To be a radio producer, unlike many other professions, you need not have a masters or a bachelor's degree. To be a radio producer, it is the experience that counts more than the educational qualifications. It is essential for a radio producer to have worked at a radio station for some years to get an insight in to the overall functions required of a radio producer. However, having a bachelor's degree will always be an added advantage and some of the employers would mention a bachelors degree as a minimum required qualification in the fields related to radio, such as media production, broadcasting, mass communications, etc. You can try out radio courses available in junior colleges and private institutions.
A radio producer should be meticulous and a very good planner. He has to plan every minute detail of the program before it goes on the air. Secondly, he should be sharp. In the untoward event of a goof up he should be able to handle the show well. He should be good at research, as he will be required to study the lives of the guests that he is inviting at the show. He should be well aware of the happenings around him. He must be aggressive in his work, but he must be subtle and hospitable when it comes to handling guests. He must be diplomatic in his approach, and should be well versed with all the functions of the radio, just in case he has to manage it. He should know how to get the work done from others. A radio producer is expected to be friendly in nature, creative as well as organized. Pressure handling tactics must come easily to them. They must motivate his colleagues and teammates and encourage them to meet deadlines. A good ear for sound is a must to become a successful radio producer.
A radio producer shoulders the responsibility of producing the show, meaning that he will look after the overall functions involved in a making of a program, right from conceptualization to contacting the guests for the show, directing the show, and seeing the technical aspects such as the sound system to airing the show. In a nutshell, a radio producer does all that is required to air the show.
The prime responsibility of a radio producer is to ensure that his show is moving on as per the plan. He plans every detail of the show, gets in touch with the guests and books them for the show, does the job of promoting the show and works hand in hand with the marketing department. He ensures that the show does not violate any law and meets all legal guidelines. He directs screens and edits the show, coverts text and audio into other formats and at times is also required to prepare scripts.
Apart from being employed at various radio stations all over the country, job opportunities exist even at satellite radio broadcasters. With the advent of the Internet, ample opportunities exist with online radio broadcasters.
The average salary of a radio producer is around $50,000. The salaries greatly vary depending on the market size captured by the radio station. Thus, a radio service catering to a larger geographical location will be able to pay much more than a radio station catering to a local area.
Though the radio is not poised for a euphoric growth, the industry has not saturated as most of us would like to believe. The expected growth in this sector over 10 years ending 2016 is around 11%. Thus, opportunities are immense in this sector.
The job of a radio producer has a glamor side to it. You would get an opportunity to meet and have a dialogue with famous personalities and the who's who of the land. This incentive cannot be undermined. So, if you are a person who loves to mingle with people and do not mind the hard work, get going to become a radio producer.
