Overview 

This standard is about undertaking research for a range of radio and audio content across all genres.

It involves having a clear understanding of the purpose of the research and how it will be used.

This standard applies to all those who undertake research to develop content in the radio and audio industries.

Performance Criteria 

You must be able to: 

1. identify areas for research to be undertaken relevant to the radio or audio content brief
2. identify potential sources of reliable information and advice when specialist knowledge is required
3. agree the use of specialist sources and make arrangements for contracts to be issued when required
4. approach relevant sources in a way most likely to elicit the required information
5. maintain accurate and comprehensive records and interview notes of research undertaken
6. keep contact databases up-to-date
7. store information relating to sources and research securely in line with organisational protocols
8. devise questions and use appropriate questioning techniques to secure information 
9. check that information is authentic, accurate and suitable for its purpose
10. assess information for relevance to the radio or audio content before selecting the material to best realise the research brief
11. obtain advice about any legally contentious areas
12. gather information within agreed timescales, budget limits and contractual requirements
13. use your research to produce briefing notes in an appropriate form for the end-user

Knowledge and understanding 

You need to know and understand: 

1. the purpose of the research and the nature of the radio or audio content to which it relates
2. the timescales, deadlines and resource constraints for the research for radio and audio content creation
3. how to break down a brief into practical research tasks
4. the sources of potential information including people, publications, archives and databases
5. how to approach people to elicit information
6. the importance of keeping clear, accurate and current research notes
7. the relevant legal requirements and organisational protocols for storing research information
8. the commercial, legal and ethical considerations that apply when contacting sources and what contractual arrangements apply to specialist sources
9. how to evaluate information for relevance, reliability and accuracy and how to check for discrepancies and inconsistencies
10. how to undertake internet research, using specialist search engines where necessary
11. the potential legal risks, factual errors and breaches of codes of conduct involved in using material from internet sources or social media
12. the legal and ethical considerations which affect the use of information for radio or audio content
13. restrictions and conditions attached to the use of information and the implications of using copyright materials for radio and audio content