Assessor Resource

CUFPPM402A
Schedule radio playlists

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


The person who applies the skills and knowledge described in this unit is typically involved in planning, coordinating and even presenting programs.

Scheduling playlists for radio broadcasting stations involves making decisions about music for differing program styles, obtaining clearances for its use and assembling it in production order for ultimate on-air transmission.

Even though people in this position report to station management or a program director, they operate with a reasonable degree of autonomy.

More complex skills associated with developing program schedules are covered in:

CUFPPM501A Develop and monitor program schedules.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to manage playlists for radio broadcasting stations.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential:

radio playlists compiled using industry-standard scheduling software

ability to interpret audience research and create playlists to meet specific market criteria

collaborative approach to work.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

access to current industry-standard scheduling software

access to music inventories and commercial schedules

access to current information on copyright issues in relation to the broadcasting of music

access to audience research data

access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required

use of culturally appropriate processes and techniques appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of learners and the work being performed.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance

evaluation of radio playlists scheduled by the candidate, including discussion with candidate about rationale for the playlists

written or oral questioning to test knowledge as listed in the required skills and knowledge section of this unit.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

CUFPPM501A Develop and monitor program schedules.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Required skills

well-developed communication, teamwork and literacy skills sufficient to:

interpret market research into the music preferences of target audiences

liaise with production staff and music suppliers

complete documentation in relation to obtaining clearances to use music

aural discrimination skills sufficient to determine an appropriate mix and sequencing of music selections

technical skills sufficient to:

use scheduling software to organise and manage playlists

test and verify appropriate format standards, e.g. DVD and CD

self-management and planning skills sufficient to:

meet deadlines

ensure that music selections are available according to schedules

numeracy skills sufficient to interpret budgets and cost estimates

Required knowledge

industry knowledge, including:

roles and responsibilities of personnel in the radio industry

industry terminology

issues and challenges that arise in scheduling radio playlists

sound knowledge of:

music genres

audience markets and their characteristics

technological developments in relation to distribution of content

copyright, royalty and legal issues and procedures associated with broadcasting music

principles of scheduling and rotation systems

broadcasting codes of practice

program classifications

OHS standards as they relate to working for periods of time on computers

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Examples of scheduling software may include:

commercially available music scheduling software, e.g. Selector, Music Master, Music 1, NETIA (note: the latest versions of software applications should be used in training programs)

customised in-house system.

Production sources may include:

audience research

internet music sites

music charts, e.g. top 40

music magazines

music rotates

music stores and suppliers

promoters

ratings

record companies

station IDs

station inventories

station personalities.

Music selections and styles may include:

adult contemporary

adult oriented rock

blues

classical

contemporary hits

easy listening

gold

golden oldies

jazz

news and talk

pop

R&B

soul

sport

talk

techno.

Audience research and preferences may include:

feedback

focus groups

music types

ratings

sales figures

surveys.

Station requirements may include:

broadcast legislation

codes of practice

defamation laws

ethical standards

image

station branding

station policies

station style

target audience.

Commercial schedules may include:

competitions

front and back sells

promotions

station IDs

tracking system for commercials and spots

trailers.

Production personnel may include:

librarians

music suppliers

musicians

on-air personalities

program director

station manager

other technical/specialist staff.

Production requirements may include:

attributions

audience

budget

confidentiality

content

continuity of content

contractual

copyright

deadlines

direct quotes

duration

intellectual property

interviews

locations

royalties

style.

Daily time requirements may include:

midnight - dawn

breakfast

9.00am - noon

noon - 4.00pm

drive

6.00pm - 9.00pm

9.00pm - midnight.

Appropriate formats may include:

cassette

CD/DVD

digital

MP3

vinyl.

Documentation may include:

clearances

contacts

contracts

copyright records

daily schedule sheets

inventories

playlists

ratings data

royalty payments

schedules.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Assess features of station's scheduling software to ensure production requirements can be met 
Identify requirements for music content from relevant production sources 
Select music that matches station aims, policies and codes of practice 
Ensure music selections and styles reflect audience research and preferences 
Use scheduling software to assemble overall playlist and rotation frequencies to meet station requirements 
Incorporate commercial schedules and slots into schedule as required 
Check playlists for completeness and confirm with relevant production personnel that playlists meet overall production requirements and daily time requirements 
Confirm availability of content supplies and organise appropriate clearances and fees where applicable 
Check and confirm that music selections meet requirements for station format, standards and durations 
Ensure rotation contains music selections and styles identified in market research as a trend 
Monitor and update playlists and rotations to meet changes in station policies 
Review current research data and introduce new music selections and styles to reflect changes in audience attitudes or perceived trends 
Identify costs of content and compare them with available budgets 
Identify cost over-runs and take action to remedy by conferring with relevant production personnel 
Ensure scheduled music is available in appropriate formats and meets required technical standards and quality 
Prepare and complete necessary documentation to record full details of music content in schedules 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

CUFPPM402A - Schedule radio playlists
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

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I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

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Result: Competent Not yet competent

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Assessment Record Sheet

CUFPPM402A - Schedule radio playlists

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

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Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

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