Panel operators at community broadcasting stations typically apply the skills and knowledge described in this unit. They are responsible for ensuring that all audio inputs are mixed smoothly in line with program requirements. They work closely with presenters and studio guests, providing them with cues prior to opening microphones.

More complex skills associated with the dual tasks of presenting information on air and operating a studio panel are covered in:

CUFAIR301A Present radio programs.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Prepare for broadcast

1. Check studio equipment is safe and operational and replace any non-functioning equipment in line with station procedures before broadcast commences

2. Rectify simple technical faults and problems, referring those beyond one's own technical capability on to relevant personnel

3. Confirm in advance that all prerecorded material is ready for broadcast

4. Confirm that external sources required by the program are available from point of origin to studio panel desk

5. Check that arrangements for recording and linking live sources meet production requirements

6. Conduct sound check, and implement and document adjustments in line with station and production requirements

Mix audio inputs on air

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

8. Execute sound cues according to production requirements

9. Cue and play presentation material according to program schedule

10. Brief and cue studio guests as required

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

12. Follow technical operational instructions from relevant personnel during live talkback sessions as required

13. Complete broadcast on time and hand over to next panel operator as required

Complete operations after broadcast

14. Save relevant material for archiving and future use in line with station procedures

15. Ensure surplus material is dealt with in line with station procedures

16. Complete documentation required by the broadcasting station

17. Check and clean equipment and work environment in line with station procedures

18. Notify relevant personnel of equipment faults in line with station procedures

19. Seek feedback from relevant personnel on own performance as a panel operator and note areas for improvement

Required skills

teamwork skills sufficient to work cooperatively with others in a broadcasting environment

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

initiative and enterprise skills in the context of managing a range of audio inputs smoothly and efficiently in a live broadcast situation

self-management and planning skills sufficient to:

wrap up technical aspects of a live broadcast or recording session within the allocated time

prioritise work tasks

meet deadlines

seek expert assistance when problems arise

literacy skills sufficient to read and 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 broadcast studio panel

rectify simple technical faults that occur in a broadcast studio environment

Required knowledge

industry knowledge, including:

roles and responsibilities of personnel involved in the production process

issues and challenges that arise in the context of operating a studio panel live-to-air

radio conventions and terminology

characteristics of sound in a broadcast studio environment

basic understanding of the audio signal path from studio to listener

issues and challenges that typically arise in the context of operating a studio panel in a live-to-air situation

OHS requirements as they relate to the operations of a radio station, including safe noise levels

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 ability to:

operate a basic broadcast studio panel on at least three occasions

operate the full range of audio inputs at the correct level in line with production requirements

integrate a number of different tasks simultaneously

interact effectively with presenters and studio guests

work cooperatively in a broadcast production environment.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

access to a basic broadcast studio

use of culturally appropriate processes, and techniques appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of learners and the work being performed.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are appropriate for this unit:

observation or video recording of the candidate operating a studio panel

evaluation of authenticated audio recordingsof broadcasts where the candidate was the panel operator

written or oral questioning to test industry knowledge and characteristics of sound in a broadcast environment.

Guidance information for assessment

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

CUFIND201A Develop and apply creative arts industry knowledge

CUFIND301A Work effectively in the screen and media industries

CUSSOU201A Assist with sound recordings

CUSSOU302A Record and mix a basic music demo.

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.

Equipment may include:

audio playback equipment

CD players

computer technology and associated software

headphones

microphones:

condenser

dynamic

radio

lavalier

off-air monitors

manual and automated studio panels

turntables

digital and analogue recording devices

sequence samplers.

Relevant personnel may include:

producers

presenters

announcers

program managers

broadcasters

station managers

volunteer coordinators

volunteers

clients

sales representatives

performers

studio guests

other technical staff

other specialist staff.

Productions may include:

documentaries

drama programs

commercials

print advertisements

sporting broadcasts

news and current affairs

music programs

talkback programs

live events and performances.

Production requirements may include:

duration

style

content

budget

deadlines

timelines

location

audience

purpose

contractual

confidentiality

intellectual property

copyright

schedule

direct quotes

attributions

interviews in studio, telephone or prerecorded

technical

creative

OHS.

Audio inputs may include:

live voice in studio

music

prerecorded material

cross to live broadcasts

telephone talkback.

Presentation material may include:

music

prerecorded material, such as:

interviews

announcements

sound grabs

intros and outros.

Documentation may include:

production schedules

log sheets

technical fault report sheets

Australasian Performing Rights Association (APRA) log.

Unit sector

Media and entertainment production - broadcasting

This unit contains employability skills.