Radio broadcast assistant

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a:

• radio producer
• presenter
• music programmer
• studio manager

You could also move into television research or production, journalism, broadcast engineering or advertising account planning.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• knowledge of media production and communication
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to work well with others
• concentration skills
• broadcasting and telecommunications knowledge
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Media Studies - Radio broadcast assistants research content, book guests, and help shape programmes for specific audiences. Media Studies builds an understanding of how broadcast media is structured, how audiences engage with radio content, and how media industries operate – giving them a solid grounding in the industry they'll be working in.
• English Language - Radio broadcast assistants research topics, write programme logs, and update websites and social media channels – all of which require clear, accurate writing. Strong communication skills are also essential when briefing guests, handling audience feedback, and working closely with presenters and producers.

Also relevant

• Music - Radio broadcast assistants working on music programmes need to understand genres, artists, and how music is catalogued and scheduled. Knowledge of music also helps when creating pre-recorded clips, selecting tracks, and supporting music programmers.
• Drama - Radio broadcast assistants support live and pre-recorded shows where timing, performance, and audience engagement are crucial. Understanding how to work with performers and contributors – and how spoken delivery affects a listener's experience – is a valuable part of the role.
• Computer Science - Radio broadcast assistants use digital audio workstations and studio software to create pre-recorded clips and manage broadcast systems. Understanding how software and digital systems work helps when editing audio, troubleshooting technical issues, and managing content across platforms.
• Business - Radio broadcast assistants often coordinate bookings, manage schedules, and handle logistics for studio time, equipment, and guests. Understanding how organisations operate and how to manage resources efficiently is useful in keeping programmes running smoothly.
• English Literature - Radio broadcast assistants research topics and material for programmes, which can involve engaging with books, scripts, and cultural content. A strong background in reading and analysing texts helps when preparing briefings and identifying compelling stories for broadcast.
• Politics - Radio broadcast assistants working on news or current affairs programmes need to understand political events, institutions, and debates. This knowledge helps when researching topics, preparing background material for presenters, and booking relevant guests.