The radio industry offers many career prospects to people of all ages. People who like to work in a challenging environment and who have an interest in all types of topics are best suited for working in the radio industry. The growth of the radio industry has increased the number of jobs that are available. The job of a radio broadcast assistant is an interesting career option for those who want to begin with a career in the radio industry.
Radio broadcast assistants deal with the everyday activities that are involved in the broadcast of programs on local and national radio channels. These assistants are hired by all radio centers in all countries of the world. The number of assistants hired depends upon the number of channels that a radio station broadcasts on. These assistants manage all the activities that are involved in the broadcast of a program to ensure that the program runs smoothly.
The responsibilities of a radio broadcast assistant include the following:
- These assistants have to provide support to the producers and presenters of a program.
- They are responsible for planning and producing live and pre recorded radio programs on both local and national channels.
- These assistants are also responsible for creating new programs.
- A radio broadcast assistant is also responsible for researching and budgeting radio programs.
- These assistants need to maintain contact lists and also arrange for the visits of guests.
- These assistants also need to manage all of the equipment required in a radio station.
- They are also responsible for maintaining records about various competitions.
- They also have to respond to the calls of the audience.
- A radio broadcast assistant may even be required to present a radio program.
A radio broadcast assistant must be at least a graduate or should hold a diploma in radio or media production. These assistants must also have prior experience in the radio broadcast industry. This is important because practical exposure to how things are done is very essential in this industry. These assistants need to have several skills which include creativity and the ability to work as a part of a team. A radio broadcast assistant also needs to have very good communication skills, both verbal and written. Organizational skills and technical skills are also important for this job. Above all, these assistants need to have the ability to work under pressure and complete their work on time. Computer proficiency is also necessary for the job of a radio broadcast assistant.
Since the job of a radio broadcast assistant is the entry step in the radio industry, these assistants do not get a very handsome salary. The working hours are often very long and not fixed. These assistants may be required to work at odd hours and may even need to travel a lot. In addition, they need to work under stressful situations and meet the deadlines. These assistants may even be required to work in shifts depending upon the program that one is working on.
Training is necessary in this job for improvement of skills. The training can be provided on the job or radio broadcast assistants may be required to take short training courses. Training is generally provided for improving the technical skills so that the program broadcasting can take place smoothly.
Career development prospects are very good for those assistants who perform well. They may be promoted to a senior level and thus get a raise in their salary. Radio broadcast assistants may even get jobs as radio producers, presenters, and might even be asked to work in certain administrative positions.
Though any job in the radio industry is a challenging one, it presents itself as a viable career alternative for people who get rewarded for working in its dynamic and creative environment.
