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. |
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Determine music for playlists | 1. Assess features of station's scheduling software to ensure production requirements can be met 2. Identify requirements for music content from relevant production sources 3. Select music that matches station aims, policies and codes of practice 4. Ensure music selections and styles reflect audience research and preferences 5. Use scheduling software to assemble overall playlist and rotation frequencies to meet station requirements 6. Incorporate commercial schedules and slots into schedule as required 7. Check playlists for completeness and confirm with relevant production personnel that playlists meet overall production requirements and daily time requirements |
Monitor and manage playlists | 8. Confirm availability of content supplies and organise appropriate clearances and fees where applicable 9. Check and confirm that music selections meet requirements for station format, standards and durations 10. Ensure rotation contains music selections and styles identified in market research as a trend 11. Monitor and update playlists and rotations to meet changes in station policies 12. Review current research data and introduce new music selections and styles to reflect changes in audience attitudes or perceived trends |
Coordinate and manage availability of music | 13. Identify costs of content and compare them with available budgets 14. Identify cost over-runs and take action to remedy by conferring with relevant production personnel 15. Ensure scheduled music is available in appropriate formats and meets required technical standards and quality 16. Prepare and complete necessary documentation to record full details of music content in schedules |
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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 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. |
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. |
Unit sector |
Media and entertainment production - production planning and management |
This unit contains employability skills. |
Not applicable.