Case studies: Executive producer: David Masterson

David is currently an executive producer for Bauer Media and responsible for producing the breakfast show on a Manchester commercial station, Key 103. David has worked across seven different stations and started out as a news assistant. He moved up to production assistant and then to executive producer of the Big City Network. He was the first breakfast show producer employed by EMAP and has won more than 24 industry awards, including awards from Sony and Excellent recognition accolades.

A typical day for me involves a 4am start, sorting out a daily running sheet, including top news stories, writing scripts and ensuring all elements of the show are ready to air. I then oversee production when live, preparing promos for the next day's show, source content for future shows and communicate this to staff and listeners.

My general responsibilities are diverse and include initiating and developing ideas for live studio items, outside broadcasts and inserts. I also identify and book celebrity guests and produce/edit studio interviews. I structure shows to ensure seamless transitions and idea development across each programme while also write presenter links for items, scripts and promotions.

As well as this, I write briefs for presenters and liaise effectively with them and the reporting team.

I brief, produce and look after live studio guests and contributors, sourcing audio for production elements/editing and processing to tight deadlines on the day of transmission.

I love my career 100%. I have the best job in the world, working with the best team and I make radio, hands on, which is all my own. I think that hardwork and commitment are a must. It isn't easy. You have to be a people person and deal with big personalities. I think that other essential skills include patience, creativity, simple numeracy, common sense, stamina and knowledge of legal and contractual issues.

As always, work experience is also vital. I gained mine by working at a number of local radio stations that were all across the country. You really must be prepared to travel to get the right skills, experience and opportunities.

My one piece of advice to any budding producer would be to expect to fail; just learn by your mistakes because they will be the reason you succeed.