Radio broadcast assistant can be found through many different types of radio including speech-based radio and music radio alike. These assistants offer practical support to presenters and producers and undertake many different tasks to ensure that live and recorded programmes run smoothly. Here’s all you need to know about the role of the radio broadcast assistant.

Assistants take care of a number of administrative tasks in the station as well as also helping with research, planning and production.

Depending on what type of radio station you work for, the day to day activities may vary. They can also vary in terms of programme type, breadth of duties and the balance between administrative and technical or production tasks.

However, it is vital that all broadcast assistants understand the purpose and format of the station or programme they’re working on. As well as that, they need to be aware of the target audience and the subsequent characteristics. It’s important that they have knowledge on the subject of the output, whether its music or speech.

They will need to know how to research for the show and how to be certain that it’s all correct. Assistants will need to keep up-to-date contact lists. They will also be expected to transcribe interviews, produce running orders and keep programme logs. Dealing with correspondence and queries promptly is essential.

Broadcast assistants meet and greet guests and contributors to the programme and will be expected to look after them. They will be required to organise contracts and payments for these contributors, along with freelance staff and performers. They answer and log calls for phone-in segments and competitions.

Obtaining licenses and permissions for recording or broadcasting on location and booking resources and facilities are all important parts of the job of the broadcasting assistant. These assistants must have a knowledge of media law, legalities surrounding the usage of other people’s material and broadcasting standards are essential.

Some programmes may even have opportunities for their assistants to contribute to programme ideas, record interviews and other material and edit the audio. Some assistants will even have the opportunity to present short items for broadcast.

Assistants could be required to write blogs or posts for the station’s website or social media.

The role is essentially the first stage in the ladder towards radio production. A job like this will lead you to many new paths within the station and outside it. You will be able to form a bond with the staff and team and hopefully will then progress your career going forward with them.

When you start off in the role of a radio broadcasting assistant, you may be volunteering your time or only working casual shifts. However, this will then turn into something more if you are keen, diligent and optimistic towards the role.

Having a college degree in a similar field will stand to you, but it is not always a requirement. Employers will be more interested in if you have hands-on experience in any form of radio. This can be community radio, student radio or even hospital radio.

Radio broadcasting assistants are often found in the BBC, who use the position as an entry-level role in Radio Production. These assistants will usually work as part of a small team, while others may play a key part in the larger programme units. They’re more commonly found in offices and recording studios, but can be sent out with teams to help out on outside broadcasts.