Background
Digital Empowerment Foundation in collaboration with Indian Heritage Cities Network is commencing setting up and operating a community radio station in the city of Mysuru in Karnataka. The radio station will be focussed in the culture and heritage of Mysuru, Karnataka and other states. The Station will also be a multimedia centre for online radio. Podcasting and other new and future digital media
The radio station is seeking applications from individuals who are based in Mysore. Applicants must have excellent language skills in Kannada and English
Job Title: Community Podcaster
Job Location: Mysore
Job Summary
Responsible for creating, producing, and announcing topics over the radio, including entertaining programs, cultural & heritage commentary/news/interviews/weather, and other matters of interest
Primary Responsibilities
- Produce, write, and narrate programs on the radio
- Conduct interviews
- Operate equipment, adjust transmitter power and run broadcasting tests
- Play music and commercials
- Answer phone calls
- Represent station at industry and community functions and events
- Determine information appropriate for broadcast
- Operate central equipment rack
- Prepare podcasts and deliver them on-air and online
- Write and edit content copy
- Write and edit introductions and continuity for reports, actualities and other elements inserted within network programming
- Prepare and/or review public service announcements, underwriting announcements, pre-recorded reports and audio elements, newspapers, and program rundowns
- Produce program segments
- Help raise money for programming
- Hold contests and issue prizes to winners
- Read news flashes for emergency broadcasts
- Work with producers and assistants to create timely program content
- Give weather and traffic conditions
- Deliver sports scores, stats, statistics, and information about upcoming games
- Inform public of program sponsors
- Announce public service information
- Record commercials
In this role, you’ll entertain and inform an audience by presenting information or entertainment in an accessible and attractive way across radio and online
You’ll host (or co-host) a programme, create links between items, introduce and interview guests and interact with the audience. The exact nature of the job may vary according to a programme’s subject matter, for example, if it covers culture, weather, sport, music or lifestyle.
Job Title: Radio Station Manager
Job Location: Mysore
Primary Responsibilities
As a radio station manager, you’ll need to:
- Meet with the production crew to assess or review a broadcast, and to plan the next one.
- Hire and train all employees, or oversee the hiring and training of employees by department managers
- Research topics and background information for items to be featured on the programme
- Negotiate contracts with on-air personalities
- Liaise with programming director in order to determine the format of the station
- Troubleshoot problems in the operation of the station
- Contract repair and maintenance services for faulty or damaged equipment
- Handle all complaints, questions or requests for information regarding the station
- Develop budget plans and operate within their parameters
- Network with other businesses, agencies and organizations to increase the market for advertising
Salary
Salaries will vary, depending on whether you’re working full time or working freelance on an ad-hoc or short-term contract basis
For presenters who work freelance payments are normally calculated per show or on short, fixed-term contracts to deliver a certain number of programmes
Working Hours
You’ll work much longer than the actual broadcast hours and work is rarely, if ever, 9 am to 5 pm. Pre-show preparation, such as meetings with the producer, researching, writing scripts, rehearsing and post-show review, which includes discussing the broadcast with the producer and beginning advance planning for the next show, all add to the working day
Hours may be long and unsocial, involving early mornings, evenings or weekends, although this depends on the timing of the programme and whether it’s live or pre-recorded
What to expect
- Working conditions vary, depending on the broadcast medium and type of programme. For example, conditions for a presenter on a small local radio station with a show in the middle of the night will be vastly different from those for a podcast online with high-profile celebrity
- Most work is based in a radio or online studio, but may also include outside broadcasts, which can involve working in all conditions
- You’ll have a public image to maintain and, as a result, must be prepared for some loss of privacy
- Travel during the working day varies according to the type of programme, Radio roadshows, for example, involve a significant amount of travel and you may be required to work away from home for extended periods of time. Similarly, documentary-makers or roving reporters can also be expected to travel in the state and other states to cover stories and events
Qualifications
You don’t need a degree to become a broadcast presenter. However, some experience in a similar environment and practical skills are expected
Must have relevant knowledge that can be used in the job. These include:
- Broadcast, radio, internet radio stations. or media production
- Drama or performing arts
- Journalism
- Media or communications studies
A degree relevant to the area, such as heritage architecture, history, cultural studies, Kannada literature may also be helpful
Skills
You’ll need to have:
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Performance skills and a clear voice
- The ability to generate original ideas
- A personable and confident manner
- A broad range of interests, including current affairs
- Good research and interviewing skills
- The confidence and the ability to sell yourself
- An awareness of media law
- The ability to take initiative and make quick decisions under pressure
- Team-work skills
- Creativity and problem-solving skills
Work experience
You’ll need the necessary practical skills for the job, including related work experience that shows your presenting ability
Additional Skills
It’s likely you’ll have to start in an entry-level position such as a runner, broadcast assistant or programme researcher while you gain the necessary skills and experience
Broadcasting is a highly competitive area and you’ll need to have enthusiasm, persistence and a proactive approach to stay on top of the job
Professional Development
You’ll usually be expected to have the necessary skills before starting the job. These can be acquired by working in a supporting role on a broadcasting team, as a broadcast assistant, for example
On-the-job training will generally be given for use of any specific technical equipment, such as microphones or recording equipment, or to drive the desk in radio. However, since most presenters produce their own demo tapes, a certain level of technical knowledge is expected
Career Prospects
Broadcast presenting is an unpredictable profession and career development may be more about achieving your personal ambitions than following a set progression route
It’s likely you’ll aim to develop your career by moving to more prestigious programmes, more mainstream time slots or by being the support presenter to the lead role
Please send your CV at [email protected] with the subject line ‘Application for the post of Community Podcaster’ or ‘Application for the post of Radio Station Manager’ on or before 15 September 2022
