The main areas of work in Independent Radio are programming, news, engineering, IT, sales, administration and management. Staffing is a matter for each individual radio station, and each station will have a slightly different staff structure and policy on training. For those wishing to pursue a career in broadcast journalism, a combination of journalistic and presentation skills is usually required. Many find a post-graduate course of value, or a background in newspaper journalism. Many gain experience at hospital, school or college radio stations or through running mobile discos.
Some presenters cross-over from broadcast journalism.
To get into radio, prospective presenters need to prepare a tape illustrating their presentation style and then they need to send this, with a CV, to the programme controllers of the stations where they would like to work. It really is a question of the applicant convincing a station that they have the necessary talent, skill and commitment. A good microphone voice, the ability to communicate and a knowledge of music and of the area where the station is located, are all useful if you wish to become a presenter. If you would like to get into advertising sales, having an outgoing personality, a good rapport with people, and a confident manner will work in your favour. A degree or diploma in Business Management, Marketing or Communications could be an advantage, as would previous experience in selling advertising in other media.