Job roles in the radio news industry

1. Job roles in the radio news
industry
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2. Anchor
What is a news anchor?
 A news anchor is a type of journalist who informs others about the issues that occur in our everyday lives that continuously change
and shape the world. This can be on a local, national or international scale.
 The news anchor conveys the events that have happened during the day on a news programme / radio newscast and can provide
professional insight on problematical issues that are reported.
What does a News Anchor do?
 A news anchor is responsible for interpreting the events that happen locally, nationally, and internationally for a mass audience. Most
of the time, commentary is provided to help people from the audience understand how the news affects their daily lives.
 News anchors can also organize interviews with people who are impacted by the events happening around them. They can also
interview professionals to give the audience more of an insight into the recent happenings. Interviews can help to open a discussion
or clarify issues that confuse the audience. Important skills that are required for a new anchor when interviewing others is the ability to
be straightforward, and remember to be unbiased.
 Some larger stations have separate newscasters/anchors for each section of the news.

3. Radio news presenter
 This person presents the news.
 Similar to the news anchor.
 They have to be the voice of a radio station or programme
 Creating the tone and style of radio output and establishing a relationship with
listeners

4. Podcast producer
What is a podcast producer?
 Acts as the creative director for an audio production
 Records and edits a podcast for online transmission
 Making sure all relevant resources, from news items to guests, are sourced before recording
What does a Podcast Producer do?
 A Podcast Producer is in charge of managing, recording, editing and transmitting a podcast. A podcast is typically an audio-only file with
a focus on sound quality and conversation.
 A Podcast Producer’s main responsibilities is to make sure the host isn’t concerned about the administration or technical side of the
podcast. Due to the small-team of a podcast, a Producer will find themselves taking on many different jobs and need to have an
incredibly varied skill set to do the job at a professional standard. Depending on the content of the show, the Producer might need to
travel to interview subjects and capture audio outside the studio.
 If a podcast has an interview segment, the producer will need to find a guest suitable for the show and also do a relevant amount of
research for the host. They may also steer the conversation from outside the studio.
 Due to the nature of podcasting, a Podcast Producer may find their role changing from show to show. In some larger set-ups, there may
be a research time available to take care of the various research needed, and in some smaller companies the host may take care of a lot
of the administrative duties. Ultimately however, a Podcast Producer will always be expected to record and edit the sound file itself, and
prepare it for transmission online.

5. Script writer
 The scriptwriter writes the script for the news broadcast.
 His or her main responsibilities is to tell a story in a sharp, quick and clear way.
 Scripts are documents that present a story meant to be recorded.
 The scriptwriter will need to include stage directions as well as brief character
descriptions so the plot and character development are clear.
 I need to include all the qualities of a scriptwriter when we are planning my radio
news broadcast.

6. Radio broadcast assistant
 Radio broadcast assistants provide vital support in the development and day-to-day production of local and
national radio. They give practical assistance to programme producers and presenters to ensure that shows run as
smoothly as possible.
 Assistants assist in planning, researching and producing live and pre-recorded radio programmes. They often have
creative input on the development of new shows or features.
Common tasks are likely to include:
 undertaking general research for programmes; general administrative duties; arranging and overseeing guest
visits and freelance staff; maintaining up-to-date contact lists;
 producing transcripts, programme logs and running orders; recording programme costs; preparing contracts and
payments for guests and contributors; booking resources, facilities, studio time and equipment;
 assisting with time-keeping and the recording of transmissions; supporting the production team; researching and
interviewing guests; researching news stories and pitching new ideas; creating and producing items of a
programme;
 choosing music; presenting shows or small sections of a programme, such as news items and reviews of music,
films or books.

7. Radio broadcast journalist
 Identifying, researching and presenting news stories for a wide range of audiences
 They are mainly focused on news planning, researching, writing, editing and
producing material originated by others.
 Radio Broadcast Journalists identify, research and present news stories for a wide
range of audiences. They are expected to present news bulletins, record
interviews, and voice news items or longer features.
 Broadcast Journalists are responsible for generating ideas, researching
background data, checking sources, and pitching ideas.
 They prepare questions and, where possible, brief interviewees in advance.

8. Radio news editor
 Overseeing and directing the work of a news team supplying news content
 Setting and driving the news agenda
 Having editorial control over news productivity, identifying stories, and selecting
and commissioning material for bulletins or programmes.
 They are the first point of contact for legal or editorial queries.

9. Radio producer
 A producer oversees the making of a radio show. There are two main types of
producers: audio producer and content producer.
 Audio producers (also known as creative producers)
 create sounds and audio specifically. Content producers oversee and arrange a
radio show or feature.

10. Radio station manager
 They take care of the business, technical, and administrative parts of the radio
station. The job requires a bachelor's degree, and duties include managing
employees, making financial decisions, and purchasing new equipment.
 Roles may include on-air work.
 They help determine and meet the financial goals of station owners. They often
work with accountants and bookkeepers to track purchases, cash flow, and profits;
prepare budgets; and maintain accountability.

11. Radio traffic manager
 Radio traffic managers are responsible for scheduling, advertising and promotions for commercial
radio, aiming to maximise income.
 Radio Traffic Managers work only in commercial radio.
 They have traffic teams to schedule commercial airtime and station promotions. They also produce
data which analyses the effectiveness of campaigns for the sales team and clients.
 Radio Traffic Managers have to be able to prioritise to meet tight deadlines.
 They work closely with people from sales and marketing, promoting, events, publicity and
programming schemes.
 They are also responsible for ensuring that all broadcast material conforms with the law,
regulation and industry codes. The material must meet the station‘s guidelines
 Radio Traffic Manager’s role is largely office-based, and there are traffic departments in stations
throughout the UK.

12. Sources used:
 https://www.sokanu.com/careers/news-anchor/
 http://creativeskillset.org/job_roles/270_radio_presenter
 http://creativeskillset.org/job_roles/4269_podcast_producer
 http://www.wisegeek.com/what-does-a-scriptwriter-do.htm
 https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/radio-broadcast-assistant
 http://creativeskillset.org/job_roles/279_radio_broadcast_journalist
 http://creativeskillset.org/job_roles/278_radio_news_editor
 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio_producer
 http://study.com/articles/Radio_Station_Manager_Job_Description_Duties_and_Salary.html
 http://creativeskillset.org/job_roles/273_radio_traffic_manager