Working in radio broadcasting requires special skills, but offers a large number of avenues to explore when considering a job in the medium. These include the technical aspects of sound recording and production, editing, script writing and reporting. There are also many specialities in the way of sport, politics, entertainment, and general news so a good choice of job and discipline is available.
Qualifications for a technical radio position are the minimum of a degree level of education, plus on-air experience. Writers and editors will need to have specialised in a media-based course and gained a BA in media studies or journalism. However, there is quite a lot of freelance work available in the writing field for those who can write good drama scripts.
Working as a radio reporter is unique and the skill is in being able to use words to ‘paint a picture’ for the audience. Frontline reporting positions are the most difficult to find on the open job market, and are sometimes assigned by the broadcaster after having listened to an applicant’s sample recording. This entails a high degree of motivation from the applicant, and in all areas of live reporting, the standards are very high.

• Being creative.
• Having interests in music and radio.
• Having IT skills.
• Having excellent written and spoken communication skills.
• Being able to work under pressure.
• Being patient and confident.
• Having good math skills.
• Being persuasive and self confident.
• Being able to work alone or with a team.
• Having interpersonal abilities.

Radio sector has not specific academic requirements for job application. It is recommended to have qualifications in television, broadcasting, music technology, media studies, performing arts, and journalism because most people working on radio have a degree. Many jobs in this area also require relevant work experience, so a good way to obtain that is by working at local radio stations or volunteering for a hospital or student radio station.

The BBC has a special training system called Programme Making Scheme, where trainees work with other experienced professionals and then they can apply for producer or assistant producer jobs.