Overview 

This standard is about producing radio or audio outside broadcasts. It involves determining what is required to identify, select and prepare locations for use on outside broadcasts.

It involves directing and monitoring broadcasts using different communication systems. It is about monitoring the quality of broadcast output, and making sure that equipment is used safely.

This standard applies to all those who produce outside broadcasts for radio or audio.

 

Performance Criteria 

You must be able to: 

  1. co-ordinate preparations for outside broadcasts in line with radio or audio production requirements
  2. communicate details of the locations to be used to the relevant personnel
  3. confirm that all arrangements for the radio or audio production satisfy insurance requirements and health and safety regulations
  4. test and confirm that communications with base studios are operational and clear
  5. check and confirm the availability of contributors at the time and location required
  6. check and confirm that standby arrangements will deal with difficulties in accessing participants during programmes
  7. confirm that all participants understand the procedures to be followed in the event of circuit failure
  8. check and confirm that adequate arrangements are in place to maintain the safety of production personnel and the public
  9. ensure that signs and notices explaining and specifying access requirements and restrictions are positioned to attract attention
  10. keep records of authorisations, access requirements and restrictions, and the movement of people on site
  11. select content that offers the best opportunity for meeting radio or audio production requirements 
  12. structure content to maximise impact on the audience and realise the production idea
  13. provide contributors with clear and concise information about their roles and responsibilities relating to the radio or audio production
  14. assess the strengths and weaknesses of contributors 
  15. check support is offered to contributors when required in a sensitive and courteous way
  16. explain changes to the production running order, time and content, in sufficient time for individuals to adapt to the change
  17. deliver cues which are clear, precise and on time
  18. agree handover details between base studios and presenters in advance
  19. monitor the technical quality of radio or audio output on an ongoing basis, identifying and reporting any loss of quality
  20. ensure that the use of any music or copyright material is recorded in line with organisational procedures

 

Knowledge and understanding 

You need to know and understand: 

  1. each radio or audio production content and structure, including its purpose and intended outcomes
  2. the production plan and insurance requirements
  3. the characteristics of the locations to be used and how to assess their feasibility
  4. broadcast or other distribution requirements and schedules
  5. what studio links are required to the outside broadcast
  6. the standby facilities that are available
  7. likely weather and other conditions which might affect security and/or safety, and the need for standby arrangements
  8. legal requirements and ethical considerations affecting the use of information in radio or audio productions and programmes
  9. the procedures for liaision regarding access with the police, private security firms and other agencies
  10. the procedures and systems for authorising access to outside broadcast sites
  11. the intended role of each contributor
  12. the date, time and location of each contributors’ participation
  13. the content of the running order: cues, links and associated timings
  14. the communications that are required with base studios
  15. the health and safety regulations and procedures applicable to outside broadcast
  16. the licences, clearances and permissions required including the use of music and copyright materials