There are usually six divisions in a radio station and they vary depending on the capabilities and size of a given station:
• Administration
• Front Office
• Operation and Programming
• On-Air Staff and Production
• Sales and Marketing
• Engineering
The administration divisions are the people in charge of the station. They set the company performance objectives and budgets. They ensure the station conforms to all the rules, regulations, and that all licensing is in order. The administration disseminates company policy to all employees. At the top is the General Manager, who is usually the owner in smaller stations. He dictates the stations character, quality and tempo. Below the GM there is an Assistant Manager, who assists the GM in his duties and is in charge in the GMs absence.
The front office has accounting personnel and their assistants. The receptionist job is to greet people coming in and out of the work area as well as keeping all working matter in order for the station.
The Office Manager is an optional position depending on the size of the station. If needed they are usually the head accountant or bookkeeper.
The operations and programming division are made up of operations directors or controllers who manage the stations on-air production; they prepare the stations on-air equipment. The programming director is responsible for creating content and handles production. The music director selects what music is going to be played.
On-Air Staff and production division is made of many people including a news director who has responsibility over the news team, including reporters, and correspondents or writers. Reporters or announcers deliver gathered information about news related topics and also give additional input if needed.
Disk jockeys are a music stations voice talent who keep the audience entertained with their witty talk between songs. Producers and assistant producers work as a team with the newscasters and disk jockeys. They work behind the scenes and develop ideas and concepts needed for the show to succeed.
The sales and marketing division try to find ways to produce revenue and is headed by the director of sales. This person is otherwise also known as sales manager must achieve periodic sales goals. They are also responsible for identifying, training and motivating new sales talent; Sales Assistants provide clerical support for the Sales Managers.
The engineering division is headed by a director of engineering or chief engineer who oversees all the technical aspects of the radio station. Assistant engineer’s aide the chief engineer, this is considered an entry-level position and applicants usually must have at least one year experience in radio engineering.
A satellite operator is only needed by stations who distribute their product thru satellite feed.
A webmaster is only needed for stations that maintain a radio website and more often performed by staff assigned to other duties.
Other radio careers which are optional for a radio station depending on their needs and often performed as secondary duties by available staff or given to temporary or freelance workers are: promotions managers and assistants, marketing directors and assistants, account executives/managers, traffic directors or assistants, board operator, correspondents, remote tech, writers and editors.
Usually, entry into radio employment would require a bachelor’s degree, or a broadcast training from vocational schools. Recently, computer literacy has become a basic requirement due to technological advancements. Degrees in journalism, broadcasting, and communications are important for writers or editors. Fluency in multiple languages is a big plus and will give you more opportunities to get in the field of radio, as well as being knowledgeable in hobbies such as music or sports.
Since 2008, radio employment opportunities have remained at the status quo. Competition in radio job is tough because the field attracts more job seekers than available jobs and employment is expected to slowly decline. You can find more radio careers by visiting RadioCrossing.com and sign up for a risk free trial today to find jobs that are just right for you!
