Case studies : Content assistant: Phil

Phil is a researcher for Radio Scotland and has contributed to a variety of programmes throughout his career.

Due to the ever-changing landscape of the media, Phil’s job title will soon alter to 'Content Assistant' which will account for his contribution to the additional web-based activity that now enhances radio broadcasting.

Phil has had a diverse, interesting and very determined path to his present job. 'I lost my sight at 18 and spent several years adapting to my new circumstances. I eventually undertook a number of courses including touch typing, information technology and specialist applications in IT packages for the visually impaired. Radio had always been a passion and this increased with my loss of sight. I considered how programmes were made and the impact production techniques had on the visually impaired.'

The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) in collaboration with other partner organisations, including the BBC, set up an internet radio station called Visually Impaired people (VIP) on air. This station caught Phil’s imagination. He called them and proposed a cookery programme to teach blind people how to cook. The station invited him to contribute, but not in the way he initially anticipated, 'I was asked to make a current affairs programme, I accepted and so began my career in radio'. This experience of delivering a discussion programme three times a week offered Phil the opportunity to learn the backbone of radio broadcasting.

During this experience, the BBC created four diversity research traineeships. Phil applied and was successful out of a very competitive field. 'This was the ideal job for me, it combined my love and experience of radio and broadcasting with my commitment to diversity issues. I prepared for this application and interview thoroughly and would encourage anyone attempting to enter this industry to follow some key tips. Really match yourself to the job and provide evidence of your abilities and experience. Put together a portfolio of your work. Listen to the station's programmes and their competitors' programmes and consider what your ideas would be to enhance the existing provision. Really do your homework.'

Phil felt his application was clear and well matched to the post. He was invited to an interview which consisted of a panel interview and a short test. He was given three story lines and had to choose his top one. He was then asked to write 2-3,000 words on his choice and why it was the most interesting story. He chose a human interest story with a diversity angle.

He was recruited as a diversity research trainee on a one-year contract in 2004 on a rotational programme. He went on to win a Sony Bronze award for a programme on losing sight. When asked about what he enjoys most about the job, Phil feels that it is meeting real people with their stories to tell. He likes the variety of work and has the opportunity to inform listeners about diversity issues. 'This is a lifelong learning job, you never stop learning new skills, techniques and knowledge'.

The key skills needed for this job are initiative, the ability to listen to people and build up trust and rapport with them. You also need to remain impartial and non-judgemental, have the ability to plan and juggle work, have writing skills, a curiosity about life and people, and be able to network.

Phil’s role as a researcher is diverse. He has to check out information, ensuring everything is factually correct, initiate ideas and explore them, consider different angles on stories, contribute to the website, interview contributors, edit interviews and work within a team. 'The overall responsibility for the programme is with the producer, as soon as the programme goes on air, your responsibility stops as a researcher. The more skilled and experienced you are as a researcher, the more responsibility you will get.'

There is little Phil doesn’t enjoy about the job. He says, 'sometimes it can be frustrating, if, having sourced the ideal contributor for a programme, they pull out. A lot of time and effort can go into a programme and it can come to nothing if this happens.'

Phil has a few last tips for entry into radio research work. 'Be 100% passionate for the job, have a ‘can do’ attitude, be persistent and develop lots of experience, voluntary or paid. Network and know your business, listen to the radio, have opinions and ideas on it and demonstrate these in your applications and interviews.'