Radio presenters responsible for programs that contain a wide range of material apply the skills and knowledge outlined in this unit. Programs can be presented live to air or pre-recorded. Presenters use a range of presentation techniques and display a solid understanding of audience behaviour and expectations.

Even though presenters responsible for programs that contain a wide range of material generally operate with a fair degree of autonomy, they are members of a production team and are expected to contribute to overall program planning and production.

More complex skills associated with moderating on-air discussion forums are covered in:

CUFAIR501A Explore issues on air.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Expand repertoire of on-air presentation techniques

1. Develop techniques for ad-libbing to vary the content, audience appeal and pace of programs

2. Record and evaluate practice sessions to improve techniques for moving smoothly from one program item to the next

3. Develop a repertoire of ways to present material of a repetitious or regular nature

4. Use a range of different perspectives to introduce and discuss music items

5. Record and evaluate practice sessions to develop skills in presenting voice reports and in conducting talkback sessions

Prepare for live broadcasts or recording sessions

6. Assemble presentation material prior to commencement of sessions

7. Ensure that presentation material complies with broadcasting laws and regulations

8. Exercise voice in preparation for sessions

9. Check that the equipment is fully operational and refer faults or problems to the relevant personnel

Present a range of material

10. Apply a range of presentation techniques to ensure a natural flow of material throughout sessions

11. Forward promote segments in a way that encourages people to stay listening

12. Recover presentation errors and respond to equipment malfunction with minimum disruption to program flow

13. Conduct talkback sessions in close collaboration with relevant personnel

14. Present live voice reports from the field in a way that shares the experience with listeners and captures their imagination

15. Respond to studio direction according to station procedures

Mix audio inputs

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

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

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

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

20. Brief and cue studio guests as required

21. Operate talkback facility, taking into account the effect of the delay system

22. Cross to live feeds, ensuring a smooth, accurately timed transition between presentation material leading up to crosses and live feeds

Wrap up sessions

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

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

25. Complete relevant documentation according to station procedures

26. Reflect on own performance and seek feedback from colleagues to identify areas for improvement

Required skills

communication and teamwork skills sufficient to:

moderate talkback sessions

present material on air in a creative way aimed at attracting and retaining listeners

maintain flow of on-air presentation while absorbing cues coming through headphones or from information on computer screens

work collaboratively as a member of a production team

willingness to receive and act on feedback about own performance

learning skills in the context of improving own presentation techniques through experimentation and practice

technical skills sufficient to:

operate a studio panel with a wide range of inputs

record material in a production studio, telephone recording booth or on location with portable recording equipment

send material recorded on location to the studio for broadcast

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

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

self-management skills sufficient to work under pressure and meet deadlines

Required knowledge

industry knowledge, including:

roles and responsibilities of production team members

broadcast language and terminology

issues and challenges that arise in the context of presenting radio programs

effective communication techniques, including listening, questioning and non-verbal communication

understanding of how listeners use and listen to radio, including the principles behind building and maintaining audiences

understanding of relevant legislation and broadcasting codes of practice sufficient to identify and seek expert advice on issues that could lead to legal action

techniques for:

recording audio in variable weather conditions

minimising the effect of background location noise while recording audio

characteristics of commonly used microphones and audio recording equipment

OHS requirements as they relate to vocal care, recording audio material on location and 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

a repertoire of effective on-air presentation techniques

understanding of the consequences of breaching laws and regulations that apply to broadcasting

ability to manage a full range of audio outputs while presenting on-air

collaborative approach to work.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

access to a radio studio with a reasonable range of equipment as listed in the range statement

access to audio recording equipment

access to audio playback equipment to enable evaluation of recorded programs

access to current information about, and personnel able to advise on, laws and regulations that apply to broadcasting

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 by the candidate to assess candidate's ability to present a wide range of radio material

observation of the candidate presenting programs that contain a wide range of material

written or verbal questioning to test knowledge as listed in the required skills and knowledge section of this unit and to discuss candidate's approach to preparing programs that contain a wide range of material.

Guidance information for assessment

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

CUFAIR401A Conduct interviews

CUFRES401A Conduct research

CUFWRT301A Write content for a range of media

CUFWRT403A Write narration and current affairs material.

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.

Techniques for ad-libbing may include:

creating word pictures to help listeners visualise a scene/experience

drawing listeners into a story

grabbing listeners' attention at the beginning of a story/anecdote and building to a punch line

having a succinct and clear message

making appropriate use of rhetoric

using concrete language that appeals to the senses.

Material of a repetitious or regular nature may include:

announcing a cross to news or live field reports

station IDs

time calls

traffic reports

weather reports.

Perspectives may include reference to:

events linked to music

impact on musical trends

melody or voice

stories about the artists

where and how music was recorded.

Voice reports may come from:

courts

parliament

press conferences

scene of a demonstration

scene of a tragedy

shows, parades

sporting events.

Presentation material may include:

music

pre-recorded material

scripted material.

Broadcasting laws and regulations may include:

broadcasting codes of practice

contempt of court and parliament

copyright

defamation

obscenity

privacy legislation

racial vilification.

Equipment may include:

field, e.g.:

portable audio recorders

microphone and microphone stand

pop shields

mobile phones

cables and leads

batteries and battery charger

studio, e.g.:

microphones

audio playback equipment

headphones

turntables

computer technology and associated software

CD players

studio panel

telephone talkback unit

off-air monitors.

Relevant personnel may include:

producers

reporters

station managers

technical staff

volunteers.

Segments may include:

competitions

giveaways

interviews

news

program highlights

special guests.

Audio inputs may include:

digital audio players (e.g. iPod, MP3)

live feeds

live voice in studio

music

pre-recorded material

voice through talkback facility.

Live feeds may include feeds from:

network

outside broadcast

satellite.

Documentation may include:

APRA (Australasian Performing Rights Association) log

cue sheets (intro and outro cues, duration)

equipment fault reports

production schedules

release forms.

Unit sector

Media and entertainment production - on-air presentation

This unit contains employability skills.