Radio Producer

Tasks & duties

Radio producers may do some or all of the following:

• attend production meetings and help decide what will be broadcast
• keep up to date with the music industry and current affairs
• organise individuals and groups to be recorded or to appear on the radio show
• conduct interviews for radio shows
• record live concerts, studio sessions and interviews for radio shows
• edit recordings, such as concerts or interviews, into a radio show
• transfer pre-recorded segments onto a computer system for broadcasters to play on air
• plan schedules for live radio shows
• answer phone calls during radio shows and pass relevant information on to broadcasters
• research information for radio shows

Skills & knowledge

Radio producers need to have:

• knowledge of the radio industry
• knowledge of current events
• an understanding of how to structure a live or pre-recorded programme
• an understanding of the technical aspects of production such as sound recording and editing
• an understanding of the type of music their radio station plays and their target audience
• communication skills
• motivational skills
• organisational skills
• research and interviewing skills
• writing and story telling skills to structure stories so that they are compelling for the audience

Entry requirements

To become a radio producer a tertiary qualification in radio production or broadcasting is useful. A media communications or journalism qualification is also useful.

You also need to have a strong interest in the type of programme you are producing such as music, sports or current affairs.

Secondary education

There are no specific secondary education requirements to become a radio producer, but English, Maori, media studies, music and drama are useful subjects.

Training on the job

Skills are gained on the job. Some radio companies offer internships.

Useful experience

Useful experience for radio producers includes journalism, research or any jobs in radio, television, film or theatre. Work as a musician may also be useful.

Related courses

Audio Visual Studies
Journalism, Communication and Media Studies

For more information, please refer to Career Services.