How To Work in Radio

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How can I become a Radio Broadcaster?

https://radio.co/blog/how-to-become-a-radio-presenter
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


The training for a radio broadcaster has a 3 month course to get the qualifications and
experience that is needed. During this 3 month course you will have hands-on training and
learn how to plan and edit a radio show. This can all be learnt in the time space of 3 months.
Once enrolled into this course, you get the chance to experience other radio shows live and
they will guide you into the types of skills you need to broast a FM or DAB internet radio
station or podcast. The content involved in the training of a radio broadcaster are: operating a
broadcast desk, operating recording equipment, editing vox pops and interviews, developing
and producing radio features, planning and producing a show, and also operating the playout
system. This training is helpful to those interested in a career in media. This is because it will
give people more insight into the experience and knowledge.After the 3 month course you
have the knowledge of how to broast a radio show and have the experience.

Step 2: Gain Work Experience


Radio Lymm is located at 15b The Cross, Lymm WA13 0HR,this is where the radio station
produces the radio Lymm station. Lymm Radio is known for being the Cheshire best music
mixes. However it is also the local radio station broadcasting 24 hours a day to Lymm and
East Chesire. On radio LYmm radio you are able to advertise your businesses with many
packages starting from £65 per month.Radio Lymms target audience is aimed for people
between the ages of 30 to 55 years olds in the South Warrington area. Radio Lymms listeners
generally have a high disposable income, a discerning attitude and are the decision makers in
their own lives. This is Radio Lymms target audience for their radio show. Radio Lymm
offers chances for people to gain work experience from those who are interested in the
possibility of a job in media in the future.

Hospital radio is a form of radio broadcasting made specifically for inpatients of the hospital
used mainly in the United Kingdom. Hospital radio is used to give benefits to those people
who are in hospital to uplift their moods and help them to recover.

Radio Wave is Priestley College's designated radio station, this is where all the students want
to discover and learn the use of radio equipment and the room. This allows students to have
understanding and learn new knowledge about how the radio stations can be produced. This
is because during your time used in the radio room and being taught all the ways around the
equipment and the structure of planning it out. You then have the ability to create a radio
show/ station on your own accord. This gives students specifically a chance to gain work
experience using Radio Wave.
Step 3: Begin Entry-Level Work
An entry level job is a role for people with little to no experience or training. Entry level
position jobs are relevant in every industry and can vary in the significance of the specific
requirements. If your qualifications and work experience is severely limited, an entry level
job would provide the opportunity to build on the valuable skills and knowledge. Entry level
jobs are something to start off with before moving onto bigger work once you have gained
the experience.

https://musicindustryyorkshire.com/job/radio-presenter-volunteer/?
utm_campaign=google_jobs_apply&utm_source=google_jobs_apply&utm_medium=organic

This is an entry level job involved in the media industry specifically radio. This entry level
job would encourage and let someone experience how the radio industry works and give them
a chance to learn new knowledge. Within this job you get a chance to explore the radio and
get a feel for the media industry.

Recruitment practices for radio jobs


For many recruitment agencies looking for a radio job they look for certain qualities that a
person has so they can have the best team for the radio station. These qualities include:
20. Keep Cool
The world of live broadcasting is unpredictable, anything can
happen that could derail one of your shows; an angry caller,
technical issues, guests being uncooperative or not showing up. In
these situations, it’s important to think of your station as a
professional environment and behave appropriately. Don’t freak
out. Don’t abandon all hope. Put your thinking cap on; it’s problem-
solving time. You’re not the only one affected in these situations,
everyone else at the station may start to panic, so it’s your job to
keep calm and reassure everyone. If you can all stay composed
you’ll be better equipped to solve any problems.

19. Do Your Research


In the internet age that we live in, people live to call others out.
Avoid becoming next week’s big meme by always being as
accurate as possible with any topic, otherwise, there’ll be a horde
of people waiting to immediately dismiss you for what could have
been an honest mistake. And that’s the best-case scenario.

As such; always do your research. It’s your job to inform and not
spread misinformation, whether intentional or not, so if you’re
making obvious mistakes and getting facts wrong whenever you’re
on air, it’s going to destroy your audience’s trust in your ability as a
presenter. You’ll also just look lazy.

Research goes beyond skimming Wikipedia, too! It’s a great


resource but, because anyone can edit articles, some of them
are… less than reliable. If people can recognise you’ve done the
bare minimum they may look elsewhere for someone more
knowledgeable or engaging. Dedication to your work can be very
endearing to audiences, so if you’re on Wikipedia, check out the
sources at the bottom of the page, which often link to more in-
depth articles to use for your research.

18. Engage With Your Radio Station


Back in the day, radio presenters used to stroll in, broadcast their
show, then stroll out - nowadays this isn't good enough, it looks like
you don't care about the station. You need to engage with your
station; guest and contribute for other’s shows, mention them in
your own broadcasts and maintain good working relationships with
your coworkers. Solidarity within your station makes it more of a
community for you, your coworkers and your audience. Listeners
will engage for longer if they feel like part of a greater whole.

17. Always Pre-Read Scripts


Unprofessional is not a good look. While the occasional mistake
can be brushed aside, constantly messing up makes you look bad
and sometimes land you in hot water. For recent examples of this,
an MSNBC presenter recently caused controversy when
mispronouncing the name of the Los Angeles Lakers.

If you want to avoid mistakes like these, read your scripts


beforehand and rehearse them, otherwise you may make a fool of
yourself.

16. Don’t Be Prejudiced


Many people have made careers out of being controversial,
offensive and edgy, and maybe you can too, but it’s best to know
where to draw the line. Your behaviour as a presenter doesn’t just
affect you; you’re representing the entire station every time you’re
on air. Presenting yourself as being prejudiced or bigoted, even in
the name of a joke, makes you more trouble than you’re worth to
the station.

As well as that, a reputation of intolerance is going to follow you to


any other station you join. Audiences are going to remember you
as ‘that guy’, and they’re not going to forget any time soon. So just
be polite and help all of your listeners feel welcome to your shows.

15. Fail to Prepare, Prepare to Fail


Unlike what many think, we know your job doesn’t start and end in
the studio. Being a great radio presenter means there’s always
something to do; paperwork, arranging guests, working with
producers, it’s endless. Trying to juggle too many things at once
can be disastrous, so it’s good to prioritise your tasks and prepare
for shows well in advance. Come up with a schedule you can
follow;

Prioritise important work first, such as writing scripts, going over


shows and meeting with producers, rehearsing, etc. and any extra
paperwork or contacting guests for future broadcasts can be done
after the show is complete.
Breaking your day up and planning ahead allows you to
concentrate on each activity so you can make the most of them.

Try, fail, and try again.


14. Never Forget Your Roots
Authenticity is very appealing to audiences. Part of being an
authentic presenter is staying true to your roots, even if you’re on a
worldwide level. How many times have you seen someone let fame
get to their head and change them entirely as a person? Staying
grounded, maintaining a humble attitude and level perspective will
get you more listeners than acting like a jerk. No matter where you
are now, you started as a nobody, just like everyone else does.

13. Don’t Take Yourself Too Seriously, or No One Will


Pretentious, full of yourself, pompous. Do these describe you?
They shouldn’t. If you want to be a great radio presenter, you have
to be likeable, and nothing screams unlikable like taking yourself
way too seriously. Having confidence and dignity is fine, but if
you’re unable to take a joke and act snobby at the slightest
disagreement, you’re going to push audiences away, become a
pain to work with, and probably come across as more than a little
ridiculous. Learn to laugh along with people and don’t always take
criticism personally.

12. Professional and Punctual


The beauty of radio is that you are heard, but never seen.
However, this doesn't mean you should come to the office in your
pyjamas and slippers.
Dressing nicely, relaxing before a show, always being on time or
earlier and acting professionally puts faith in others that you know
what you’re doing and sets an example they can follow. Run your
station like clockwork.

11. Promote Fellow Presenters


When Radio 1's Nick Grimshaw did his first show, nearly every
other presenter came by to show their support. Not only was it a
lovely warm welcome, it showed that they care.

Building working relationships is vital to working in the radio


industry. The other presenters, producers and assistants are your
support network, the people you can turn to for advice and honest
feedback, so appreciate everything they contribute to your shows.

Show support and encouragement to them and they’ll do the same


for you. Cross-promotion on this level can be great for bringing
new listeners to your shows who may have heard of you but not
taken a shot yet. A shout out from a presenter they trust can be
just what they needed to take a chance on your content.

10. Community Focused


To be a great radio presenter, you need to keep your ear to the
ground and stay in touch with your community. Add that personal
touch by demonstrating genuine care and interest for your
audience. Get to know them on an individual level by holding
events where you can interact with them personally, speak to them
when you’re out at the pub, anything to build your investment in
your audience. Building this kind of relationship with your listeners
helps you to tailor your content to their interests and improves your
ability to engage directly with their needs.

9. Know Your Station Like the Back of Your Hand


It's important to be friendly with everyone at your station, so you're
kept in the loop and cultivate a pleasant work environment for
everyone. No matter if it's commercial, sales, or producers, try to
put in face time with all the people involved in making shows on the
station and show your appreciation for their hard work, without
them your show wouldn’t be possible!

8. Learn Useful New Skills


As brilliant a presenter as you may be, you’re never going to know
everything about radio. Take every day at your station as an
opportunity to learn new skills and forge bonds with your
coworkers. It doesn’t matter what your role is, try to find some time
to sit in with other departments in the station and learn about what
they do and how they do it. Who knows? In a pinch, the skills you
learn could come in handy.

7. Share Nuggets of Your Life On-Air


Howard Stern, famous radio and tv personality, shares every
aspect of his life with his audience. That's not to say you have to,
but sprinkling your own personal stories in your shows gives them
flavour and makes them feel real and engaging for your listeners.
6. Paint Pictures with Words
Radio is unique, it's the only medium where you paint pictures with
words, presenting boundless possibilities that are only limited to
the listener's imagination. Bring your shows to life with powerful
storytelling to engage and inspire your listeners. Develop this skill
in your everyday life by absorbing a variety of content, not just
radio; watch TV, read books, play video games, observe the
dynamic and varied ways that each medium captures an audience.
Take the writing techniques from these and use them to enhance
your ability to tell stories that captivate listeners.

5. Stay Updated
It’s easy for listeners to become disconnected if they don’t feel they
can relate to the voice on the other side of the radio. Countering
this ties into your ability to interact with listeners as a community;
sometimes it’s not enough to focus entirely on your own life. It
means understanding and appealing to your audience’s interests
and frustrations. If your audience is into the latest TV show, watch
it, if they're complaining about traffic in the city centre, find out
more about it. The point is to understand and relate to who you're
talking to, even if that means doing things you wouldn't normally
do. Develop a connection that will last.

4. Social Media Savvy


The world is more connected than ever before. Social media allows
people from entirely different sides of the globe to communicate so
easily that it was unthinkable 20-30 years ago. Most importantly, it
lets people communicate with creators in ways they never could
before. Twitter, in particular, is where the majority of your audience
will come to get updates, share their opinions and interact with you
directly. You need to be prepared for anything, as this is also
where your detractors will find you and offer… criticism? Insults?
Threats? Probably all three.

You need to be able to handle all kinds of interactions on social


media, positive and negative, while keeping up a professional
demeanor and not embarrassing yourself or your peers. Trust us,
plenty of people have tanked their careers (and possibly others)
through unprofessional behaviour on social media.

3. Make Listeners Feel Special


Despite a lot of talk about building communities, making people
part of a greater whole, etc. what listeners really want is to feel
special when they’re listening to your broadcasts. Listen to your
favourite presenter and note how they address the audience. Most
of the time, they don’t. They address You. Chances are, without
realising it, that’s one of the reasons you listen to them. Personal
address towards the listeners helps to single them out and give
them a feeling of companionship, so be sure to always address the
audience as a single person rather than a whole.

2. Air Check Your Shows


No matter how well you think a show went, there’s always room for
improvement. If you slipped up and want to figure out how to avoid
it in the future, or perhaps something went really well and you want
to replicate it for future shows, it’s worth listening back to the
recordings of your broadcast. This is a simple but effective way of
addressing issues before they become major problems.

1. NEVER Be Boring
Who wants to listen to a boring person? The number 1 secret to
becoming a great radio presenter is to have a unique voice and
perspective that sets you apart from the crowd. There’s enough
mediocrity in the world and you shouldn’t be happy settling for
being just another radio presenter. The best radio presenters can
make even the most boring topics interesting through just their
enthusiasm and ability to offer a new perspective. Wear your
passions on your sleeve and have fun with what you’re doing and
your audience should have fun too.

https://radio.co/blog/20-ways-to-be-a-great-radio-presenter

Identify short middle and long terms goals

Short term goals

● Finish my courses at Priestley College


● Study further into an A Level Media course and study English Combined A Level.
● Pass my courses with Distinction in media and a pass in maths.

Medium term goals


● Take a gap year after college and travel around to different places throughout the
world with friends
● Pick up different jobs throughout the time away.
● Save up for a university in which i can study an extended media course into radio

Long term goals


● Once university is over I'd like to go travelling to different radio stations throughout
the world and talk and guest star on a couple of different stations.
● I'd like to DJ and learn more about radio whilst working at them and gain new
experience in different areas.

Keeping up to date with the industry


To keep up to date with all the new media industries and their information there are many
different things you are able to use to catch up. These articles and sources include a range of
information varying on the different updates and new information:
● Radio conferences
● extended courses for radio
● newspapers
● magazines
● online websites that are based for radio

These websites can give anyone the free information of the conferences , events and new
updates on the media and radio industry.
● https://radiotoday.co.uk/category/events/
● https://www.radioacademy.org/events/
This website gives different hyperlinks to the different courses for the entirety of the radio
and media industry. You are able to roam through this website to search for more extended
courses in the radio and can apply for any of them which grabs intrigue.
● https://www.radioandtelly.co.uk/courses.html

You can also keep updated with the radio industry involved in media. The magazine that can
keep people up to date is The Radio Times Magazine.
● https://www.buysubscriptions.com/print/radio-times-magazine-subscription
with the Radio Times magazine you can subscribe to the magazine and either read an online
copy or get a paper copy from the subscription.

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