Radio broadcast assistant
Make sure that live and recorded radio programmes run smoothly so they are entertaining and informative for audiences.
About the job
What it's like
You would make sure that live and recorded radio programmes run smoothly so they are entertaining and informative for audiences.
You’d handle administration and help to plan programmes. It would also be up to you to provide technical support in the studio.
You would be part of a small team, usually with a producer, a presenter and possibly a researcher.
You could work in speech or music radio. There are different types of shows you could work on including music, news, phone-ins or talk shows.
Depending on the station and the type of show, you would:
Research programmes
Book guests and arrange their contracts and payment
Book studio time and equipment
Type scripts
Produce programme logs and running orders
Keep track of costs
Update the programme or station website, blog or social media profiles
Archive programme material
Arrange and send out competition prizes
In studio production work you could also:
Manage phone lines for phone-ins and competitions
Time the shows
Operate the recording, editing and mixing equipment (often known as 'driving the desk')
Record and edit programme trailers
Offer creative input, like writing links or planning quiz questions
In speech or news radio, you will often be asked to go out and collect short interviews or ‘vox pops’ from people.
With experience, you might contribute programme ideas, interview guests or present part of a programme.
Hours
Hours may be irregular and include evenings, late nights and weekends, depending on the programme. You may often need to work overtime to meet deadlines.
Environment
You would work in offices and recording studios, usually as part of a small team. This could include a producer, a presenter and possibly a researcher.
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Creative
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- problem solving
- creative
- researching
- cooperating
- written communication
- verbal communication
- reading
- attention to detail
- developing a plan
- making decisions
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
English
English and Communication
Media
Music
Music Technology
Performance Arts
Skills for Work: Creative Digital Media
Foundation Apprenticeship: Creative and Digital Media
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
There are no formal qualifications required to enter this role.
But most employers value a good general education, and many radio broadcast assistants have a degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND) in a subject such as:
radio broadcasting
media
music technology
sound production
To enter a degree (SCQF level 9/10) usually requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of four Highers or a relevant HNC/HND.
You can enter Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.
You can enter some Broadcasting or Media National Certificate or National Qualification courses (SCQF 2-6) with no formal qualifications but most courses ask for National 4/5 qualifications (SCQF level 4/5).
You may still be able to move into a radio broadcast assistant job without an HND or degree by gaining practical experience in a radio station on a paid or voluntary basis.
Qualifications and experience that show an understanding of the industry such as Skills for Work Creative Digital Media (SCQF level 4) or Creative Industries (SCQF level 5)
A driving licence
A clear speaking voice
Work experience in broadcasting. You could get this through hospital, student or community radio
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