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Radio broadcast assistant

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Career outlook for radio broadcast assistant

UK Salary Ranges

Entry-level

£16,000

Experienced

£29,000

Currently employed in Scotland

9,200

Salary information is provided by the "National Careers Service". "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.

What's it like?

You would make sure that live and recorded radio programmes run smoothly so they are entertaining and informative for audiences.

You’d handle administration and help to plan programmes. It would also be up to you to provide technical support in the studio.

You would be part of a small team, usually with a producer, a presenter and possibly a researcher.

You could work in speech or music radio. There are different types of shows you could work on including music, news, phone-ins or talk shows.

Depending on the station and the type of show, you would:

  • Research programmes
  • Book guests and arrange their contracts and payment
  • Book studio time and equipment
  • Type scripts
  • Produce programme logs and running orders
  • Keep track of costs
  • Update the programme or station website, blog or social media profiles
  • Archive programme material
  • Arrange and send out competition prizes

In studio production work you could also:

  • Manage phone lines for phone-ins and competitions
  • Time the shows
  • Operate the recording, editing and mixing equipment (often known as 'driving the desk')
  • Record and edit programme trailers
  • Offer creative input, like writing links or planning quiz questions

In speech or news radio, you will often be asked to go out and collect short interviews or ‘vox pops’ from people.

With experience, you might contribute programme ideas, interview guests or present part of a programme.

Working conditions

Hours

Hours may be irregular and include evenings, late nights and weekends, depending on the programme. You may often need to work overtime to meet deadlines.

Environment

You would work in offices and recording studios, usually as part of a small team. This could include a producer, a presenter and possibly a researcher.

UK employment status

Full-time

38%

Part-time

14%

Self employed

48%

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Here are some of the skills needed for this job. Sign in to see how your skills match up.

  • Making decisions
  • Developing a plan
  • Attention to detail
  • Reading
  • Verbal communication
  • Written communication
  • Cooperating
  • Researching
  • Creative
  • Problem solving

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Getting in

Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

Foundation Apprenticeships

Choosing a Foundation Apprenticeship as one of your subjects in S5 and S6 can help you get a head start with this type of job.

You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification (the same level as a Higher) plus valuable work placement experience and skills you can't learn in a classroom.

Interested? Find out what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.

Qualifications

There are no formal qualifications required to enter this role.

But most employers value a good general education, and many radio broadcast assistants have a degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND) in a subject such as:

  • radio broadcasting
  • media
  • music technology
  • sound production 

To enter a degree (SCQF level 9/10) usually requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of four Highers or a relevant HNC/HND.

You can enter Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.

You can enter some Broadcasting or Media National Certificate or National Qualification courses (SCQF 2-6) with no formal qualifications but most courses ask for National 4/5 qualifications (SCQF level 4/5). 

You may still be able to move into a radio broadcast assistant job without an HND or degree by gaining practical experience in a radio station on a paid or voluntary basis.

Useful subjects

  • English (required by most courses)
  • Social studies

You will also need

  • A clear speaking voice
  • Work experience in broadcasting. You could get this through hospital, student or community radio

Helpful to have

  • Qualifications and experience that show an understanding of the industry such as Skills for Work Creative Digital Media (SCQF level 4) or Creative Industries (SCQF level 5)
  • A driving licence