Someone who schedules the content that is broadcast on a radio station is known as a radio programmer. Other types of radio programmers are responsible for ensuring that broadcasts run smoothly and that no dead air occurs during broadcast periods, while program directors shape the nature of the content deciding what kind of content they want to broadcast. People can get training in this area of the profession at a variety of colleges, universities, and technical schools, and they can work in a variety of radio-related fields.
Programming is an important part of the broadcast media in general, whether it’s radio or television. Every minute of a program must be meticulously planned and structured in order to avoid airtime gaps, avoid program overruns, and ensure that the content is appealing to listeners and viewers. A radio programmer decides what goes on the air, when it goes on the air, and how a station’s programming is structured.
Radio programmers are in charge of allocating resources and scheduling hosts, radio personalities, and other staff members. They may also obtain program material from other sources; for example, a community radio station may purchase syndicated content and arrange for satellite delivery. The radio programmer keeps an eye on the timing of pre-recorded programs to make sure they fit into the schedule, and keeps an eye on live broadcasts to be ready to intervene if something goes wrong, which can range from dead air due to equipment failures to unexpected profanity from a guest.
Some radio programmers concentrate their efforts on creating new content for their stations. They research the demographics they serve, look for content that will appeal to their listeners, schedule guests to appear on air, and assign topics and stories to cover. Others are more concerned with radio programming micromanagement, such as monitoring the station’s broadcasts to ensure that they are running smoothly. A radio programmer must be able to multitask and act quickly to prevent problems from escalating into serious situations.
People who work in radio programming typically have formal radio training, though some learn working their way up the radio station’s ladder. The pay for this type of work varies depending on the programmer’s specialization and level of creative involvement in the content. A radio programmer can also assist in the expansion of a station’s reach establishing relays or new stations.