Radio broadcast assistant
Radio broadcast assistants help make sure that live and pre-recorded radio programmes run smoothly.
Also known as: Production assistant, BA
- Starter salary£21,000 a year
- Experienced£30,000 a year
- Typical hours37 to 45 a week
What you'll do
As a radio broadcast assistant, you could:
- research topics, material and guests for programmes
- book studio time, equipment and guests
- produce programme logs and running orders for shows
- operate studio equipment and create pre-recorded clips
- support programme contributors before, during and after shows
- update the programme or station's website and social media channels
- handle feedback and requests for archived content
Working environment
You could work at a recording studio or in an office.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- knowledge of media production and communication
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be flexible and open to change
- the ability to work well with others
- concentration skills
- broadcasting and telecommunications knowledge
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
How to become a radio broadcast assistant
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- volunteering
University
You could do a higher national diploma or degree in radio or broadcast media production, though this is not essential.
Degree courses that include practical broadcasting experience through industry placements or internships may give you an advantage. You could also volunteer to work on your university radio station during your degree.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths
- between 1 and 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma or degree
College
You could do a college course, which would give you some of the skills and knowledge needed to get a trainee position.
Courses include:
- creative media production and technology
- sound engineering
- T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
Apprenticeship
You can apply to do a Production assistant - Screen and Audio Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, or a Junior Production Co-ordinator Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship.
These will help you to develop the skills you need to work in radio, or the media industry more generally.
An apprenticeship can take between 1 and 2 years to complete and is a mix of on-the-job training and study.
Entry requirements
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
Volunteering
Competition for jobs is strong. Employers will expect you to have practical experience and be able to show you have a real enthusiasm for radio broadcasting.
You can get useful work experience through:
- community, hospital or student radio
- volunteer placements with radio stations
You can get a list of radio stations from:
- Community Media Association
- RadioCentre
- Hospital Broadcasting Association
You can also apply for BBC taster days and work experience placements .
Career path and progression
With experience, you could become a:
- radio producer
- presenter
- music programmer
- studio manager
You could also move into television research or production, journalism, broadcast engineering or advertising account planning.
Career tips
It's a good idea to develop a portfolio of your work on social media, for example podcasts, so you can showcase your skills to potential employers.
For some jobs, it may help if you have in-depth knowledge of a particular area, for example music, current affairs, science, journalism or media research.
Professional and industry bodies
You could join the Radio Academy for networking and keeping up to date on current issues in radio broadcasting.
Guides for this industry
Related roles
- Job roleEditorial assistant
- Job roleAudio visual technician
- Job roleBroadcast journalist
- Job roleTV or film sound technician
- Job roleTV or film production runner
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0