Task 2b - Question 3 (IMPROVED)

Through the link provided "http://www.creativeskillset.org/radio/careers/jobs/article_7768_1.asp" I will be discussing the duties and skills needed to be a radio commercial producer. I will answering two questions in particular; Which of these skills I know I have and Which of these skills I need to develop, and how I will achieve so.

In terms of the skills and basic knowledge that are needed to become a radio commercial producer and why are listed below:

• The ability to generate original ideas, and to think creatively about how to communicate them.

This particular point is a mixture of both skill and knowledge, meaning that you as a radio commercial producer are able to not only think outside the box offering unique ideas but whilst doing so you as the producer are able to create your actual ideas. As stated 'communicate them' you are able to put your ideas into action and create. This particular skill is important when within the radio business, because you as a producer should know that although you are creating advertisements you need unique adverts which will capture the attention of the consumer in a away which will not only make them want to listen but initially buy the product being advertised. 

• Excellent writing and story-telling skills which they can adapt for different audiences and platforms.

This is a skill, which can either be learnt throughout your experience or taught. It's one of the most crucial skills, this being because you as a producer are relied upon to be able to create advertisements for anything and anyone. You as a producer, must be open to create adverts for anything. It's having that experimental/ willingness to take on new products/ companies.

• Knowledge of the Radio market, different station and programme styles, and audience demographics

In terms of having actual knowledge of the radio market etc this is something that you should be passionate about and be aware of due to you being within the business and having a job which is quite high ranked within radio. It is knowledge that is expected for you to have and in a sense is important because if you do have knowledge of the radio market and such then it will make your job a lot more easier.

• A strong interest in advertising, and a good understanding of how radio and other relevant platforms can be used to promote and sell goods and services

This isn't considered a skill, but mostly personal knowledge. Meaning that you as an individual who is either considering this job or have it must have a strong interest within advertising not only this but they should have a strong passion which allows them to take risks within the area. A 'good understanding of how radio and other platforms can be used to promote and sell goods and services' is basically the same as having a strong interest within the advertising field. Being able to view a variety of advertising forms, and seeing how you can implement the same conventions within your own to convert it into a radio form and along the way make it better.

• Confidence to interpret a brief, and to pitch ideas to clients.

This particular skill, is within the individuals power. This being because, confidence is comes hand along with personality. If the individuals personality is bold/ unique enough to have this particular job then when approaching/ pitching ideas to clients is something that is crucial for the individual to either get used too or are already.

• Ability to work independently, but also as part of a team
• Self-motivation and adaptability
• Determination, diplomacy and excellent interpersonal skills

These three skills, are vital when being assigned tasks within a group or even as a solo. The ability to work independently within a group allows you all as a group to get along with the assigned task which you have all decided and handed out to each other. Not only is this needed within a group but working alone too, you must have that mind state whereby you are not dependant on other people. That you as an individual are capable of getting on with your work and not needing the assistance/ help of others. This again would join with 'self-motivation and adaptability' as mentioned before being able to adapt is key as you are producing adverts you need to have that diversity whereby you are able to create an advertisement for anything and anyone. In terms of self-motivation, it's again comes with confidence. If you have belief that you can do the task assigned to you then by all means self motivation will not be a bother. Again with 'Determination' having self-belief/ motivation allows you the belief that you are able to do whatever the task that has been handed. Whether this be creating an advert or pitching your idea etc.

• Ability to work effectively under pressure, react quickly and meet tight deadlines
• Empathy and patience, the ability to build rapport and draw information from people

These particular skills go hand in hand, if you are able to "effectively work under pressure and react quickly" then you in opposite should be able to have empathy and patience for team workers. Not only this but in terms of drawing information from individuals this is not only helpful within your job but when creating ideas/ brainstorming it allows you to have more of a view on your work. Not only your view but others, so that you can make it better or change it to adapt.

• A thorough knowledge of the law, ethics and industry regulations as they affect radio production and advertising
• Knowledge of when it is necessary, and how to acquire the relevant clearances and licenses, including copyright and music clearances
• Knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures
• A high level of IT skills - particularly good word-processing and data handling skills

This is a mixture of both knowledge and skill, it is useful to you as an individual within the job but is necessary this being because you need to be aware of the do's and don't(s) within the job so that you don't make a mistake but so that you are aware of what you are allowed to do and not.

• The ability to learn how to use a variety of recording equipment, and to operate different radio studios.

This particular skill is again of great importance, so that when you do record/ go to work you are aware of what you're doing/ how to work the station or recording booth.

• The ability to conduct effective internet research, use relevant computer software for audio editing, and, when necessary, to manipulate visual images or edit video, and upload all such material for use on websites

This skill is needed throughout the whole process, it's again a mixture of both skill and knowledge as it bases around personal tasks that you as the creator would have to do.

In terms of the skills that I already have for this particular profession and based on the requirements needed; I can confidently state that I have all the listed skills excluding those which have been high lighted in red. In terms of those which have been highlighted in red, I will aim to achieve these particular points by researching more into the industry and how it is that radio actually works in terms of it's creation and what it is that keeps radio at it's constant popularity. In terms of regulations and licenses of radio production, the way in which I will aim to do so/ learn about these particular procedures will be through research however when aiming to go into this profession it is crucial that you have all these skills so that you are not only aware of what your job entails but so that once you have the job you have a base of the information that you will need to learn in more depth.