Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to operate a panel and present live-to-air programs in a basic radio studio.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.

Application of the unit 

Volunteers responsible for presenting music-based programs from a community radio studio typically apply the skills and knowledge outlined in this unit. This work is usually undertaken with some supervision and guidance.

Skills associated with presenting more complex radio programs are covered in:

• CUFAIR401A Conduct interviews
• CUFAIR402A Present a wide range of radio material.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

Prepare for broadcasts

1. Organise presentation material  so that it can be accessed easily during on-air sessions

2. Exercise voice in preparation for on-air sessions

3. Confirm that pre-recorded material is available for broadcast prior to commencement of broadcasts

4. Check with outgoing presenter that equipment  is fully operational and refer faults or problems to relevant personnel 

5. Cooperate with outgoing presenter as required to ensure a smooth transition between programs

Mix audio inputs

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

7. Prevent extraneous sounds not intended for broadcast from going to air

8. Cue and play presentation material according to program running sheets

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

10. Brief and cue studio guests as required

Present programs

11. Ensure presentation style  is consistent with station requirements

12. Present material and interact with studio guests in a way that engages listeners

13. Recover presentation errors and respond to equipment malfunctions with minimum disruption to program flow

14. Respond to studio direction as required

Wrap up broadcast session

15. Time presentation material to allow smooth transition to the following program in consultation with the next presenter

16. Save relevant material for archiving and future use according to station procedures

17. Complete relevant documentation  according to station procedures

18. Leave studio in an orderly state for the next presenter

19. Reflect on own performance during broadcasts and identify areas for improvement

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• ability to work cooperatively with others in a broadcasting environment
• problem solving skills sufficient to respond effectively to problems that arise in a live-to-air studio situation
• self-management skills sufficient to present and wrap up a live broadcast within the allocated time
• literacy skills sufficient to read simple scripted material and to 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 studio panel

Required knowledge 

• industry knowledge, including:

• roles and responsibilities of personnel involved in the production process
• issues and challenges that arise in the context of presenting programs live to air

• basic principles of presenting material on air and radio conventions
• characteristics of sound in a radio studio environment
• basic understanding of the audio signal path from studio to listener
• OHS requirements as they relate to the operations of a radio station

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

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 integrate a number of different tasks simultaneously
• ability to operate a basic studio panel and present information live to air on at least three occasions
• ability to present information on air in a conversational and natural way.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure:

• access to a basic radio studio
• 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 recordings of programs presented live to air by the candidate
• observation of the candidate presenting a radio program live to air
• written or verbal 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:

• CUFAIR201A Develop techniques for presenting information on radio
• CUFPPM301A Plan and prepare programs.

RANGE STATEMENT 

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.

Presentation material  may include:

• minimal ad-libbing
• music
• pre-recorded interviews, announcements, sound grabs
• scripted announcements, intros and outros.

Equipment  may include:

• audio playback equipment
• CD players
• computer technology and associated software
• headphones
• microphones
• off-air monitors
• studio panel
• turntables.

Relevant personnel  may include:

• producers
• station managers
• technical staff/volunteers.

Audio inputs  may include:

• live voice in studio
• music
• pre-recorded material.

Presentation styles  may include:

• comic
• conversational/casual
• dramatic
• serious.

Documentation  may include:

• APRA (Australasian Performing Rights Association) log
• equipment fault reports
• production schedule.

Unit sector 

Competency field 

Media and entertainment production - on-air presentation

Co-requisite units