Profile: content producer

Alistair Parrington is a content producer, working at BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra Interactive.

As part of the interactive team, content producers are dedicated to enhancing the audience's listening experience through the stations' websites and social media spaces.

Producers are expected to understand the purpose and format of their station or programme. They need to be aware of the characteristics of their target audience and to be knowledgeable about the subject matter.

Content producers’ responsibilities on an interactive team can include taking high quality photos of guests, editing studio interviews, managing social media accounts and uploading content to the websites.

There are a number of key skills required for the role, including an awareness of how web pages are built as well as knowledge of video and photo editing techniques.

It is also essential that you are able to think creatively about using the content at your disposal and to recognise how to communicate with the audience to increase their engagement with the programme.

Alistair advises any would-be content producers to open a Twitter feed and to educate themselves about what other media brands do online.

A passion for music and the ability to remain calm in a live studio situation are also key elements, but, for Alistair, being part of the evolving dialogue between online and broadcast is highly satisfying.