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Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Assess market requirements
   • Analyse audience research and statistics to assess current performance of station’s program schedule
   • Identify target audience requirements, markets and demographic parameters as basis for program scheduling
   • Liaise with relevant personnel to determine direction and nature of programs required to meet broadcaster’s policies and objectives
   • Document appropriate market research and consumer patterns in viewing or listening, as required
2. Assess current program schedule
   • Analyse current program inventory and types, and suggest additions or variations to more effectively meet broadcaster’s policies and objectives
   • Evaluate performance indicators of current scheduling to determine strategies to increase or consolidate audience shares
   • Review market segments already catered for in the current schedule and identify market segments that may require additional or new programming
   • Assess program schedule for revenue performance and return on investment where applicable, according to station policies and objectives
   • Evaluate potential for scheduling programs across a range of distribution and transmission channels
3. Plan program schedules
   • Devise a range of scheduling options that meet audience and station need to achieve desired audience shares, in line with station requirements, policies and codes of practice
   • Make program scheduling decisions based on audience appeal, interest and variety to maximise audience flows and audience demographic targets
   • Develop program schedule, using industry-standard scheduling software and assigning appropriate weighting to programs, to achieve required impact and response
   • Obtain sign-off on proposed schedule, as required for implementation
4. Implement and monitor program schedules
   • Oversee implementation of agreed schedule in line with organisational procedures and commercial time constraints
   • Monitor, evaluate and assess program schedule on a continuing basis to ensure it continues to meet audience targets
   • Modify program schedule as required in consultation with relevant personnel

Performance Evidence

Evidence of the ability to:

analyse market research data and current program schedules, and assess implications for program schedule development

compile written and verbal reports, with particular emphasis on audience and program analysis and conclusions drawn

consult with key production and management staff, delivering clear briefings and presentations on scheduling issues, eliciting their views on the direction and nature of required programs, and collaborating on scheduling outcomes

draw on research and consultation, and develop program schedules that meet the needs of the television or radio station

implement agreed program schedules and monitor their performance.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.

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Knowledge Evidence

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:

explain roles of different people involved in developing program schedules and how they interrelate

describe methodology used to identify and analyse audience markets and their characteristics

explain how ratings impact the development of program schedules

outline the impact of technological developments in relation to distribution of program content

discuss different ways of structuring program schedules

explain how program classifications and content standards are reflected in program scheduling.

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