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 in one type of programme format such as music or talk-based.

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 working for a small local station may range from £13,000 to £18,000 a year. With experience this can rise to around £21,000 to £37,000 a year. Senior producers can earn up to £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 and spend time away from home when on location.
• You would work under heavy pressure, having to meet tight deadlines and keep within budget.

Getting In

• Most radio producers are graduates. The degree (SCQF Level 9-10) does not have to be in a media-related subject but this would help.
• 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.
• 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.

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.
• 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

The Radio Academy website has some good careers advice.

Video

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.