Independent radio stations have smaller workloads than commercial stations. They still must go through pre-production, production, and post-production phases. Pre-production involves show preparation, social media announcements, and technical setup. During production, the presenter interacts with listeners and monitors equipment. In post-production, the broadcast is uploaded online and feedback is gathered. Commercial stations have more complex workflows due to various show types, guests, and meeting commercial needs. Pre-production involves content planning and show development. Production requires close collaboration between presenters, producers, and assistants to run live shows smoothly. Post-production includes uploading shows and reviewing performance.

1. Work Flow in and Independent
and Commercial Radio Station
Kyle Jones

2. Independent Radio Station
For independent radio stations the work load isn’t as great as a commercial because they are on a
much smaller scale. These independent radio stations might be run by one or two members who
stream over the internet. Even so, they still must undergo a pre production, production and post
production faze.
Pre-production- Firstly, show preparation must be complete and they need to complete content
research as well as the songs line-up and running order. This may be done is a MS word
document by the radio producer. Next on social media platforms such as Facebook and twitter
they need to announce the day of the broadcast a few days in advance and then give frequent
reminders. They may also take song requests as well.
An hour or so broadcast, the radio presenter will have to do a technical set-up. This includes
starting up the broadcast laptop and DJ software, Switching on the compressor/s and mixer/s,
testing that the microphone and headset are working and make sure the sound effects (jingles
and intro/outro) are working. Other optional things might include having a live chat going or
Hashtags on twitter.
Its also important to create an in show reminder list

3. Independent Radio Station
Production- During the show, the radio presenter looks over their reminder sheet which tell them
important things they need to look out for. This can include following their hash tags on twitter,
interacting with the chat room, taking personal requests and constantly updating tweeting “now
playing” on twitter.
They also need to look over the equipment. This may also be done by the radio presenter
another person such as the radio producer.
Post-Production- After the show has been broadcast, they Radio presenter/producer will make
sure that everything recoded properly and then upload the broadcast online within the first
24hrs. They then take to social media and discuss the show gathering feedback, maybe creating a
blog for their website.
Some independent radio stations also look at what went well and what they could improve on
after listening to feedback and the show.

4. Commercial Radio Stations
• Larger radio stations such as all the BBC radio station, capital FM and more have a lot more to
consider when it comes to the workflow of their stations. This is because they have many
different types of shows, specialist programs and performances, outside broadcasts and
guests appearances. Therefore, depending on the day, the Workflow could be completely
different.
• Pre Production- Firstly the radio stations need to come up with content that meets
commercial needs for the broadcast. This responsibility is given to the Radio program
Controller and their team. They work with other members of the station such as the station
manager to design a show that will bring in the most revenue. This could be done by bringing
in special guests, having special shows each ours or comedy segments.
• Once the Radio Program Controller has decided the basic construction of the show, the radio
producer will come up with original and Fresh ideas for how they can entertain the audience
with what the radio programmer has given them. They create a rough script that the radio
presenter must follow and look at what songs should be played based on radio market
research and song popularity..
• When it comes to the technical aspect, The radio broadcast assistant will work on this. The
Radio assistant will make sure all the equipment is ready for the presenter(the microphone,
headset, DJ laptop and software ect)
• The Radio presenter will then take to social media discussing what's to come.

5. Commercial Radio Stations
Production- During the show the Radio presenter, Radio Producer and Radio Broadcast Assistant
will work closely. The radio producer and presenter will constantly be talking during shows about
what need to be done and said as well as updating listeners on social media. The Radio presenter
need to be able to fit whatever mood the show is trying to convey perfectly and deliver an
entertaining performance. The radio broadcast assistants job at this point is to constantly monitor
all the equipment as well as carrying out administrative tasks to ensure the smooth running of the
show. They also look after the guests when they are not on, sort out payments for contributors and
answer calls for phone ins and competitions before passing them on to the presenter.
The sound engineer also works with the contributors when setting up any equipment for interviews
or live performances as well as any on set or on location recording. This can include recording radio
informative or comedy segments, outside performances and specialist programs
Post Production- After the show the Radio presenter will finalize any discussions taking place online
immediately afterwards. Then the radio producer will do a show review to send off to the Radio
programmer.
The sound engineer and Website managers will then work together to upload the show to the
website.