This document summarizes 6 different jobs in the media industry of radio: 1. Reporters research and write news stories for radio broadcasts. Most reporters are graduates but the degree does not need to be media related. 2. Radio presenters speak on radio shows to engage listeners and provide content. They work in both music and speech formats across different stations. 3. Broadcast assistants support producers and presenters with administrative tasks to ensure smooth operations. It is an entry level role into radio production. 4. Station managers oversee the daily operations of radio stations to meet objectives around output, audience and revenue. 5. Radio producers manage all audio content and staff from idea generation to audience response.

1. 6 jobs in the media industry
By Oliver Toone

2. Reporter
• 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.
• Although 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 or Correspondents.
•

3. Radio Presenter
• radio presenters are people that speak on the radio shows and announce what is being played. they normally try
and appeal to all the listeners on the radio show and try and build a relationship with them so that the audience
will enjoy and listen more. so they are responsible for creating the tone and the style of the radio show. they also
update people on the listeners on news and other content related to websites or other platforms.
• presenters in music radio work for a range of stations and programs, playing a variety of music to tend
to everyone's taste. and presenters in speech radio tend to be more funny, have a comedy side to them, they will
entertain and speak about stuff like documentaries. although they are cheery throughout there show radio
presenters sometimes have to do early shows and can vary throughout the day, including overnight, weekends
and holidays. Some radio presenters have to travel across the country to get to where they have been assigned to
work, and some even go abroad.
• traditionally radio presenters need hands on experience of presenting by working in community radio, student or
hospital radio. some people work their way up from entry level roles in radio secured with or without a degree or
other qualifications.
•
Radio presenters need to follow:
•
• excellent presentation and performance skills
• ability to generate original ideas, and to think creatively about how to communicate them
• an understanding of how to use the voice effectively for radio
• ability to build credibility and rapport by communicating knowledgeably and engaging with audiences.
• determination and tenacity
• excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to draw information from people
• knowledge of the radio market. different station and program styles, and audience demographics.

4. Radio Broadcast Assistant
• Broadcast Assistants work in both speech-based and music Radio - offering practical support to Producers and
Presenters. They undertake a wide range of key administrative tasks to ensure the smooth running of live and
recorded radio programmes, and may also help with research, planning and production.
• The day to day activities of Broadcast Assistants differ between music and speech radio. The role also varies
considerably from station to station, or programme to programme, in terms of the breadth of duties, and the
balance between administrative and technical or production tasks.
• However, all Broadcast Assistants need to understand the purpose and format of their station or programme; to
be aware of the characteristics of the target audience; and to have knowledge of the subject matter of the
output, whether music or speech. They are expected to access information for research purposes, and ensure that
it is accurate; keep up-to-date contact lists; produce transcripts, running orders and programme logs; and deal
promptly with correspondence and queries.
• The role of Broadcast Assistant is effectively the first rung on the Radio production ladder. Such jobs are highly
sought after, and 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.
•
• 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

5. Station Manager
• Station Managers are responsible for the day-to-day running of Radio
stations, leading the management team to ensure they meet the key
objectives of the station in terms of output, audience, or revenue. The
station manager usually hires and trains all employees or oversees the
training by department managers in large stations. The station manager
may also deal with contract issues with on air personalities as well as work
closely with union stewards or other managers within the agency. The
station manager has final decision making ability in determining the
format for the station and usually interacts directly with the programming
director. The station manager also troubleshoots problems in the
operation of the station or contracts with other agencies to provide repair
or replacement of faulty, damaged or old equipment as needed.
• Station Managers in Commercial Radio often have a background in sales,
having gained experience in Radio Sales over number of years - probably
with a number of different stations and organisations. Others may
progress through the Programming route, but they are always expected to
have a thorough understanding of the commercial side of the business.

6. Radio Producer
• Radio producers are responsible for the audio content of broadcasts on the
radio, the internet and other platforms. They are involved in the entire
process, from generating ideas to managing the audience response after a
programme. Producers manage and work with broadcasting assistants, presenters
and DJs, engineers and IT staff. They may also be responsible for the business and
commercial management of a programme.
• Specific responsibilities vary from programme to programme and station to
station, and producers may sometimes also take on the roles of presenters or
reporters, but typical work activities include:
• 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.
• Whatever an individual’s qualifications, employers expect to see evidence of
interest in, and hands-on experience of, radio broadcasting, particularly skills
gained through community radio, student or hospital radio.
• to get a job as a radio producer you don't need to get a degree even though most
radio producers are graduates.

7. Commercial Producer
• Commercials Producers create radio advertising and station promotions for radio
stations. The work requires a combination of high level radio production skills with
an understanding of the creative potential of Radio and audio content, in order to
market and sell products and services. In Commercial Radio, Commercials
Producers may work for a single station, or as part of a regional or national team.
On smaller stations the role may be the responsibility of one of the station's
Presenters, or the work may be contracted out to an external company.
Commercials Producers produce trailers to promote client-sponsored events or
competitions, or to build the station brand and promote the station itself. They are
expected to work closely with colleagues involved in sales and
marketing, sponsorship and promotion, as well as programming, to ensure that
audience and client expectations are met, and that revenue is maximised for the
station.
• Radio Commercials Producers may come from radio or advertising
backgrounds, there is no particular recognised route into this role.
• 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.