So you want to Work in Radio?Dick Stone

Programme Director, 96-106 Capital FM

Capital FM

• We used to be Trent, Ram and Leicester Sound. • Number one radio station in the East Midlands with 568,000

listeners per week.• Cover the East Midlands, over 2 million population.• As a network, Capital brings Hit Music and great content and

contests for people in touch with NOW…

You might have seen our TV ad

Global Radio

• Capital FM• Heart FM• Classic FM• LBC• Choice• XFM• Gold• The UK’s largest Commercial Radio company• Also Global Talent• Global Publishing• Global Charities

What does a Programme Director do?

• I’m responsible for everything that comes out of the speaker• I hire, fire and coach the presenters• I organise where and when our brand is seen (along with the

Marketing Manager)• I protect the brand, and approve arrangements with Sponsorship

and promotions• I listen ALL THE TIME- the radio is always on in my office, even

during meetings• I liaise with my Boss, (Group Regional Programme Director) and

other Programmers across the Capital network.• I update online, plan and design content for the station for the future• I’m responsible for all compliance (Ofcom)• I’m involved in all association we have- ie, the Capital FM Arena-

attending meetings etc• I listen to a lot of demo tapes from prospective presenters

Other Job Roles in Capital- for example

• Presenter

• Producer

• Journalist

• News Editor

• Marketing Manager

• Crew Chief

• Street Stars Team Member

A typical commercial radio station organagramMANAGING DIRECTOR

PROGRAMME DIRECTOR SALES DIRECTOR

NEWS EDITOR

JOURNALISTS PRESENTERSPRODUCERS

S&P

SALES EXECS

MARKETING MANAGER

PROMOTIONAL STAFF

A reality check

• Positions in RADIO are in short supply.

• Competition for those positions is high.

Qualifications• Journalist- Degree in Broadcast Journalism• News Editor- Degree in Broadcast Journalism

and management experience• Marketing- A qualification in marketing of some

form, or lots of experience in marketing roles.• Producer- Experience and Demos• Presenter- Experience and Demos• Street Star member (Promotional Staff)-

availability, clean driving licence and personality

Qualifications

• Back up plan

• Experience- particularly if you go onto Further Education

• Student Radio- Now considered one of the best routes into professional radio.

Broaden your base

• How many strings in your bow?

• Darren Fletcher and Iain Carter

• Two different routes

Determination

• Small number of jobs

• Large number of candidates

• Flexibility and willingness to learn

Presenters

• Competition here is very tough

• I’m looking for great talent

• In control of a multi million pound organisation

• Experience is king (hospital and student radio, community radio)

• Work experience (Over 16)

• Demo

My Advice

• Have a back up plan.• Get all the education you can.• Student Radio. It can be your training ground.• Get to know people in radio- often it’s who you know not

what you know which can get you in the door.• Show determination, but stop short of being a pain.• Be willing to learn, and be willing to listen.• Be a student of media, study what is happening in the

media world and keep up to date on latest events.• If you have a talent- get some training- have a coach.

QuestionsQuestions

Thanks for your attention