Fact Sheet Five: Careers in Broadcasting

CAREERS IN BROADCASTING

The Radio Authority is responsible for licensing and regulating Independent Radio in the UK. As a small licensing and regulatory body, it does not run any training courses itself (other than for its own staff). However, the Authority has compiled the following general information on careers in broadcasting for those interested in working in the industry.

The main areas of work in Independent Radio are programming, news, engineering, IT, sales, administration and management. Staffing is a matter for each individual radio station, and each station will have a slightly different staff structure and policy on training.

For those wishing to pursue a career in broadcast journalism, a combination of journalistic and presentation skills is usually required. Many find a post-graduate course of value, or a background in newspaper journalism. As with most on-air posts, an informed interest in current affairs, a knowledge of the area concerned, and hands-on experience in radio are useful attributes.

The career structure for DJs/presenters is hard to specify. Many gain experience at hospital, school or college radio stations or through running mobile discos. Some presenters cross-over from broadcast journalism. To get into radio, prospective presenters need to prepare a tape illustrating their presentation style and then they need to send this, with a CV, to the programme controllers of the stations where they would like to work.

It really is a question of the applicant convincing a station that they have the necessary talent, skill and commitment. A good microphone voice, the ability to communicate and a knowledge of music and of the area where the station is located, are all useful if you wish to become a presenter.

If you would like to get into advertising sales, having an outgoing personality, a good rapport with people, and a confident manner will work in your favour. A degree or diploma in Business Management, Marketing or Communications could be an advantage, as would previous experience in selling advertising in other media.

If you are interested in radio engineering, you will find that an engineering degree or HND, or a specialist qualification in electronics would probably be required. Membership at an appropriate level of a relevant professional institution, such as the Institute of Electrical Engineers (IEE), would be an advantage. A sound knowledge of computer systems is becoming increasingly important.

You will have to contact individual stations to find out about their situation on job vacancies/work experience. The Radio Authority can provide you with a Pocket Book listing all the names and addresses of each independent radio station on request.

Media career enquiries can be obtained through the skillsformedia helpline.
Tel: 08080 300900. Website: www.skillsformedia.com.

A Student's Guide to Entry to Media Studies can be obtained through UCAS for £10. Tel: 01242 222444. Website: www.ucas.ac.uk.

A handbook is available for students studying journalism and/or the media by Paul Chantler and Simon Harris called 'Local Radio Journalism' published by Focal Press (price £14.99).

Entry into a career in broadcasting is extremely competitive and we generally stress the importance of having a good standard of education. Obviously the more relevant experience you have, the better your chances of getting on a course, and of being recruited by a station.

Reading the trade press will enhance your knowledge of the industry. Some of the main magazines are: Broadcast, and Media Week (both available from newsagents); and The Radio Magazine (available by mail order, Tel: 01536 418558).

The following are institutions offering courses accredited by the BJTC and the NCTJ:

Bell College
Almada Street, Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, ML3 0JB
Tel: 01698 283100. Fax: 01698 457525 Website: www.bell.ac.uk
BJTC recognised postgraduate diploma in radio journalism

University of Bournemouth
Fern Barrow, Poole, Dorset, BH12 5BB
Tel: 01202 524111 Fax: 01202 595099 Website: media.bournemouth.ac.uk
Undergraduate degrees in Media Production, BJTC, NCTJ & PTC endorsed Multi-media journalism degree. Post Graduate Diploma/MA in Radio Production.

Cardiff University
Information Officer, Careers Service, 5 Corbett Road, Cardiff, CF10 3EB
Tel: 0(2)920 874786 Fax: 0(2)920 238832
Website: www.cf.ac.uk/uwc/jomec/jomec.html
BJTC recognised postgraduate course in broadcast (bi-media) journalism, BA (Hons) Journalism, Film & Broadcasting.

University of Central England, Birmingham
Perry Bar, Birmingham, B42 2SU
Tel: 0121 331 5000 Fax: 0121 331 7814 Website: www.mediacourses.com.uk
BJTC recognised postgraduate course in broadcast journalism, Pjdip/MA International broadcast journalism, BA (Hons) Multi Media courses.

University of Central Lancashire
Dept of Journalism, Preston, PR1 2HE
Tel: 01772 894730 Fax: 01772 892907 Website: lancashirebusinessschool.com
BJTC/NCTJ courses, one undergraduate course, (specialist route in final year in either broadcast, print or online), three one-year postgraduate diplomas in broadcast, print and online.

City University
Northampton Square, London, EC1V 0HB
Tel: 020 7477 8221 Fax: 020 7477 8594 Website: www.jour.city.ac.uk
BJTC recognised postgraduate course in journalism

Falmouth College of Arts
Woodlane, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 4RA
Tel: 01326 211077 Fax: 01326 211205 Website: www.falmouth.ac.uk
BJTC recognised courses. Postgraduate diploma in broadcast journalism.

Goldsmith’s College (University of London)
Department of Media & Communications, New Cross, London, SE14 6NW
Tel: 020 7919 7281 Fax: 020 7919 7509 Website: www.goldsmiths.ac.uk
BJTC recognised course. MA in Radio covering journalism, drama, and new sound technology.

Highbury College of Technology
School of Media & Creative Arts, Dovercourt Rd, Portsmouth, PO6 2SA
Tel: 01705 313287 Fax: 01705 378382 Website: www.highbury.ac.uk
BJTC recognised courses. Postgraduate diploma in broadcast journalism.

The Institute of Communication Studies, University of Leeds
Leeds, LS2 9JT
Tel: 0113 233 5809 Fax: 0113 233 5809 Website: www.leeds.ac.uk/ics
BJTC undergraduate course in broadcast journalism.

University of Leeds, Trinity and All Saints College
University of Leeds, Leeds, LS18 5HD
Tel: 01132 837100 Fax: 01132 837200 Website: www.tasc.ac.uk
BJTC recognised postgraduate diploma in bi-media journalism (radio/television).

London College of Printing
10 Back Hill, London, EC1R 5EN
Tel: 0171 514 6500 Fax: 0171 514 6848 Website: www.LCP.linst.ac.uk
BJTC recognised courses. Postgraduate diploma in broadcast journalism.

Nottingham Trent University
The Centre for Broadcasting & Journalism, Burton Street, Nottingham NG1 4BU
Tel: 0115 848 5803 Fax: 0115 848 5859 Website: www.cbj.ntu.ac.uk
E-mail: cbj@ntu.ac.uk
BA (Hons) Broadcast Journalism, MA/PgD Television Journalism, MA/PgD Newspaper Journalism

Sheffield Hallam University
Northern Media School, The Workstation, 15 Paternoster Row, Sheffield S1 2BX
Tel: 0114 225 4648 Fax: 0114 253 4363 Email: J.kyte@shu.ac.uk
Website: www.shu.ac.uk
BJTC accredited postgraduate diploma in broadcast journalism.

Surrey Institute of Art & Design, University College
Faculty of Arts & Media, Falkner Road, Farnham, Surrey GU9 7DS
Tel: 01252 722441 Fax: 01252 892787 Website: surrart.ac.uk
BA (Hons) Journalism BJTC recognised first degree with radio and print options.

University of Westminster
Harrow Campus Admissions and Marketing Office, University of Westminster, Watford Road, Northwick Park, Harrow, HA1 3TP
Tel: 020 7911 5903 Fax: 020 7911 5955 Website: www.wmin.ac.uk
Postgrad diploma in broadcast journalism (backed by BBC), Undergrad and Postgrad media related courses (Hons) covering TV, radio and print journalism, programming, music radio, communication policy, and media theory.

TRAINING CONTACTS

Broadcast Journalism Training Council
Website: www.bjtc.org.uk
The BJTC is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee, whose subscribers come from all sides of the radio and TV industry, the NUJ and colleges which offer courses in broadcast journalism. Its role is to advise and co-operate with the Colleges and Universities to maintain standards.

Churches Advisory Council for Local Broadcasting
P.O. Box 6613, South Woodham Ferrers, Essex CM3 5DY
Tel: 01245 322158 Fax: 01245 321957 Website: www.caclb.org.uk
CACLB was established by churches to offer information, help and advice on how to be involved involvement in and support local broadcasting. It organises the Association of Christians in Broadcasting, the annual Churches' Broadcasting Conference and Andrew Cross Awards for the best local religious programming.

Community Media Association
15 Paternoster Row, Sheffield S1 2BX
Tel: 0114 2795219 Fax: 0114 2798976 Website: www.commedia.org.uk
The CMA aims to enable people to establish and develop community-based communications media for empowerment, cultureal expression, informatin and entertainment.

Hospital Broadcasting Association
Ty Elysian, 12 Heol Poyston, Caerau, Cardiff, CF5 5LX
Tel: 0870 321 6000 Fax: 0870 321 6013 Website: www.hbauk.com
The HBA is the national representative association for hospital broadcasting in the UK. It is responsible for providing advice and support to hospital radio stations and for promoting hospital broadcasting nation-wide.

National Council for the Training of Journalists
NCTJ Training Ltd, Latton Bush Centre, Southern Way, Harlow, Essex, CM18 7BL
Tel: 01279 430009 Fax: 01279 438008 Website: www.nctj.com
The NCTJ is a registered charity which runs the most widely accepted industry led training schemes for print journalists through Colleges and Universities and provide a mail order service of recommended books/tapes on many aspects of journalism.

The Radio Academy
5 Market Place, London W1N 7AH
Tel: 020 7255 2010 Fax: 020 7255 2029 Website: www.radioacademy.org
The Radio Academy is the body for those who have a professional interest in radio; membership is open to all those working in the industry. It is a charity dedicated to the recognition, encouragement and demonstration of excellence within the radio industry of the UK.

Student Radio Association
The Radio Academy, 5 Market Place, London W1N 7AH
Tel: 0207 255 2010 Fax: 0207 255 2029 Website: www.studentradio.org.uk
The Student Radio Association is the representative body for student radio in the UK. Run by an elected committee of volunteers drawn from its 70 member stations.

OTHER COURSES

BBC Corporate Recruitment Services
P.O. Box 7000, London W12 8GJ
Tel: 020 8576 0639
Runs training schemes for journalism, production, and engineering.

Brighton College of Technology
Pelham Street, Brighton, BN1 4FA
Tel: 01273 667749
Radio, Video, Print Journalism.

CROW (Community Radio Workshop)
Quayside Offices, Basin Rd South, Portslade, East Sussex BN41 1WF
Tel: 01273 420 520
Short Courses in Radio Skills - Interviewing, Recording, Editing, Presenting, Radio Drama.

East Surrey College
Media Division, Gatton Point North, Claremont Road, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 2JX
Tel: 01737 772611
Radio Production – daytime and radio courses.

Emap 21
Castle Quay, Castlefield, Manchester, M15 4PR
Tel: 0161 288 5000 Website: Emap.co.uk
Successful candidates offered the opportunity to enter the Emap Radio Modern Apprentice Scheme - applicants with excellent communication, team and influencing skills; a high level of personal drive and commitment; integrity, initiative and adaptability; analytical ability (for research roles only); and news journalists with NCTJ certificates. Positions will be advertised in the Guardian in June 2000.

Farnborough College of Technology (Associate College of University of Surrey)
School of Media & Visual Arts Boundary Road, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 6SB
Tel: 01252 407270
Full and part-time, long and short courses– in partnership with the County Sound Radio Network and 2-TEN FM (GWR Group). The MA in Radio is for graduates in any discipline while the B.Sc (Hons) Media Technology (Production), and the HND Media Technology (Production with Business) each feature radio alongside related media. Every year a student-run RSL is broadcast from the studios.

The Galaxy Radio Academy
Millennium House, 26 Baldwin Street, Bristol BS1 1SE
Tel: 0117 901 0101 Email: newsdesk@galaxy101.co.uk
Website: www.galaxyfm.co.uk
Accredited by the NCFE, The Galaxy Radio Academy is a free ten week training course for ages 16+. All aspects of radio are covered including: engineering, sales, presenting, promotions, marketing, news, sport and traffic. On successful completion of the course a certificate from Chrysalis Radio is granted. This course is available to those living in South Wales and the West Country, the North East, Birmingham, Yorkshire and Manchester

London Academy of Radio, Film & TV
Ashburnham Centre, 69 Tetcott Road, London SW10 0SH
Tel: 07050 261261 Website: www.radio-film-tv.com
Evening and week-long courses providing practical training for all aspects of radio broadcasting and production. Courses will suit beginners and professionals wishing to upgrade their knowledge & skills.

Morley College
61 Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7HT
Tel: 020 7928 8501 Fax: 020 7928 4074
Introduction to radio, radio production courses and workshops.

Nottingham Trent University
The Centre for Broadcasting & Journalism, Burton Street, Nottingham NG1 4BU
Tel: 0115 848 5803 Fax: 0115 848 5859 Website: www.cbj.ntu.ac.uk
E-mail: cbj@ntu.ac.uk
MA/PgD Radio Journalism and MA/PgD Online Journalism

Radio Guild
PO Box 2789, London, NW1 7PZ
Tel/Fax: 020 7383 3004 Email: radio.guild@enterprise.net
Website: http://homepages.enterprise.net/radio.guild
Award-winning Radio Guild founded ten years ago by BBC and Independent producers, broadcasters and trainers to teach journalism and technical skills for careers in radio offers workshops, evening and home study courses in Broadcast Journalism, Radio Skills, Practical Radio News & Media Law.

The Radio School (a division of Bruno Brookes Media & Entertainment Ltd.)
7-9 The Broadway, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 1AS
Tel: 0700 0226 385 Fax: 01635 38802
Website: www.radiotvschool.co.uk or www.bbme.co.uk
The Radio School was founded by former Radio One presenters Bruno Brookes and Neale James. The Radio School offers three different courses: Core One, designed for beginners that have no technical or radio experience; Core Two, designed for hospital/university presenters, RSL presenters and night club DJs; and Core Three, designed for fully and semi-professional broadcasters working on-air now.

Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication
Walden Road, Chislehurst, Kent, BR7 5SN
Tel: 020 8289 4900
Radio Operational Course.

West London Radio Training Centre
The Bryony, 61 Bryony Road, London, W12 0SP
Tel: 020 8742 9040
Essential Skills for Radio Journalists, Radio Journalism and Digital Technology, Radio Presentation.

This fact sheet is for general guidance only. If you are interested in a career in broadcasting we recommend you seek advice from a professional careers adviser. The Radio Authority does not offer any comment as to the competence or suitability of any of the organisations listed above, nor is the list exhaustive.

Information Note

The Radio Authority's main tasks are: to plan frequencies; to appoint licensees with a view to broadening listener choice; to enforce ownership rules; and to regulate programming and advertising. It is funded solely by the licence fees paid to it by each of its licensees and by application fees.

See also:

Other Fact Sheets:
• The Radio Authority - what it is, what it does
• How is Commercial Radio Regulated?
• The Radio Authority: Its Licenses and Licensing Procedures
• Digital Radio
• The Radio Authority's Future Licensing Plans

Revised: September 12, 2003 .