Volunteers responsible for presenting music-based programs from a community radio studio typically apply the skills and knowledge outlined in this unit. This work is usually undertaken with some supervision and guidance.

Skills associated with presenting more complex radio programs are covered in:

CUFAIR401A Conduct interviews

CUFAIR402A Present a wide range of radio material.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Prepare for broadcasts

1. Organise presentation material so that it can be accessed easily during on-air sessions

2. Exercise voice in preparation for on-air sessions

3. Confirm that pre-recorded material is available for broadcast prior to commencement of broadcasts

4. Check with outgoing presenter that equipment is fully operational and refer faults or problems to relevant personnel

5. Cooperate with outgoing presenter as required to ensure a smooth transition between programs

Mix audio inputs

6. Mix audio inputs through the studio panel to produce required level and tonal balances

7. Prevent extraneous sounds not intended for broadcast from going to air

8. Cue and play presentation material according to program running sheets

9. Deal with equipment operational problems promptly and effectively throughout on-air sessions

10. Brief and cue studio guests as required

Present programs

11. Ensure presentation style is consistent with station requirements

12. Present material and interact with studio guests in a way that engages listeners

13. Recover presentation errors and respond to equipment malfunctions with minimum disruption to program flow

14. Respond to studio direction as required

Wrap up broadcast session

15. Time presentation material to allow smooth transition to the following program in consultation with the next presenter

16. Save relevant material for archiving and future use according to station procedures

17. Complete relevant documentation according to station procedures

18. Leave studio in an orderly state for the next presenter

19. Reflect on own performance during broadcasts and identify areas for improvement

Required skills

ability to work cooperatively with others in a broadcasting environment

problem solving skills sufficient to respond effectively to problems that arise in a live-to-air studio situation

self-management skills sufficient to present and wrap up a live broadcast within the allocated time

literacy skills sufficient to read simple scripted material and to complete routine workplace documentation

numeracy skills sufficient to time presentation material to fit within the allocated program time

aural discrimination skills sufficient to ensure that audio levels are consistent throughout the program

technical skills sufficient to operate a basic studio panel

Required knowledge

industry knowledge, including:

roles and responsibilities of personnel involved in the production process

issues and challenges that arise in the context of presenting programs live to air

basic principles of presenting material on air and radio conventions

characteristics of sound in a radio studio environment

basic understanding of the audio signal path from studio to listener

OHS requirements as they relate to the operations of a radio station

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:

ability to integrate a number of different tasks simultaneously

ability to operate a basic studio panel and present information live to air on at least three occasions

ability to present information on air in a conversational and natural way.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

access to a basic radio studio

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 recordings of programs presented live to air by the candidate

observation of the candidate presenting a radio program live to air

written or verbal 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:

CUFAIR201A Develop techniques for presenting information on radio

CUFPPM301A Plan and prepare programs.

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.

Presentation material may include:

minimal ad-libbing

music

pre-recorded interviews, announcements, sound grabs

scripted announcements, intros and outros.

Equipment may include:

audio playback equipment

CD players

computer technology and associated software

headphones

microphones

off-air monitors

studio panel

turntables.

Relevant personnel may include:

producers

station managers

technical staff/volunteers.

Audio inputs may include:

live voice in studio

music

pre-recorded material.

Presentation styles may include:

comic

conversational/casual

dramatic

serious.

Documentation may include:

APRA (Australasian Performing Rights Association) log

equipment fault reports

production schedule.

Unit sector

Media and entertainment production - on-air presentation

This unit contains employability skills.