How to get jobs in radio

If you have an out-going personality and great communication skills, you may wish to work in radio broadcasting jobs. Radio presenters are the voices of radio stations and programmes. They may work in music or speech-based radio. This article will give you information on how to work in radio.

The role of the radio presenter

Duties
It is the job of a radio presenter to devise the style and tone of radio output. Radio presenters must engage with their audience, through the topics they discuss and the music that they play. A radio presenter may also have responsibility for carrying out a variety of other production tasks, such as delivering content for publication on a website.
Place of work Radio presenters work in offices, recording studios or on location. The majority of individuals in this role-work form part of a small radio production team. They may work for commercial or community organisations on a local or national basis. Radio presenters may present recorded or live shows, with or without a script. They are required to generate ideas for their show, conduct research, write scripts or work to a brief supplied by the production team, conduct interviews, handle debates and host live events.

Skills

The following knowledge and skills are required to work in radio careers: -Good communication skills -Outstanding presentation and performance skills -An ability to generate fresh ideas and communicate in a creative fashion -An understanding of the way in order to communicate effectively through the radio -An ability to build a relationship with an audience - Motivation and determination -Outstanding inter-personal skills and an ability to glean information from those being interviewed -An ability to work independently and as part of a larger team -Adaptability -An ability to work well under pressure and react to changing environments -Knowledge of radio production laws and industry regulations -A good range of IT skills -An ability to use recording equipment and to operate radio studios -An ability to present unwaveringly at the same time as operating studio controls and co-ordinating technical activities -An ability to conduct thorough research, audio-edit, manipulate visual images, edit videos, and upload material to websites.

Training and entry into radio jobs

Need for experience
Prospective radio presenters are advised to acquire practical experience in radio. This may be through unpaid or paid jobs. The majority of radio presenters may start their careers at the bottom of the ladder and work their way up. Many famous radio presenters start their careers in community radio or join their university radio station.
Qualifications required
It is possible for prospective radio presenters to gain undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in radio or media production. A levels or equivalent will be required to embark on undergraduate radio training. Some larger broadcasters run talent schemes to identify future talent.