Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Radio Intern

🎯 Role Definition

Are you passionate about music, talk radio, and the magic of broadcasting? This role requires a creative, energetic, and highly motivated Radio Intern to join our dynamic station team. This is not your average internship; you will be an integral part of our daily operations, gaining invaluable, hands-on experience across multiple facets of the radio industry. From supporting live on-air shows and producing compelling audio content to engaging with our listeners through promotions and digital media, you will learn the ropes from seasoned professionals. This role is perfect for a self-starter looking to turn their academic knowledge into practical skills and build a strong foundation for a career in media and entertainment.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

University/College Students (Communications, Media, Marketing)
Recent Graduates with a passion for broadcasting
Aspiring Journalists, Producers, or On-Air Personalities

Advancement To:

Promotions Coordinator
Production Assistant / Producer
On-Air Talent / Board Operator

Lateral Moves:

Podcast Producer / Editor
Social Media Coordinator / Digital Content Creator
Marketing Assistant (Media & Entertainment)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Actively participate in the planning, coordination, and execution of on-site station promotions, events, and remote broadcasts, serving as a key brand ambassador to the public.
Professionally manage the station's main phone lines, screening calls for on-air segments, contests, and responding to listener inquiries with a friendly and helpful demeanor.
Utilize industry-standard audio editing software (e.g., Adobe Audition) to edit, mix, and produce audio clips, show segments, and promotional spots for broadcast and digital platforms.
Assist the production team in the studio during live shows, which may include running the control board, loading audio elements, and ensuring a smooth on-air product.
Collaborate with the digital team to create, schedule, and publish engaging content for the station's social media accounts, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
Support on-air talent by conducting in-depth research for show topics, gathering news stories, preparing interview questions, and fact-checking information.
Engage directly with listeners and contest winners, managing prize fulfillment, collecting winner information, and maintaining the station's prize closet inventory.
Update and maintain the station's website with fresh content, such as blog posts, photo galleries from events, concert information, and contest details.
Record and edit voice-overs for station commercials, promos, and public service announcements under the guidance of the production director.
Attend and contribute ideas during programming, promotions, and sales meetings, providing a fresh perspective on content and listener engagement strategies.
Monitor broadcast and streaming feeds for quality control, reporting any technical issues or signal disruptions to the engineering department immediately.
Assist in filming and editing video content for the station's website and social media channels, including artist interviews, in-studio performances, and event recaps.
Transcribe interviews and important show segments for digital articles, promotional use, and archival purposes.
Maintain and organize the station's music library and commercial databases, ensuring all assets are correctly logged and accessible.
Shadow various department members (Programming, Sales, Promotions, On-Air) to gain a comprehensive understanding of the entire station operation.
Brainstorm creative and innovative ideas for on-air contests, benchmark features, and promotional campaigns to drive listenership and audience interaction.
Assist in setting up and breaking down equipment for remote broadcasts and station events, ensuring all technical components are functioning correctly.
Greet and assist station guests, including clients, record label representatives, and visiting artists, ensuring a positive and professional experience.
Compile and analyze data from social media engagement, website traffic, and listener feedback to generate reports for the programming and digital teams.
Operate station vehicles to transport promotional equipment, prizes, and staff to and from events in a safe and responsible manner.

Secondary Functions

Support the Promotions Director with organizing and maintaining the prize closet and winner database.
Conduct research on current events, pop culture trends, and music news to support on-air content creation.
Monitor competitor stations and digital media platforms to identify emerging trends and opportunities.
Assist with general office duties, including data entry, mailings, and organizing station archives as needed.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficiency with audio editing software (Adobe Audition, Pro Tools, or Audacity preferred).
Familiarity with major social media platforms (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X/Twitter) for business.
Basic knowledge of operating a control board or broadcast automation systems (e.g., WideOrbit, Zetta) is a major plus.
Competency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive).
Experience with content management systems (CMS) like WordPress for website updates.
Basic video editing skills (Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, or mobile apps).
Ability to operate standard office equipment and communication systems (multi-line phones).
Strong typing skills and ability to transcribe audio accurately.
Knowledge of basic graphic design using tools like Canva for social media assets.
Understanding of digital audio formats and best practices for web and broadcast.

Soft Skills

Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
A proactive, "can-do" attitude and willingness to learn.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
Creativity and the ability to brainstorm innovative ideas.
Excellent interpersonal skills and a collaborative, team-player mindset.
Punctuality, reliability, and a strong sense of personal accountability.
Adaptability and the ability to multitask effectively under pressure.
Problem-solving skills and the ability to think on your feet.
A genuine passion for radio, music, and media.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Must be currently enrolled in an accredited college or university pursuing a degree, or a recent graduate (within the last 12 months).

Preferred Education:

Actively pursuing an Associate's, Bachelor's, or Master's degree in a relevant field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Communications / Broadcasting
Journalism / Media Production
Marketing / Public Relations
Music Business / Entertainment Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0-1 years.

Preferred:

Previous experience at a college/high school radio station, student newspaper, or personal podcast is highly desirable.
A portfolio of audio, video, or writing samples demonstrating your skills and creativity.
A valid driver's license and a clean driving record are often required for promotional duties.