Radio producers are the ones who create content for the radio. They are key in creating what is heard by the listeners, but they are not usually heard on air themselves. The responsibilities of a radio producer can vary considerably dependent on the station or radio programme they are creating content for. They collaborate with the presenters, performs and other programme contributors to make and produce content ready to be aired on radio. They're closely involved with the business and technical aspects of radio programmes. They have the responsibility to manage the budgets of the radio station and they ensure all of the resources are used efficiently. They are also responsible for listening and responding to listeners' complains and comments of the radio programme or station. A radio producer will have to obtain permissions or licences for recording or broadcasting on location. Some senior producers commission and oversee the work of other production team members.
To become a radio producer, you will need to:
- have knowledge on certain laws, ethics and industry regulations around radio production,
- be able to calmly work when there is pressure,
- be able to meet tight deadlines,
- be able to develop other people by coaching them,
- have strong computer skills, including word processing and data handling as well as audio editing and image manipulation,
- and have great communication skills.
The job role can be taken on by all diplomates and graduates, but to gain the highest chance of taking on this job role you will really need to have a degree in radio or media production. A degree in broadcast journalism or media studies can also help you too. A postgraduate diploma or Masters in radio production may be useful, especially if your degree is in an unrelated subject. Whereas a postgraduate qualification is not essential. 2 out of every 3 radio workers have a degree or postgraduate qualification. It is also possible to gain an entry-level role and then work your way up to the level of radio producer. Work experience and evidence of relevant skills are valued higher than educational qualifications. To be a successful with this hands on route, you will need the following things and also some others:
- to have fantastic written and oral communications skills,
- ability to get to grips with new subject matters quickly,
- a real interest in all sorts of people,
- good organisational skills,
- ability to work under pressure,
- and a passion about radio.
The radio producers are mainly based in offices and recording studios, but they do sometimes work on location producing outside broadcasts. They may be required to work all types of shifts. These includes night shifts, weekends and holidays. They may be expected to travel long distances on short notice to work on location. This can be a disadvantage because you might not actually have time to get there. Another disadvantage is that you may have made other plans that you would therefore have to cancel.
The salary of a radio producer depends on the company you are working for. The BBC offers well-defined and protected conditions. On the other hand, a small community radio team will probably not. A graduate with some relevant experience would probably hope to earn up to £16,000 per year. A non-graduate entry position would earn around £12,500 a year. Senior level salaries with experience can range from £30,000 all the way up to £45,000. Dependent on experience, a freelance radio producer can earn between £150 to £300 a day, but this can vary.With experience and a broad range of skills, you could progress to move up in this career. You can move up into a larger station which will broadcast to a wider audience, or to a regional or national station from a local one. This would then probably increase your salary.
An example of a job advertisement for a radio producer is HERE.