15 May Production role: Radio producer
Radio producer
My role during the first rotation was an audio producer. Out of the two roles I had, this was more rewarding for me. As a radio producer, my weekly duties included: writing the script for the show and going over it with the radio presenters, listening everyone’s audio pieces and checking their levels, controlling the radio room while doing dry runs/live shows, and making sure the show was on time and recorded for the future use.
Controlling the radio studio while on air was a huge learning curve for me. I learned how to make sure the presenter’s audio levels were fine, how to put the audio pieces from the computer to air and how to add jingles to them.
As the producer, my job was to write the radio scripts. I enjoyed this element and it helped me a lot. I learned that the scripts need to be written in a talkative, relaxed way, and that it is easier to go over them with the presenters, adding their own words and opinions in. I enjoyed the interaction between the radio studio and the control room immensely. Working closely with the presenters was a huge benefit, as I got to see the show build from zero to a ready package. Also, the relationship with the presenters helped me to calm my nerves. I believe this went both ways. We all knew that we had each other’s backs.
While I made multiple mistakes on air (such as accidentally cut an audio piece, or forgot to turn down one mic) the experience was rewarding.With these mistakes, and multiple successes, I got an insight of what it could be like to work in radio.
I got most of my feedback from Michael, who was a good help and tutor in the newsroom. He told me to calm down and use the knowledge I already had, but often forgot when panicked. Taking the feedback, I, for example, got braver to control the situation and taking the lead. Although it felt somewhat weird to tell everyone what to do, I highly enjoyed it.
Watching back, I wish I would have focused more on the content of the VT’s played. I believe that my involvement in the radio show could have been even more present and I could have taken the strings to my own hand more. However, I’m happy of the outcome and the skills I learned during the seven-week period. It has trained me to know the radio show presenting basics and a bit more, which I am happy about.
