Overview 

This standard is about producing all forms of music for radio and audio.

It involves deciding what music is required for different types of station, programme, or production - sourcing it, and obtaining it.

It involves assembling music content in its production order.

This standard applies to all those who produce music for radio audio.

Performance Criteria 

You must be able to: 

1. identify the requirements for recorded music content from production information
2. identify and access relevant sources for the music content required
3. check and confirm with suppliers the availability of the required music content
4. identify alternative music content which achieves the same purpose and standards when the originally identified sources are unavailable
5. establish the need for any licenses, clearances, permissions and performance fees required
6. confirm that arrangements for obtaining licenses, clearances and permissions are obtained for the production
7. check music content on delivery and confirm that it meets standards and requirements
8. identify the requirements of formats, and devise suitable music categories and clocks for input into standard scheduling systems
9. assemble the recorded music content in its running order and confirm that it is ready for transmission
10. confirm that music meets the requirements for content and duration
11. perform valid tests to confirm that the music meets the required standards and are of consistent quality
12. reject music which does not meet requirements or standards, and which cannot be modified
13. check the costs of content are within available budgets
14. implement prompt action to remedy any budget over-runs
15. confirm that the use of potentially sensitive or contentious material is within editorial policy and broadcasting standards
16. confirm that the final running order offers the greatest potential for meeting production requirements
17. encourage colleagues to evaluate, and give feedback on, the selected content
18. ensure that the records of the details and durations of music are kept for clearance purposes

Knowledge and understanding 

You need to know and understand: 

1. the purpose and requirements of each production
2. the characteristics of target audiences
3. the formats of music content required
4. the available budgets for music content
5. sources of music content, and how to access them
6. how to find alternatives if the original music identified is unavailable
7. what licenses, clearances and permissions are required, and how to obtain them
8. the quality and consistency of music obtained
9. the characteristics of manual or standard music scheduling systems, and the principles of file management, evaluation of tracks, and scheduling
10. the differences between live, pre-recorded or automated programming and their implications
11. the editorial policy of the radio station, broadcaster, other commissioner or producer of the content and how this applies to your production
12. the legislation, regulation, current broadcast standards and industry codes of practice