Tips to Make it in Radio

This week I attended a conference organised by Skillset about the training needs of radio. As part of this, I agreed to write a short piece, included within delegates packs, giving advice on how to get into the industry.............

Most people working in radio are passionate about it! Some people call us anoraks but that's just cruel, don't you think? Seriously, competition can be tough, for aspiring presenters, producers and journalists. But this really isn't to say you won't make it with a combination of determination, talent and good old fashioned luck. It's how it happened for me! Here is a collection of tips, each coupled with a few lines on my own experiences. Good luck.

TIP: There's a lot of learning you can do yourself and it starts by tuning in! Listen regularly to a range of stations and/or podcasts. Ask yourself, why is it that you love the programmes that you do.
ME: I got into radio in my early teens listening to a youth programme on my local station. I heard young people like me having fun in the studio and on the phones and I couldn't believe it was all happening up the road!

TIP: Consider taking an under or post graduate course. There are many, so have a detailed search on-line. For trainee journalists, check your course has been accredited by the BJTC (Broadcast Journalism Training Council).
ME: I think there were only two or three media degree courses when I studied but it was great to have a chance to think about radio full time. My media law training was the most useful thing to learn.

TIP: Local college, community or hospital radios can be great ways of gaining valuable, practical experience. Even if you're studying or working full time, there are likely to be opportunities to get involved in the evenings and/or weekends.
ME: I did hospital radio for a number of years. I eventually prepared and presented news and music shows, handled publicity, made jingles and recorded interviews. It gave me the chance to be hands on in a range of roles.

TIP: When you feel you have enough experience to benefit your local BBC or commercial radio station, get in touch. Whether it's a work attachment, phone answering or even making the tea, you'll have a great opportunity to show what you're made of.
ME: During my work experience at a small commercial station, the afternoon newsreader phoned in sick. I was asked if I was up to the job and I didn't turn back - freelance shifts followed.

TIP: A lot of people want to make it in radio, so you need to be dedicated. If you're offered a shift pushing buttons overnights at the weekend, accept gratefully with a big smile on your face. If you don't, someone else will!
ME: In my final year at Uni, I read the news every single Saturday night. It was a sacrifice at the time but I decided it was all worth it when I traveled to L.A. to cover the Oscars a few years later!

TIP: Read the essential industry websites to keep up to date e.g. mediaguardian.co.uk and radiotoday.co.uk Not only will you find news and job ads but it's a great way of learning who's who in what's essentially a very small industry.
ME: I'm also signed up to radio news alerts on Twitter. My own Twitter account can be found at twitter.com/newsleader