How can I become a Radio Broadcaster?

Radio broadcasters present news, sports, gossip, music and currents events over the
airways to an audience. They may also interview guests and promote local events and
festivals. Radio stations often focus their content on a certain subject or area. For example,
some stations will play rock or country music, while others will broadcast sporting events or
news shows.
In addition to working on the radio, broadcasters may also make promotional appearances.
Some of these workers are self-employed, which allows them to set their schedules and
possibly work from home. However, the radio industry can be stressful, with plenty of
deadlines. Many radio stations run 24 hours a day, which might require some late hours.

Career Requirements
Requirements for this career vary by employer; however, applicants can anticipate they'll be
expected to possess strong speaking, research, reading, and writing skills. Radio
broadcasters are skilled in interviewing and moderating guests and providing commentary
alongside callers and news stories. They perform technical skills on broadcast automation
systems, control and mixer boards, and CD players. Radio broadcasters generally work
flexible schedules.

Degree Level Bachelor's degree

Journalism, communications or broadcast communication may include

Degree Field courses in speech, news reporting, broadcast writing, sound production and
interpersonal communication

Key Skills Speaking, research, reading, and writing

Salary (May 2019) £33,220/year

Steps to Be a Radio Broadcaster- training needs and opportunities

Radio broadcasters generally have a combination of education and experience.

Step 1: Complete Training

To become a radio broadcaster a degree or a higher national diploma isn’t essential or

needed however it could improve your chances in radio or media production. Having
knowledge of specialist subjects such as politics may give you the advantage in certain
types of programmes. The subject you study is less important, the thing you need the most
is experience within the industry. With these certain skills and attributes they sometimes
overrule the educational part of radio and become more important to the employers
especially with the right personality to.

Postgraduate study is not a requirement but some people do complete a diploma or MA in

radio production. Completing one of these courses can be helpful if your degree is not in a
related subject and it can develop your skills such as practical skills and knowledge. Various
courses that are available have been assessed and approved.

Skills you’ll need to have:

 ● Creative flair
● Good organisational skills
● A flexible attitude
● Strong written and oral communication skills
● An interest in radio
● Technical skills relevant to the role
● The capacity to work as part of a team
● The ability to plan, prioritise and work under pressure
● A clear speaking voice is also an asset.

Step 2: Gain Work Experience

You can get work experience through student, hospital or community radio. Previous
experience is vital for developing additional technical skills and demonstrating a commitment
to the radio industry.

Another way of gaining work experience is at your local radio station either having a
part-time job or just casual work when you may be needed, this can help you build a
long-term relationship with the team at the station which could then result in you getting
more work in the future.

● BBC work experience gives opportunities within national radio stations and radio
production.
● The Radio Academy runs events, festivals and masterclasses.
● The Student Radio Association offers a membership which provides access to
student awards and conferences.

Getting the right work experience will help you in the future as the competition for jobs in
radio is high so getting the right work experience gives you an advantage for the next time
you apply for a job in the same organisation.

Step 3: Begin Entry-Level Work

Entry-level jobs are permanent roles that are open to anyone and don’t require
extensive relevant experience or a degree. A position like work experience can be
found at most companies. Roles like these are often targeted towards younger
people who are looking for a job after leaving school or college with past educated
experience. If you are wanting to start in radio, you are most likely better to start in a
radio broadcast assistant job.
Great interpersonal skills are the key to this role. You will be required to build and strengthen
relationships with clients and colleagues. You must have strong mathematics ability to a
good grade (A or B) at A-level or equivalent because you will be required to assist in
reporting and optimisation of buying campaigns. Day-to-day you will support the Broadcast
Manager delivering campaigns whilst having an input into spot times and site lists.

In this job you will help put together decks for Broadcast proposals and assist with client
communications. You will show your teamwork ethic when working with the Digital and SEO
teams to develop an understanding of how these combine for success. In this fast-paced
environment you will need to be multi-talented in juggling client accounts ensuring all tasks
are completed on time.You will be provided with the necessary training and you will be
expected to complete various IPA courses and Thinkbox’s TV masters qualification - all paid
for. This agency not only champions your development but you’ll also enjoy all the perks of
agency life including regular social events, midweek lunch budgets and free Friday
refreshments. No experience of media is needed just the enthusiasm to enter into the
Broadcast media world. Apply today on our easy-to-use platform that is set up so that every
candidate will get a response and we won’t ask for a CV! Equal opportunity employer.
DigitalGrads is committed to being an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will
receive consideration regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith, disability
or other. We are continually finding ways to improve the way we work, and regularly review
our internal recruitment practices.

Recruitment practices for radio jobs

Employers will use various methods to recruit applicants to work in radio

broadcasting. They will advertise paid and voluntary jobs in national news outlets,
through employment agencies and on their own websites. For example, the BBC
website has a search engine for job vacancies in radio.
Applicants can make themselves stand out by being proactive and getting paid and voluntary
work. For example, they might send their CV with links to radio work they have done to radio
broadcasters and they could attend conferences to give out their details. Being willing to do
unpaid work experience will give people an edge.

Identify short, middle and long terms goals:

-Short term goals

I will complete my level 2 media qualification, which includes a radio unit. After
editing jingle, adverts and features, I will record a radio show in the radio room at
Priestley College and act on feedback from my teacher on how to improve.

-Medium term goals

Next year, I will start level 3 media studies and study radio broadcasting in more
depth. I will develop my knowledge and skills in recording radio shows and editing. I
will go to a radio enrichment and work on the Priestley College radio station.

-Long term goals

I will complete either a University course in radio broadcasting or gain an

apprenticeship. At the same time I will get work experience at Warrington hospital
radio station. After this I'd like to work in talk radio.
Keeping up to date with the industry

There are a number of ways to keep up to date with the industry. Examples include:
magazines, podcasts, courses and conferences.
For example the BBC website has courses available for you to join and information about
new technologies to keep you up to date in the industry.

Another example is Broadcast Now which has an online platform and magazine that keeps people
who work in radio up to date and has an interest in articles.