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Broadcast Assistant

A broadcast assistant provides vital support in the development and day-to-day production of local and national radio. In giving practical support to programme producers and presenters, they ensure that shows run as smoothly as possible. They manage a range of activities in an often busy environment.

Broadcast assistants undertake key administrative activities and also plan, research and produce radio programmes. Some also get involved with booking contributors and liaising with listeners. They often have a creative input by developing ideas for new shows. The broad scope of the role means that it is a common starting point for a career in radio.

Typical work activities

The job can vary widely from station to station, even from programme to programme. The range of activities is not always related to the size of the station but can depend on the attitude of the producer or presenter. Some broadcast assistant jobs are more focused on administrative work, whilst others are closely related to the role of assistant producer or producer.

Administrative duties for shows, programmes and general studio/office management can include:

undertaking research for programmes;
arranging and overseeing guest visits;
typing scripts;
producing programme logs;
producing running orders;
putting together contracts;
booking resources, facilities, studio time and equipment;
booking and overseeing freelance staff.

Technical and production support activities include:

answering phones and dealing with listener feedback;
contributing to the creative input of a show, for example writing cues, producing quiz questions, and updating scripts;
operating recording, editing and mixing equipment;
'driving the desk' for pre-recorded or live programmes;
co-ordinating phone lines for public 'phone ins' and competitions;
liaising with publicity departments about programme trailers, competition prizes and information for listings.

If working for a smaller station, your role could also include the following, more high profile activities:

interviewing guests;
presenting shows;
presenting small sections of a programme, such as news items and reviews of music, films or books.

Range of typical starting salaries: £12,000 - £22,000 (salary data collected March 04).

Range of typical salaries at senior level/with experience (eg, after 10-15 years in the role): £17,000 - £25,000 (salary data collected March 04).

Salary range in London is £15,000 to £22,000 and outside London, £12,000 to £19,000. Pay levels are fairly low in many parts of the industry.

Working hours are long and usually include regular unsocial hours. You will need to be prepared to put work before your home and social life and to work at times when others have holidays. Actual hours vary depending on the programmes, but can include evenings and weekends.
The working day is often unpredictable and is generally led by how well a recording progresses. Work on live programmes can be more predictable.
The atmosphere is informal and sociable but the work can be pressured with tight deadlines to meet. It is essential to be able to work well in a team.
Posts are available all over the UK in towns and cities where there are local BBC and commercial stations, and in London for network and national commercial radio.
Geographic mobility can be useful when developing a career in this area, due to competition for jobs.
Self-employment and freelance work are commonly possible. Broadcast assistants in both the BBC and independent radio are often employed on a freelance or short-term contract basis.
There is a reasonable balance between the number of male and female broadcast assistants.
Travel within a working day is occasionally necessary and absence from home at night is uncommon. Overseas work or travel is uncommon.

Information taken from Prospects www.prosepcts.ac.uk for more information

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