Radio Producer

A radio producer is in charge of all content on a radio show. They have to manage all the staff  involved in the broadcast such as the dj's/presenters, engineers, IT staff etc. They also may have to manage the business and finance side and may have to book guests for a show. They have a huge impact on what is heard by the listeners however, majority of the time they don't speak and aren't heard on the radio. The main activities a radio producer would have to take up are:

• generating and researching ideas for programmes and pitching for commissions;
• developing content, writing material for scripts, bulletins and links;
• sourcing potential contributors and interviewees;
• selecting music appropriate to the programme, the audience and the station;
• producing pre-production briefings for presenters, reporters, technical staff and other contributors;
• managing the logistics of getting people, resources and equipment together to the right place at the right time;
• undertaking editing, interviewing and reporting duties as necessary;
• presenting programmes or managing presenters for both pre-recorded and recorded output;
• checking that copyrights are cleared and understanding media law;
• converting text, graphics, video and audio files into other formats;
• contributing to and making use of an archive of audio resources which can be re-used;
• responding to audience feedback, referring on to other departments as necessary;
• producing and making use of user-generated content;
• 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.

This area of work is open to all graduates and diplomates, a degree in broadcast journalism or media studies may increase your chances. Around 70% of all radio workers have a degree or postgraduate qualification. However, work experience and relative skills are considered more highly than any qualifications you may have. Skills that are considered quite important include:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• An ability to work as a part of a team and also independently;
• Good organisational skills and an ability to cope under pressure;
• An awareness of current affairs and good general knowledge;
• A real interest in and curiosity about all sorts of people;
• A lively mind, able to make connections between different ideas and subjects;
• The ability to get to grips with new subject matter quickly;
• A willingness to embrace new technology and learn technivcal skills;
• self-confidence, persistence and determination to overcome rejection and break into this competitive industry;
• A passion for radio.

• be clear about why you want to work in broadcast rather than print or television;
• take an interest in the changing face of the radio industry, key developments and their impact on radio output;
• become a connoisseur of radio programmes in your area of interest;
• email producers with comments on their programmes;
• take and make opportunities to meet people working in radio - most love talking about programmes they have made.

Salaries in this field are quite variable. A graduate with some relevent experience might earn up to £16,000, however non- graduate entry posistions could earn approximately £12,500. Typical salaries at senior level or with experience (10+ years) would be around £30,000 - £45,000.