Tips And Tricks To Get Into A Career In TV Or Radio Production

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You might consider becoming a runner, production trainee/production assistant if you are looking for a career in television or radio production. You might work on shows like The One Show and Strictly Come Dancing. Or, you could be involved in comedy, drama, or culture productions. You will be better off if you are interested in working on current affairs or news programs.

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Runners handle the logistics of production. For example, they help book guests and studio time, find props and make tea. The job of a broadcast production trainee or assistant involves a lot of administrative work, but they may also be interested in the technical aspects of production, like sound. They will also be responsible for keeping track of the timings, continuity, shots, and other details that are recorded during filming.

Broadcasting can be a difficult industry to enter. To learn how to develop your career, read our advice on getting into the media.

What qualifications are required to be a trainee in broadcast production or as a runner?

It is possible to run with any degree, or no degree, if you have the right connections.

Some of the largest TV and radio broadcasters broadcast apprenticeship/trainee schemes for school leavers, as do some TV/film studios that service the industry. The BBC, ITV, and Channel 4 are some of the employers.

Broadcasters may offer you a runner job with a degree in any field, especially smaller production companies. However, they want to see the following:

There is a lot to be excited about in broadcasting. This includes work experience.
Any evidence of exceptional organizational skills in another area, especially if they’re creative, such as running student music festivals and theatre events.

It is important to know how to network. Good contacts are crucial for obtaining work. You must make a positive impression on all you meet, whether during work experience or otherwise. Keep in touch with them and ask for their advice on advancing your career.

It can be helpful to have completed a media production course if you are applying for a graduate job that requires technical work. But, again, this can be done as an undergraduate or postgraduate, depending on what subject you are interested in.

Is my first job permanent?

Runners are often employed on short-term contracts. Be prepared to change jobs and not be in permanent employment. Remember that jobs are often located in large cities, and the salaries are usually low. London, Manchester, and Birmingham are all good options. If your parents don’t live in the same city, you will likely find yourself living in tight quarters. If you only have one job and no other lineup, you might feel anxious about being able to afford rent.

You will most likely be employed for at least one year if you are offered a position on a traineeship in broadcast production, such as the one previously operated by the BBC. However, some roles may be temporary.

UK employers that hire runners or trainees in broadcast production

These are some of the most common employers:

TV broadcasting BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Sky, Warner Bros.
Radio broadcasting: BBC and Bauer City Network.

What skills do radio producers need?

It is essential to have excellent writing, communication, organisational, and time management skills. Your job is to make sure the show runs on schedule, contains enough content, and works well with other staff. It is essential to be able to work well with other staff, including presenters and technical staff, as well as contributors and interviewees.

The role requires the ability to quickly make decisions, work under pressure and meet deadlines. Radio producers are known for their interpersonal skills, curiosity, and ability to find people to talk on-air.

It is important to be able to quickly learn about a new topic. This skill, along with the ability to embrace new technology and learn new skills, is a huge asset. People who are self-confident, determined, and persistent will do well in this field. Radio is best enjoyed when you are passionate and enthusiastic about it.

How do you get radio work experience?

Do you dream of being a BBC producer? No matter if you are looking to start in a BBC radio career or another station, any experience is a great way to build your resume. You can usually get work experience through radio stations in the hospital, community, or university.

National radio stations offer opportunities that cover radio production and broadcasting. There are many opportunities to gain work experience at the BBC. You might end up shadowing someone working in the BBC audience demographics. This will allow you to learn about their target demographics, how they reach them and what their programs are like for them.

You can also contact specific shows to inquire if they have work placements. For example, shadowing a Match of the Day producer on TV or radio is a great way to enhance your broadcast experience.

What is the average salary for the radio department?

For those with relevant experience, the average salary of a radio producer is between PS21,000 to PS37,000 It can be between PS13,000 to PS16,000. For broadcast assistants at BBC and London-based workers, it can go up to PS20,000.

Pay rates for commercial stations are lower than those of independent radio stations. Senior radio producers with more complex programmes may make more than PS45,000. While freelancers have the ability to set their rates and earn between PS150-PS300 per day, they can also make as much as PS45,000. Senior radio producers who cover more extensive programmes may earn more than PS45,000. Pay scales are also affected by managerial responsibilities and level of expertise.

Radio jobs: Where can you find them?

Radio producers are most commonly employed by large commercial and media companies, as well as the BBC, independent radio stations, and community stations. These companies often advertise producer and pro-audio jobs on their websites or through social media. There may also be vacancies available on job sites. You should research the radio station’s key demographic audience and listen to their programmes before you apply. To show that you are able to understand the different audiences, you can listen to radio on the internet, in the car and digital radio.

Potential employers will need to see that you have the right skills, experience and enthusiasm.

Independent radio stations and the BBC broadcast live, but they also have prerecorded shows. Independent radio stations, which focus more on music, are more speech-based. The BBC is more speech-based than independent radio stations. This could mean that there will be more producers on local and national radio than independents.

Commercial stations are not as well-equipped with a production department. However, smaller stations may have more opportunities than larger stations. Online radio stations offer more possibilities due to the technological advances of digital radio. You can increase your chances of getting a job by completing work experience and volunteering to build the skills and connections.

What prospects are radio producers in the future?

Many producers are self-employed and move between employers. This career is best for those who are self-motivated and driven. It is important to network and make connections at every opportunity, especially when you are just starting your career. It will be a benefit to you to make connections with potential employers and gain more work experience, whether it is through radio stations locally or at university.

You may also have the opportunity to work in a specific area such as drama, news, or documentaries. You can move up to the position of senior producer if you are involved in news or current affairs. They have a team of producers as well as a career path. After some time, you may be able to move up to a managerial role, such as a network controller.

You will be more successful if you keep up with current affairs and the constantly changing technological world. You can also pursue additional training in news writing, website editing and voice training. Individuals can also decide to go into academia and teach or lecture in related subjects.