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
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
£33,220/year
(May 2019)
Steps to Be a Radio Broadcaster- training needs and
opportunities
Radio broadcasters generally have a combination of education and experience.

Step 1: Complete Training

There are many courses available to be able to work in community radio stations. Firstly the
main courses employers look for when somebody wants to work in radio broadcasting
consists of Radio as well as creative and media. They also look at the person's employability
and look for community work.

● There are many courses available to enter the radio world such as
● NCFE Level 1 Award in Radio Production
● ABC Level 2 Certificate Preparing to work in Creative Media
● NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Radio Production
● NOCN Level 3 Certificate in Progression
● Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Certificate in Creative Media Production (Radio)
● City & Guilds Level 1 Award in ‘Employability and Personal Development’
● City & Guilds Level 1 Award in ‘Personal Development and Contributing to the
Community’
● City & Guilds Level 1 Certificate in ‘Personal Development and Contributing to
the Community’
● NCFE Level 1 Award in Personal Achievement
● Arts Award (Bronze)
● Arts Award (Silver)

There are also life skill courses available which can help enter the radio world.
Apprenticeships are a good way to complete training for radio work and give a glimpse of
working in radio as it is very hands-on as well as educational.

Step 2: Gain Work Experience

Pre entry experience is vital for developing technical skills in addition as well as showing
dedication to the industry. All of this can be achieved through student, hospital or community
radio. There are also opportunities to apply for a local station for part time work. Work
experience for radio varies depending on what you are working on.

Step 3: Begin Entry-Level Work

There are many entry level jobs available in
radio for example commercial traffic
assistant. This job posted by Radio Nova &
Ireland's Classic Hits Radio is an entry
level job that pays. For example
Commercial Traffic Assistant.
The role of this job is to schedule commercial orders from their sales team and third
party sales houses MediaCentral and IRS + and the creation of advertising logs for
broadcast on the two radio services.
Reporting to the Commercial Traffic Manager, you will liaise with our sales teams to
enable the flow of commercial advertising campaigns into our traffic system along
with the assignment of ad copy resulting in the daily creation and integration of
advertising logs.

The role is part-time, 20 hours per week.

This entry level position will help you rise through the ranks of the radio world and
help you become a radio broadcaster as it gives you more experience.

Recruitment practices for radio jobs

The recruitment practices for radio jobs vary depending on the job, however, when searching
for the job that suits you best and interests you the most then that is when you apply.
Applying to a radio job includes adding a little bit of information about yourself and adding
in your qualifications. Also you should add past experiences or skills to show your value to
the station depending on the radio station and the contacts available the approach may differ.

Identify short middle and long terms goals

Short term goals

I will finish my level 2 media course which will help me progress to next year in college

Medium term goals

Finish my level 3 media course and go to university to study a radio course

Long term goals

My long term goal is to become a radio broadcast presenter for a regional radio station to do
this i will need to keep up to date with industry as well as fine tune my skills to make me a
more desirable presenter

Keeping up to date with the industry

The radio industry is always evolving, to try and keep up to date with the industry
you should always try following as many industry experts as possible. Many
websites keep up to date with the radio industry and try to anticipate what will be
next for the industry. Following one of these websites https://radiotoday.co.uk/ will
help you keep up to date with industry for a long time. This website provides
information on relevant content that is relevant and changes constantly, such as
what are the top new popular hits.