Personnel responsible for assisting with the preparation of routine content for media programs, interactive media products, websites and print publications typically apply the skills and knowledge outlined in this unit. This work is usually undertaken under close supervision and guidance.

More complex skills associated with undertaking research are covered in:

CUFRES401A Conduct research.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Locate information

1. Confirm information requirements with relevant personnel

2. Access information sources relevant to production requirements

3. Check credibility and reliability of information sources

4. Refer material that could result in a breach of laws and regulations to relevant personnel

5. Obtain information in a culturally appropriate way

Organise information

6. From the information gathered, select items that meet production requirements

7. Highlight key sections of written information to assist with the writing of scripts, narration or copy

8. Write brief notes about information that has been gathered verbally

9. Submit information to relevant personnel within the agreed timeframe and according to organisational procedures

Maintain information sources

10. Maintain and continually update a database of information sources and contacts

11. File information so that it can be retrieved easily in the future

12. Continually monitor information sources to maintain currency of information in line with production requirements

13. Share updated knowledge with colleagues and incorporate into day-to-day work activities

14. Use feedback from colleagues to improve future information collection processes

Required skills

ability to work cooperatively as a team member

communication skills sufficient to clarify information requirements

organising skills sufficient to:

collect and review information on a given topic

maintain filing and information retrieval systems

literacy skills sufficient to:

interpret written background information

write notes on information gathered verbally

self-management skills sufficient to meet deadlines

computer skills sufficient to search efficiently for information on the internet and use database and word processing applications

Required knowledge

industry knowledge, including:

roles and responsibilities of project team members

issues and challenges that arise when collecting and organising content for broadcast publication

protocols to be observed when gathering information of a culturally sensitive nature

basic understanding of common law and broadcasting codes of practice sufficient to identify and seek expert advice on issues that could lead to legal action

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:

ability to gather information on a range of topics from reliable sources within given timeframes

efficient system for storing and retrieving information and information sources

collaborative approach to work.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

access to production/publication situations that require the preparation of content

access to information sources relevant to the production/publication situations

access to current information about, and persons 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 content organised by the candidate in response to specific instructions or directions

inspection of information filing systems maintained by the candidate

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:

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.

Information requirements may include background information on:

current events

interviewees

music

any topic to be covered in a broadcast or publication.

Relevant personnel may include:

broadcasters

clients

community representatives

directors

editorial staff

legal advisers

performers

producers

production managers

program managers

reporters

sales representatives

specialist staff

station managers

supervisors

volunteers' coordinators

writers.

Information sources may include:

broadcast news and current affairs

colleagues

community organisations

government departments

industry professional associations

industry, including manufacturers

internet

literature

people involved in events

personal observations and experience

print media

reference material in libraries, museums and galleries.

Productions may include:

broadcast news and current affairs

interactive media products

live events and performances

music programs

print publications

special interest and variety programs

talkback programs

websites.

Laws and regulations may include:

broadcasting codes of practice

contempt of court

copyright

defamation

obscenity

privacy legislation

racial vilification.

Databases may include:

electronic, on a network

electronic, on own computer

manual, e.g. on index cards.

Unit sector

Knowledge management - research

This unit contains employability skills.