How can I become a Radio Broadcaster?

Radio broadcasters are responsible for presenting news, sports, music, gossip, and
current events to their audience. They often interview guests and promote local
events and festivals. Radio stations usually specialise in specific content, such as
rock or country music, sporting events, or news shows.

Broadcasters may also make promotional appearances, and some are

self-employed, which allows them to set their schedules and work from home.
However, working in the radio industry can be stressful due to the high number of
deadlines and the fact that many radio stations operate 24 hours a day. This can
result in working late hours or long shifts.

Career Requirements

The requirements for a career in radio broadcasting vary depending on the employer,
but applicants should expect to have strong speaking, research, reading, and writing
skills. Radio broadcasters are experts in interviewing and moderating guests,
providing commentary on news stories and interacting with callers. They are also
skilled in performing technical tasks on broadcast automation systems, mixer boards,
and CD players.

Radio broadcasters typically have flexible work schedules that can vary depending
on the station's needs.

Degree
Bachelor's degree
Level
Journalism, communications or broadcast communication may include
Degree
courses in speech, news reporting, broadcast writing, sound production and
Field
interpersonal communication
Key Skills Speaking, research, reading, and writing
Salary
(May £33,220/year
2019)

Steps to be a Radio Broadcaster- training needs and opportunities

To become a Radio Broadcaster, a combination of education and experience is
typically required.

Step 1: Complete Training

While a degree or higher national diploma is not essential to become a radio
broadcaster, having one can increase your chances of success in the radio or media
production industries. Specialised knowledge in areas such as politics may be an
advantage in certain types of programs. However, experience within the industry is
often more important than formal education. Employers place a high value on skills
and attributes such as personality, communication, and technical abilities.

Postgraduate study, such as a diploma or MA in radio production, is not a

requirement, but can be beneficial for those without a degree in a related subject.
These programs can help to develop practical skills and knowledge, and some
courses have been assessed and approved by industry professionals.

These are the skills you would need to have:

● Creative Flair
● Good Organisation 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 available to anyone, regardless of extensive
relevant experience or a degree. Work experience positions are often available at
most companies, and are often targeted towards younger people who are seeking a
job after leaving school or college, even without past work experience. For those
looking to start in radio, a radio broadcast assistant job is a good place to begin.

The ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients and colleagues is
essential for this role. You must also possess strong mathematical skills, with a good
grade (A or B) at A-level or equivalent, as you will be required to assist in reporting
and optimising buying campaigns. On a day-to-day basis, you will support the
Broadcast Manager in delivering campaigns, providing input into spot times and site
lists.

As part of this job, you will help to create decks for Broadcast proposals and assist
with client communications. You will work with the Digital and SEO teams to gain an
understanding of how these areas contribute to success and show your teamwork
ethic. In this fast-paced environment, you will need to be capable of juggling multiple
client accounts and ensuring that all tasks are completed on time.

You will receive the necessary training to succeed in this role, and you will be
expected to complete various IPA courses and Thinkbox's TV masters qualification,
all of which will be paid for. This agency is committed to your development and offers
all the perks of agency life, including regular social events, midweek lunch budgets,
and free Friday refreshments. No prior experience in media is required; all you need
is enthusiasm for entering the Broadcast media world. Apply today on our
easy-to-use platform that guarantees a response to every candidate without
requiring a CV! This is an equal opportunity employer. DigitalGrads is committed to
being an equal opportunity employer.
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

In the coming year, I plan to begin my Level 3 Media Studies program, where I will
focus on radio broadcasting in greater depth. I am excited to develop my knowledge
and skills in recording radio shows and editing, and to gain hands-on experience in
the field. As part of my studies, I will also participate in a radio enrichment program
and work with the Priestley College radio station to further hone my skills.
-Long term goals
My plan is to either complete a university course in radio broadcasting or obtain an
apprenticeship in the field. I will also seek out work experience at Radio Warrington
to gain practical knowledge and skills. Ultimately, my goal is to pursue a career in
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.