training for a Programme Controller

Similarly to the Station Manager, most Programme Controllers acquire some of their management skills on-the-job from previous roles, managing smaller programme teams, overseeing projects, or standing in for senior colleagues. Some may have been recognised for having management potential and put into training to prepare for that role. Furthermore, individuals may have pursued professional development independently even though it is not essential to have qualifications for the role.

Once working, Radio Programme Controllers are expected to continue developing their skills on the job. Most employers also offer a variety of forms of training to keep their Programme Controllers' skills and knowledge up-to-date. The training required my offered within the studio or supplied by someone external from the business. This all differs from the size and structure of different radio organisations and its employers.

Short courses are provided by some Colleges and private training organisations which could benefit to Programme Controllers seeking professional development, and could offer opportunities for them to gain further promotion or perhaps change career path.

Importance of this Job Role

The programme controller is one of the high positions within the radio industry and is close to the Station manager. Their job is to be a part of the production team and create, plan and be a part of new programmes. These programmes must be able to meet the business objectives and keep to the station format and appeal to target audience as well as attract more listeners. The more people that listen to the station, the more businesses will want to advertise from the station. The Programme controller does spend most of the time working with the rest of the production team and will need to understand how top lead them and encourage them with their ideas.

4.  Broadcast Journalist

Radio Broadcast Journalists identify, research and present news stories for a wide range of audiences. Most are expected to broadcast on air: presenting news bulletins, recording interviews, voicing news items or longer features.

Broadcast Journalists may be required to work a range of shift arrangements, including night shifts, weekends and holidays. Whilst working on news items, they must be prepared to travel long distances, at any hour of the day or night, to gather information. Broadcast journalists are also responsible for generating ideas, researching background data, evaluating the value and accuracy of ideas and information from other sources and pitching ideas or presenting news items for Editors, Commissioners, or other decision makers.

Radio Broadcast Journalists carry out thorough research into all ideas like: identifying relevant background articles and features, suitable interviewees and locations and relevant audio archive material.

They are expected to understand and comply with media law, regulation and industry codes. They prepare questions, and where possible, brief interviewees in advance. To ensure they understand what the can and cannot do on live radio. Increasingly Radio Broadcast Journalists may also be required to take photographs or shoot basic video footage to illustrate interviews on websites.

They should be able to operate a radio studio and be able to record audio both in a studio and at a location. They must also be able to identify equipment and other resource requirements so that they are properly technically equipped to record required interviews and other audio material.

Once the material has been recorded onto the required format, or acquired from other sources, Broadcast Journalists edit the material - selecting relevant sections of interviews and other materials - using suitable computer editing software packages. They must ensure that they meet the timing and duration requirements of each item, segment or programme so that it will end at the correct time in order for another programme or presenter to take over the role. They may also have to present precisely timed live on air links into previously edited packages.

Broadcast Journalists working as news readers must be able to research, write and present news bulletins, working to precise timings and tight deadlines. In addition, some Broadcast Journalists in Radio may be required to write material for websites, blogs or other platforms, and to prepare visual images and video footage as well as audio material for online use. Popular radio stations normally have their own websites that need to be updated with their latest events, interviews and playlists. This is why Broadcast journalists are needed to record and take photos of interviewees so that people that normally visit the website can see who was in the studio.

Most Skills Needed For a Broadcast Journalist

§   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

§   The confidence and tenacity to pursue information, overcome obstacles and pitch ideas to senior colleagues

§   Ability to work independently but also as part of a team

§   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

§   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

§   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

Qualifications and Training for a

Importance of this Job Role

5.  Radio Traffic Manager

Most Skills Needed For a

Qualifications and Training for a

Importance of this Job Role