Entry

Entry into a career in radio and television broadcasting can be at different levels. Production jobs require graduation in any discipline, but special training is not essential. Technical posts however, demand appropriate skills and qualification the area of entry. 

Producers, station directors and assistant station directors are recruited through the Union Public Service Commission. These jobs are also open to direct applicants. Announcers, music composers, instrumentalists and newsreaders are selected through audition.

Career Levels

RADIO

Some of the functional levels in radio are:

Production

This department is in charge of the production of the programme right from conceptualization, choice of artists to overall coordination of the programme.

Engineering

The engineering department provides technical guidance at every step. A member of the engineering staff rises to the position of Chief Engineer.

Research

This department does the necessary research that is required, relating both to the programme and the response of the audience.

Transmission

The transmission department is responsible to put on air the scheduled programme. It has to ensure that the quality of the transmission is not affected during broadcast. Candidates can rise from Assistant Station Director to the level of a Station Director and finally rise to the Deputy Director General or Director General.

News Editor

Looks after the editing of the news items.

TELEVISION

Production of television programmes somewhat similar to film making, though titles and descriptions vary slightly. With the exception of some telefilms/series and documentaries-most television productions are recorded on videotape and there knowledge of this format is essential.
Some of the functional levels in television are: 

Producer/Director

In this business, there are no clear defined roles of producer and director-both functions are often performed by one individual. Responsibilities therefore combine management and administrative inputs as well creative direction to the production.

Cameraperson

Translates the director's concept into visit terms; designs lighting plans; composes shots and operate the camera.

Sound Recordist/Technical Assistant

Plays a supervision role and holds overall responsibility for the audio quality the programme.

Technical Director

Holds charge of operations and maintenance of camera, sound and engineering equipment.

Engineer-in-charge

Provides technical guidance to the producer and oversees all operations of equipment.

Maintenance Engineer

Oversees the maintenance of all technical engineering equipment. 

Assistant Engineer

Arranges complex transmission networks for quality recording.

Editor

Edits videotaped footage to complete the programme for presentation.

Lighting Supervisor

Illuminates scenes to create the right mood.

Graphic Artist

Incorporates video graphics.

Production Manager

Schedules shooting and handles financial and administrative aspects of production.

Production Assistant

Runs errands, liaises and coordinates the work of different departments in accordance with the producer's instructions. Also prepares and types log sheets of footage.

Floor Manager

Coordinates the work of all those on the studio or shooting set; ensures actors, captions etc. are ready for rehearsal/recording; maintains discipline; cues artists.

Assistant Floor Manager

Aids in above tasks under the supervision of the floor manager.

Continuity Person

Keeps track of costumes, accessories, props, and sets and actors positions between shots, to ensure a smooth flow of the edited programme when scenes are being shot out of sequential order.