Programme Controller

MKFM is currently looking for a Programme Controller to manage presenters alongside programming, technical and compliance for the local radio station.

Role Competencies:

Planning Timescales:

• Working alongside the station director, the PC will plan and coordinate the station programming to meet these objectives. The PC oversees the programming team and also liaises closely with the sales and marketing teams to ensure they both work together to maximise revenue.
• The PC will be reactive when there are urgent changes to programming/scheduling but also able to plan on a timescale of 6 - 12 months.

Impact and Influence:

• Influence and manage on-air presenters to deliver programming and ensure key commitments are fulfilled.
• Challenge and persuade station director and on-air presenters.
• Delegate roles and responsibilities within programming team.

Skill Level:

• Programming: Schedule and absence management, monitoring and feedback, music scheduling, advert scheduling, advert scripting/production, imaging production, news, presenter liaison, presenter training, special events.
• Technical: Studio infrastructure, FM transmitter infrastructure.
• The PC is required to ensure that all output complies with Ofcom programming guidance and regulations, the law and to deal with any programming complaints swiftly.
• The PC defines the vision for the station's on-air product, manages personnel in this area, cultivates talent and determines the best ways to showcase on-air personalities.

Communication:

• Strong communication skills to guide and lead presenting team that is suitable for all audiences.
• Ensure the representation of MKFM’s tone of voice is maintained across all programming.

Budget Management:

• Ensure programming budget is monitored throughout financial year.
• To ensure any budget related matters are managed within the remit of the role.
• To be curious in relation to the departmental MKFM budgets.

Lead and Develop:

• To help with strategy and implementation of new sales and promotions including competitions, client retention, engaging content on-air and online.
• Work closely with presenters and are involved in developing promotions, handle creative production and station imaging, create the music logs, and decide what gets put onto the station playlist.
• The PC oversees the programming team and liaises closely with the sales and marketing teams to ensure they both work together to maximise revenue.

Operating Parameters:

• To ensure that the station’s on-air product meets the creative and commercial needs of the station.
• Have a good understanding of the objectives and format of the station. The characteristics of the chosen market audience and the key business objectives of the radio station.
• The PC defines the vision for the station's on-air product, manages personnel in this area, cultivates talent and determines the best ways to showcase on-air personalities.
• Work closely with presenters and are involved in developing promotions, handle creative production and station imaging, create the music logs and decide what gets put onto the station playlist.
• Have a good understanding of the objectives and format of the station. The characteristics of the chosen market audience and the key business objectives of the radio station. Working alongside the station director, the PC will plan and coordinate the station programming to meet these objectives. The PC oversees the programming team and also liaises closely with the sales and marketing teams to ensure they both work together to maximise revenue.
• Recruit personnel for the presenting team and are responsible for their training and development. Responsible for the day to day running of the programme team and actively develop and encourage creativity. Will regularly coach presenters and hold regular review sessions with them to evaluate their work and seek ways to improve their performance.
• Not expected to keep the status quo and is required to continually review the stations output and refresh and devise new content to retain and attract new listeners.
• In tandem with the Director, the PC will need to be able to represent the station with businesses at a local level and build long lasting relationships within the broadcast area.
• The PC is required to ensure that all output complies with Ofcom programming guidance and regulations, the law and to deal with any programming complaints swiftly.

Essential & Desirable Job Criteria:

• Ability to generate original ideas, and to think creatively about how to communicate them (E)
• Excellent communication and presentation skills (E)
• Thorough knowledge of the Radio market, different station and programme styles, and audience demographics (E)
• Sound editorial judgement, business and finance skills (D)
• The ability to work effectively under pressure, react quickly, and meet tight deadlines (E)
• The skills to be able to manage creative teams, and encouraging acceptable creative risk taking (E)
• Ability to coach, and to develop talent in others (E)
• Ability to give and accept feedback, and manage performance through constructive reviews of output (E)
• A thorough knowledge of the law, ethics and industry regulation as they affect Radio presentation (E)
• Knowledge of when it is necessary, and how to acquire, the relevant clearances and licenses, including copyright and music clearances, plus a knowledge of what can and can’t be said on air (E)
• • A high level of IT skills – particularly good with programming and audio editing software. (E)

Salary: £30,000 - £39,000

Contract: Permanent

Hours per week: 5 days out of 7

Closing date: 12th April 2024