Radio Producter / Presenter
There’s more to radio than being a DJ! However, a keen interest in music helps, as does the ability to chat in a friendly and engaging way and a commitment to producing shows that are both entertaining and informative.
Radio producers/presenters work on magazine or chat programs, talkback programs, news bulletins, and sports programs. They could also be responsible for producing or presenting concerts that are broadcast live to air, and pre-recorded programs such as documentaries.
Presenters generally operate the studio panel and develop their own individual on-air style in line with the programming philosophy of the station they work for. Typical duties include:
- announcing programs, music and entertainment items
- reading news bulletins and other items
- making time, weather and community announcements
- introducing live performances and hosting special events
- conducting interviews and hosting talkback programs
- making live-action commentary on sporting events, politics, social and economic matters.
The producer role involves deciding what content to present, doing research, organizing interviewees and writing scripts for on-air presentation.
CUF40107 Certificate IV in Screen and Media
This qualification reflects the role of individuals who use well developed skills and a broad knowledge base in a wide variety of contexts in the film, television, radio and digital media industries. They apply solutions to a defined range of unpredictable problems, and analyse and evaluate information from a variety of sources. They may provide leadership and guidance to others with some limited responsibility for the output of others.
What you can expect in a training program
While each course or on-the-job training program may differ in emphasis, you can expect to learn about how the film, television and interactive digital media industry works, who the important players are, how to work safely, and the importance of creativity and critical thinking to all jobs in the industry. A typical Certificate IV in Screen and Media training program that specialises in radio production/presentation would include:
- planning and preparing programs
- producing programs and program segments
- conducting on-air presentations
- conducting interviews and live voice reports
- scheduling radio playlists
- writing content
- writing narration and current affairs material
- compiling audio material for broadcast
- presenting a wide range of radio material
- performing basic sound editing
Qualifications and competency standards
For information on the structure of qualifications, go to the National Training Information Service at www.ntis.gov.au. Select ‘Search’ and type CUF07 in the ‘Search for’ field and tick ‘Training Packages’ in the ‘search in’ field. Select Volume 1 for an overview of all qualifications.
What other options do I have?
Tip: If there’s a community radio station in your area, contact them. By working as a volunteer, you’ll gain valuable experience that will put you ahead of the pack when it comes to getting a job in this highly competitive industry.
Where can I do training?
You’ll find TAFE and other colleges on the national database of Registered Training Organisations – here’s how it works:
- At www.ntis.gov.au select ‘Search’.
- Type the course code (CUF40107) into the ‘Search for’ field.
- Tick ‘RTOs by scope’ in the ‘Search in’ field and select the appropriate state or territory.
Further information
For more information, visit the websites below, talk to the careers teacher at your school, go to Open Days at TAFE colleges and universities and visit their websites.
Useful websites
For industry information, search the Australian Government’s Culture and Recreation Portal at www.cultureandrecreation.gov.au. There you will find links to thousands of websites across all areas of the arts, entertainment, media and publishing industries.
For career and employment information visit the following sites:
myfuture
Job Guide
Australian JobSearch
Australian Apprenticeships or call the hotline on 1800 639 629
Australian Apprenticeships Training Information Service
Get Access
WageNet
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