A radio producer is responsible for the overall content and production of a radio programme. This includes the initial research, budget, staffing and technical aspects.

They usually work either in music or speech-based programmes.

The Work

You could be:

• researching and developing new ideas for projects and programmes
• finding contributors and people to be interviewed
• writing material, scripts and choosing suitable music and archive recordings
• drawing up schedules and conducting pre-production briefings for presenters, guests and technical staff
• managing the budget
• making sure that the programme meets copyright and legal requirements
• recording, editing and presenting if needed
• replying to listeners' comments and complaints
• writing blogs and material for the programme website.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual salaries vary, depending on:

• the size of the organisation you work for
• whether you are freelance.

Starting salaries for trainee producers may range from £13,000 to £18,000 a year. With experience this can rise to around £45,000 or more a year.

Many radio producers work on a freelance basis, earning a set fee for a job. This could be from around £150 up to £300 a day.

Conditions

• You might work in an office or a recording studio.
• You would work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends.
• You might have to travel, perhaps abroad.
• You would work under heavy pressure, having to meet tight deadlines and keep within budget.

Getting In

• Most radio producers are graduates. The degree does not have to be in a media-related subject.
• If you are considering a media degree, check if the course includes practical radio production skills and how many graduates from the course get jobs in radio.
• You need 4-5 Highers to get on to a degree course.
• The University of the West of Scotland (Ayr Campus) offers a degree in Broadcast Production – TV and Radio, which is a practice-based course accredited by Creative Skillset.
• Employers expect applicants to have practical experience of broadcasting. You can get this through college, hospital or community radio.
• Some producers start off as runners, production assistants or researchers (See Runner, Production Assistant or Researcher - Broadcasting).
• It helps to have finance skills and an understanding of trade union agreements, insurance and legal issues.
• The BBC offers unpaid work experience placements lasting from a few days to 4 weeks. You can get more details and register online at the BBC website.
• You should be able to demonstrate a genuine interest for working in radio.

Employers include the BBC, commercial radio stations, community radio and independent production companies.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2018

3618

7 %

RISE

2023

3870

  United Kingdom

2018

55293

4.1 %

RISE

2023

57569

LMI data powered by EMSI UK

What Does it Take?

You should be:

• creative and able to come up with new ideas
• well organised
• assertive and determined
• able to motivate others
• able to work under pressure to meet deadlines
• a good negotiator
• an effective team player
• able to use your own initiative.

You should have:

• a good knowledge of the radio market and audiences
• a detailed understanding of law, copyright and broadcasting regulations
• strong technical and IT skills
• excellent communication skills.

Training

• Training is often on the job.
• Creative Skillset has details of relevant courses on their website.
• The BBC Academy offers short courses online or face-to-face for producers.
• The Radio Academy runs a radio festival each year and masterclasses for people interested in a career in broadcasting.
• Producers need to keep up to date with technical changes in radio.

Getting On

• You may have to move to a larger radio station to progress.
• You might move from local to national radio.
• Some radio producers go on to work in TV.
• Most producers work freelance and earn a fee for each job.
• You can earn promotion to senior producer or editor, or take on a station management role.
• With experience, you might eventually set up your own production company.

More Information

BBC Scotland runs an apprenticeship scheme for people who are keen to get into a career in the media industry. The closing date for applications is usually sometime in April or May. The one-year apprenticeship is based in Glasgow and pays £12,500 a year. Training takes place at Glasgow Kelvin College, BBC Scotland at Pacific Quay and on the job in various departments. It leads to a Level 3 Diploma in Creative and Digital Media. Applicants must have National 5 English and Maths, good IT skills and a keen interest in media. You must be at least 18 at the start date of the apprenticeship. There are usually only around ten places available, so entry is very competitive. The selection process includes an assessment day and tests in English and Maths. If you would like to find out more or check on application deadline dates visit BBC Scotland Apprenticeships.

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Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.