Interactive / Web / IT
Increasingly radio stations are including digital and online in their day-to-day. Staff are required to work on the development of new technology, to create content for it, and to support the computer systems that house it.
What's Involved?
For the interactive team, this may include working with advertisers or other businesses to deliver products that consumers want while still making money for the radio station (i.e., micro sites, apps, etc).
For the web team, this would involve making sure all aspects of the stations website are up-to-date, full of interesting content and user-friendly. They may also be responsible for the stations social networking presence.
The interactive/web team will work closely with management, programming and - in commercial radio - the sales team. Both are likely to involve the use of graphics programmes to create and manipulate images, and knowledge of HTML is essential.
The IT team will be expected to work across all aspects of the computer systems, including networking, programming, developing databases, hardware installation and training others. They must be confident trouble-shooters, and may be instrumental in buying new computers and equipment. Expect to fix a lot of “broken” headphones and take a lot of queries about lost files.
In smaller stations, these roles are likely to be rolled into one, or may even form part of other roles, such as Presenter or Producer.
Depending on the nature of the station and programme, the web/interactive/IT person's day may include:
- Building websites / micro-sites
- Creating content for websites (inc images, audio, video and text)
- Developing and overseeing databases
- Social media networking
- Working on hardware / software installation
- Troubleshooting common problems and fixing things
Working hours can be unpredictable, and may include shift work over evenings and weekends. However, most people working in these roles tend to keep more standard office hours.
What Can I Expect to Get Paid?
Salaries may range from £16,000 to £60,000 a year. Some work on a freelance basis.
Who Employs Interactive / Web / IT Staff?
As websites and other technologies become more and more important, the numbers of people working in this area increases. People working in this area will work for radio stations, newspapers and production companies all over the UK.
Do I Need to Do a Course?
Not necessarily. You need to be really interested in technology and will have experience of building websites and working with hardware in your spare time. We're in real geek territory here, and an active involvement in voluntary radio is less important than knowing what a file transfer protocol is.
You will be expected to keep up to date with advances and new technology in the industry, and will be expected to bring a lot of knowledge with you to the role .
With thanks to Job Profiles
Read about the importance of online and digital to Absolute Radio here.
