Mark Hitchings – Breakfast show producer at Capital East Midlands
What would be your top tips be for somebody who wishes to be a producer?
Work hard and never give up. When you first start out you may be given mundane jobs that nobody else likes doing. Some of the staff levels at some radio stations can be very low, and these mundane jobs will always need doing. So keep writing, keep offering your help.
If you get a foot in the door, show determination and ambition. The hours can be long and the jobs can be boring, but if you play it right it will be worth it. The rewards are there. Some of the staff levels at some radio stations can be very low, and these mundane jobs will always need doing. So keep writing, keep offering your help.
Also, train the radio “ear”. Listen to lots of different types of radio and lots of different stations and train your ear as to what works on the air and what doesn’t. You can also practice how to edit material by getting free editing software for your home computer.
What are the best ways to showcase your abilities as a producer?
The best way to showcase your talents as a producer is to get some good production under your belt. Everybody can get editing software for free now, and you can practice your production skills in your own bedroom. More than anything, show enthusiasm. This can make up for a lot.
Who are the best people to contact at a radio station to offer my help as a producer?
It depends on the radio station. At the smaller stations it would be the programme controller. At some of the big city radio stations, they may have a senior producer or something alike. Its always best to call up the actual radio station you’re going to contact and double check.
And generally, how tough and competitive is radio for a would-be producer?
Very tough and very competitive. I have seen people do 2 weeks of work experience and then refer to themselves as a producer, they are not. It can take years of learning this industry inside and out to get this job. Years of experience building too, both in terms of your skills but also in contacts. But if you’re good at what you do, you’ll get a job.
You can listen to the Twiggy and Emma breakfast show with Mark as the producer at Trent Fm by clicking here