Radio and its roles of producer and presenter have changed since the introduction of the internet. Often, in smaller stations both roles can be undertaken by one person. Understanding the various components which create 21 century radio allows a wider opportunity in career choices.
This module will give you a range of skills from music scheduling, social media, content creation, show planning and presenting all using self op in the environment of a real radio station.
During semester one, you’ll learn many of the elements and software which contribute to creating radio. Myriad music programming, Adobe Audition advanced editing skills. Music programme’s hour clocks and how RAJAR and OfCom play a part in the overall station sound. You’ll also learn how radio advertising works and how to create an on air commercial.
During semester two, you’ll be learning the many different skills a presenter needs to succeed in an industry which delivers content on a variety of platforms.
Presenting skills both in the radio studio and on screen. Green screen presenting and the use of autocue will also enable greater content creation and add variety to your shows.

You will also present a show on the student radio station OMG.

In workshops during semester one, you will examine different programmes and their content. Deciphering the intended audience through the music, trails, pace, competitions and overall delivery of the programme. You will also look in detail at the role RAJAR plays in the decision making within a radio station and examine how the need for new and exciting content can affect those figures. How social media now plays a huge part in radio shows and how you as future radio presenters and producers can tap into this market to increase a stations sales and audience.
Both advance editing skills and music scheduling will be given during this semester.
This will usually be in weeks 1 -7 with the remainder of the semester self-managed with regular individual supervision.
In Semester two – in smaller groups (by negotiation depending on class size) you will consider the criteria stations and their audiences apply in evaluating the qualities of live radio presentation. You will be required to listen to a variety of stations and programme styles. Questions of technique, presenting styles and new delivery platforms will be discussed and sampled in the studios so you are able to present in a number of differing styles and environments. Additional presenting methods such as green screen presenting and using an autocue will also be introduced. You will be encouraged to use these techniques to add colour to your OMG radio shows and create a presenter show reel. This will usually be in weeks 1 – 7 with the remainder of the semester self-managed with regular individual tutorials. Feedback will be ongoing throughout the module.

Whilst a majority of this module will involve active learning, some written work will also be required in both semesters for show planning and preparation.
An evaluation will conclude the module reflecting on your learning and progress throughout the two semesters.
A variety of group and individual work will be required.

Key information set data:
20% scheduled activities
80% Independent guided study.

Library and online resources. The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available (where relevant) to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook Student radio station, studio and music library Access to production studio, production music library, audio and visual editing, cameras, green screen or equivalent, autocue.

Beaman, J (2011) Interviewing for Radio. Harlow: Longman.
Lloyd, D (2015) How To Make Great Radio: Techniques and tips for today’s broadcasters and producers Biteback Publishing
McLeish, R. (2005) Radio Production (5th ed.). Oxford: Focal Press.
Mills, J. (2004) The Broadcast Voice. Oxford: Focal Press.
Ofcom (2013) Broadcasting Codes [Online] Available from: www.ofcom.org.uk
Stewart, P. (2006) Essential Radio Skills: How to Present and Produce a Radio Show. London: A&C Black

See module handbook for a full list of texts

1. APPLY VARIOUS TECHNIQUES OF RADIO PRESENTATION AND APPLY THEM IN A RANGE OF PROGRAMME STYLES. PRESENT A LIVE RADIO SHOW OR PODCAST SHOWING AWARENESS OF THE RELEVANT PREPARATION, RELATIONSHIP TO AUDIENCE AND STYLISTIC TECHNIQUES FOR THE STATION. [Communication]

2. IDENTIFY AND CRITICALLY REVIEW THE RELATIONSHIPS THAT EXIST BETWEEN RADIO AUDIENCES, THE PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES OF STATION SCHEDULERS, MANAGERS AND ADVERTISERS AND THE CREATIVE CONTRIBUTION OF PROGRAMME MAKERS
[Knowledge and Understanding]

3. APPLY KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING ABOUT THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BROADCASTER AND AUDIENCE TO A LIVE RADIO PROGRAMME AND PRODUCE A SHOW OR PODCAST BASED ON THAT KNOWLEDGE.
[Application]

4. CRITICALLY REFLECT AND EVALUATE YOUR OWN PROGRESS AS A LIVE PRESENTER OR PRODUCER IN THE MEDIUM OF RADIO AND IDENTIFY SPECIFIC AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT. DEVELOP A REALISTIC ASSESSMENT OF INDIVIDUAL STRENGTHS DEMONSTRATED IN THE SEQUENCE OF PROGRAMMES.
[Reflection]

5. DEMONSTRATE AWARENESS OF THE PRACTICAL WAYS IN WHICH AUDIENCE RESEARCH, FUNDING AND SCHEDULING CONSIDERATIONS IMPACT ON PROGRAMME MAKERS' WORK. DEMONSTRATE AWARENESS OF THE PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS NEEDED TO MAINTAIN AN AUDIENCE BASED ON THE RESULTS AND AUDIENCE FIGURES.
[Analysis]

6. DEMONSTRATE AWARENESS OF HOW SOCIAL CONTEXTS AND TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS SHAPE OUR ACCESS TO AND OUR RECEPTION OF BROADCAST PRODUCTS.
[Problem Solving]

7. APPLY ONGOING LEARNING ABOUT THE MEDIUM OF RADIO IN THE CONTEXT OF DEVISING, PREPARING AND PRESENTING A SEQUENCE OF LIVE RADIO PROGRAMMES
[Learning]

8. SOURCE THE NECESSARY PROGRAMME CONTENT AND BROADCAST PLATFORM TO DELIVER PROGRAMMES TO A WIDER AUDIENCE.
[Enquiry]

Consisting of a presentation of a two hour breakfast show plan and a presenter showreel which may include a range of audio, video, editing, presenting and written work across two semesters (LO 1-8)

Presenter Showreel 50%
Radio Scheduled Show 50%

Radio and the roles of producer and presenter have changed in recent years. Often, in smaller stations both roles are undertaken by one person and this module gives you an understanding in the various components that contribute to the production of sound based content. This module explores a range of skills including music scheduling, the use of social media, content creation, show planning and presenting, using self-op equipment in the environment of a real radio station. You will develop and enhance your radio presenting skills and focus on the role of a radio producer, learning about the different elements and software that contribute to creating radio.