Radio Production and Distribution Podcast

• What are the different responsibilities of presenters and producers?

Have to get up early to prepare the show, producers get in for 5am and prepare for tomorrows show and get it planned in the first few hours and write a brief script and structure for the shows. Producers create idea for main show as well as concept of 'hot food' ideas to add in to the show at low points. Team meetings to plan what to do in shows and what to say based on big guests. The producers have to create the show and the presenter must deliver it, important for producers to get along and understand each other. There is an expectation of how many listeners and viewers there should be but no pressure and more emphasis on content from the managers, however some shows may not be as great as other shows for any reason, but could be due to changing guests and quality of vibe, however you must include topics and music that the audience wants in order to be popular and set listeners of for a good morning, but the show structure is flexible for the presenters and producers to feature elements they want. However the music is already chosen by the music team.

• What preparation that goes into each programme?

Get into the studio for five am for last minute prep for that days show and also plan the show for the next day as well as discuss the guests and brief the guests for the topics for that days show, and to not swear and mention brands. Also make sure that the equipment is up to a high standard and that the sound levels are good, in the morning of a show try to fill in gaps and blanks of that show by coming up with list of ideas referred to as 'hot food'. The celebrity guests are sometimes chosen by the BBC go on, or are requested by presenters and producers to come or spotted at local events to come on, but the presenters can choose to an extent. However bad/difficult guests can leave early if they aren't entertaining and giving closed answers, however guests usually come on to promote new stuff they are releasing. 

• Whats most challenging and enjoyable about working on the show?

The most challenging part is getting into the studio early in the morning as well as always have info and topics to talk about in the shows as well as the unexpected things that can happen in the live shows and therefore decisions must be made quickly this can lead to panic and a frenzy, which is why trust is essential. The enjoyable parts is feeling inspired from new producers and meeting new celebrity guests as well as learning new skills as you go, as well as forming close friendships with those at work, however when doing the show you constantly think of the show and it becomes part of lifestyle. 

• What are the team dynamics like?

The team of producers are a close knit family that understand get along with each other as they create the scripts together and hold meetings to discuss ideas for future shows, however the producer positions can frequently change due to freelance producers which helps bring in new ideas however the presenters stay the relatively the same for long periods of time to build up close relationships. The closeness of the presenters and producers is essential for creating a welcoming and warm vibe for the show. 

• How can you break into radio?

By doing student radio and learning communication skills to build experience, however approaching people in the radio industry asking to get involved in some projects and being persistent and keep trying as there are people interested in finding new ideas. Radio includes more than just speaking on the radio there's lots to do with marketing, social media and getting guests on as well as writing scripts and the equipment. For presenters to get as much experience as possible like student radio and finding out what qualities you like in other presenters and key characteristics they have that makes you want to listen to them, as well as finding out what you like to talk about and your favourite topics for example music and fashion and maybe you dislike football and sports as talking about things your passionate about will make you a better presenter.