Looking forward to an interesting career in Radio Production

Ever been fascinated by listening to Radio DJs or RJs (as they are popularly known) and wished you could be a part of the fun? Yes! The job is actually interesting and often much more than that. Apart from the fun that is aired, a lot of technical expertise and hard work goes behind the job. Radio DJ or RJ is a fascinating and popular name given to what is technically known a radio producer. The main responsibility of a radio producer is to make radio shows. Production of a radio show is always a multi-stage process including formulation of the concept, bringing external speakers if required, preparation of script, hosting the show or directing another on-the-air presenter, handling the sound and recording, and finally broadcasting. So radio production is much more than just talking in front of a microphone and recording the voice.

A radio producer has to take full control of the process involved in creating a radio show. For doing the task, one requires having in-depth technical knowledge of various steps and tools involved in executing them. It can be a very interesting and active job as compared to other conventional jobs where you may just need to sit and work in front of a computer.

New, innovative, informative and interesting programs are the lifeline of a radio station, so the radio producer has to be on this task always. Though, the actual responsibilities will vary according to the radio station and specific programs, a radio producer may have to execute many of these tasks on a daily basis:

• Researching, brainstorming and generating ideas for programs. Identify possible guests on the radio show and communicate with them for getting them on the show
• Developing all the content including script, audio/sound supplements etc.
• Selecting appropriate music if it is a music show
• Preparing directions and briefings for all the members of the production process
• May have to undertake presenting, interviewing or reporting responsibility if required
• Directing the presenters during the show or recording
• Ensuring copyright and legal compliances are met, which is very critical in a public broadcast
• Handling technical tasks like sound recording, file/data conversions and transfers, quality enhancement, editing etc.
• Maintaining the production archives
• Heeding and responding to audience feedback
• Managing promotion, business and advertising aspects
• Performing processing required for distribution of audio content to different mediums like radio, internet and mobile platform.

There is no formal educational qualification required to become a radio producer; however, some larger radio stations may put down a minimum academic requirement for the job. Educational institutions offer degree courses in fields such as radio broadcasting, media production or mass communication which can be useful in building credentials for a radio production job. Most of these courses are four-year courses. Some institutes also provide basic courses within these fields of study at junior colleges and proprietary school level.

Technical skills related to sound recording, editing and processing are desired as part of the job of a radio producer. Idea generation, excellent communication skills and ability to innovate can further add to the efficiency of a radio producer.

A radio professional is required be experienced as a member of the radio production team for learning about the processes and details involved in radio production. Undertaking advanced trainings can help in building the credentials and skill sets.

Though we have witnessed a fall in the popularity of radio channels, today, people have gone back to listening to FM radio broadcasts. The introduction of digital and internet based radio options have revived people's interest in listening to radio. Effectively, radio production has again become a popular job amongst enthusiasts. The advent of technology has played a great role in this revival and a strong grasp on these relevant aspects will help professionals gain a competitive edge in this field. Employment in this field will increase by 11 percent till 2016. On an average, radio producers earn around $50,000 annually. Salaries vary according to the volume of particular radio station and the role of the radio producer.

Radio production is a very distinguished, interesting and challenging career. Those who have the special talent required for the job and have the passion for it can really make a successful and fulfilling living out of the profession.