Reporter

What is the job?

Radio reporters research new stories they can find, they present them on air to a large / wide range of different audiences. Some of their work is based in the an office or newsroom, but they are expected to spend quite a lot of their time out and about collecting information, recording events and interviewing people involved. They can report live from events as they record and edit material to create pre-recorded items for news bulletins or produce longer items or features like documentaries. 

Sometimes, reporters maybe be required to work different shift patterns such as night shifts, weekends and holidays. They also must be prepared to travel, often long distances to and at any hour of the day or night to research and report on events. Reporters may covers a wide variety of stories or focus on one specific area such as politics, sport, finance or foreign affairs.
They may be assigned to certain stories but they also are responsible for generating ideas, researching other data and making sure the accuracy and value of over sources are up to standards. Just like one of the other jobs they have to pitch their ideas and present items for the editors, commissioners or any other decision makers to take into consideration. 

Radio reporters take researching seriously for each item idea, including using personal contacts, identifying relevant articles and features, suitable interviewees and locations, also relevant audio material. They must know how to access, evaluate and use all information for sources that they need. Sometimes even image sources, off the internet, archives and other research data. To understand and follow the media law is also very important when working for radio, follow regulation and industry codes. Preparing interviews and taking photographs are expected from a radio reporter, to put their stories up on websites.


How do you get into the job?

To get a job as a reporter there are three wide routes, a trainee ship offered by larger employers, moving into radio work after working as a print journalist or completing an accredited pre-entry degree or post graduate qualification. 

Employers look to employ someone who is interested in hands on experience, someone who has evidence of ever working for any job that involves the radio. A good way to gain skills is to get involved with community, student and hospital radios. Some specialist print journalists may be employed at a senior level into broadcasting because of their expertise in a certain field.

To get a better career it involves moving to a radio with a wider range of audience, some may decide they want to take a different path in the jobs such as programme editors, programme prduction or management roles.


What essential knowledge and skills do you need?

• a sense of what makes a good news story
• ability to generate original ideas and to think creatively about how to communicate them
• excellent writing and story-telling skills which they can adapt for different audiences and platforms
• the confidence and tenacity to pursue information, overcome obstacles and pitch ideas to senior colleagues
• ability to work effectively under pressure, react quickly and meet tight deadlines
• knowledge of when it is necessary and how to acquire the relevant clearances and licenses, including copyright and music clearances
• a thorough knowledge of the law, ethics and industry regulation as they affect radio and the practice of journalism

Commercials Producer

What do they do in the job?

Commercials producers create effective radio advertising, they're expected to manage briefings and to be able to come up with and pitch ideas, write scripts or with writers. They also have to work with cast actors and voice overs, select music, organize and run recording sessions and edit the produce completed commercials and other advertising material.
They're required to produce trailers to promote client - sponsored events or competitions, or even to build the station brand and promote it's station itself. They have to work closely with college that are involved with sale and marketing, sponsorship and promotion, also programming to ensure the expectations of the audience and clients are met and the revenue is maximized for the station.

The job usually involves long hours to ensure the deadlines for the clients are met, or commercial producers are often expected to travel to work on location. Just like most jobs they need to use their knowledge of their radio station brand and their insight into lives of listeners to create successful advertising on radio and other important platforms. 
They should know how to access, evaluate and use relevant information sources and often image sources. Also know how to source music or audio material and how to make sure the important licenses or clearances are secure.

Finally, commercials producers should be able to work with presenters, performers and other contributors to make sure output meets production standards. Also should be able to operate the radio studios, record audio in both studios or location and understand the software.



How do you get into the job?

Radio commercials producers come from radio or advertising backgrounds but there isn't a specific route for this role. 
you do not always need a degree but candidates without a degree may need to start on junior levels, usually in radio or advertising agency and work their way to the commercials producer role. Like any job, and employer expect to see evidence in interest and hand on expericence or radio broadcasting, skills in voluntary radio. 


What essential knowledge and skills do yo need to know? 

the ability to generate original ideas, and to think creatively about how to communicate them

knowledge of the Radio market, different station and programme styles, and audience demographics

a strong interest in advertising, and a good understanding of how radio and other relevant platforms can be used to promote and sell goods and services

a high level of IT skills - particularly good word-processing and data handling skills

self-motivation and adaptability

ability to work independently, but also as part of a team and to be confident pitching ideas

Radio Producer

What do they do in the job?

Radio Producers work in quite a few stations and programmes providing for all music tastes. Producers in speech radio work in a range of genres from topical shows to documentaries, drama and comedy. they have to be willing to work in a variety of shift patterns (night shifts, weekends and holidays). Sometimes they will also be expected to be able to travel long distances in a short amount of time. 
Radio producers have to create programme content and manage all the production process for live and recorded programmes. They have to come up with original ideas and research in depth. Also they must understand the media law, regulation and industry codes to know how to source music or audio archive material and to make sure the licences or clearances are obtained. 

They should  be able to work and record in different studios on location and are required to record interviews as well as other things such as edit  and present things for broadcast when necessary. Also some radio producers will have to write material for websites, blogs or any other platforms and preparing images, video and audio footage for use online. 
They're responsible for managing budgets and making sure the efficient use of resources by programme teams. Also they're expected to respond to listeners comments and taking on complaints.  


How do you get into the job?

There are two paths into radio production for graduates, an undergraduate degree in radio or media production or first degree in any subject, also a post graduate diploma or MA in radio production. A few larger broadcasters may offer limited numbers of direct entry traineeships, others may work their way up from entry level roles with or without a degree. 

Whatever qualifications and individual have, employers want to see evidence of interest in and hands on experience of radio broadcasting, especially skills gained through community radio, student of hospital.

 To become a more successful radio producers most move to a larger station to programme for a larger audience, or from a local to regional or a national service. Some radio producers decide they want to do something to do with TV, but others become presenters, programme editors or move into radio managment roles.


What essential knowledge and skills do you need?


To be a radio presenter there are quite a lot of essential knowledge and skills you must understand and be aware of, such as:

• ability to generate original ideas, and to think creatively about how to communicate them 
• ability to work effectively under pressure, react quickly, and meet tight deadlines 
• knowledge of the Radio market, different station and programme styles, and audience demographics 
• a high level of IT skills - particularly good word-processing and data handling skills 

That is just a few, there are any more.

Salary

Salaries may start at around £12,000 but with experience, a radio producer may earn £20,000 to £30,000, top producers on national stations may earn up to £80,000 and freelance rates are around £190 to £300 per day. This all depends on the employer and where you live.

Jobs

http://www.mediauk.com/radio/jobs/18040/breakfast-producer