A very very Happy New Year to our Blog Readers! We have reached 2025 and are coming into our 12th year now. It has been a bit of a rocky start, with the snow and with the sudden departure of our Station Manager. However, we won’t let that dampen our new year spirit!

New Managing Director Appointed

We have appointed a new Managing Director – Xolo Bradford Blackmore. Xolo will be helping with the day to day running of the station and has plenty of ideas for Shout.

Station Manager Needed

As mentioned above, we are without a Station Manager at the moment and we are recruiting. The ideal candidate will need to be able to frequently attend to duties and have good Computer Knowlege.

The role entails:

The Station Manager at Shout Radio holds a variety of critical responsibilities that ensure the station operates smoothly and effectively. Among these duties, the following key responsibilities stand out:

Staff Oversight: The Station Manager is responsible for training, and supervising staff members, within their Team.

The Station Manager also oversees the Shows Team and will also be attached to the Shows Team and help with the weekly shows upload.

Programming Development: A significant aspect of the role involves developing and managing programming schedules. This includes selecting content that resonates with the community, balancing music and talk segments, and ensuring that all programming meets the station’s standards for quality and relevance.

Regulatory Compliance: The Station Manager must ensure that all broadcasting activities comply with our Licencing Commitments, Content guidelines, and managing any required reporting to regulatory agencies. Staying compliant helps to avoid legal issues and maintains the station’s credibility.

Community Engagement: Building relationships within the community is essential. The Station Manager actively seeks opportunities for the station to participate in local events, partner with community organizations, and provide a platform for local voices and issues.

These responsibilities collectively contribute to the successful operation of Shout Radio, ensuring that the station remains a vital and dynamic part of the community it serves.

Qualifications and Skills Required

To effectively fulfill the role of Station Manager at Shout Radio, a candidate must possess a combination of relevant educational qualifications, practical experience, and essential skills. These attributes are critical not only for managing the station’s daily operations but also for ensuring its long-term success in a competitive broadcasting landscape.

Experience in Broadcasting or Media

Candidates should have substantial experience in the broadcasting industry, ideally with a minimum of 5 years in roles that include programming, production, or management. Proven experience in radio operations, familiarity with various broadcasting technologies, and a track record of successful programming initiatives are highly valued. Understanding audience demographics and engagement strategies is essential for creating relevant content.

Leadership Abilities

The Station Manager must demonstrate strong leadership capabilities, including the ability to inspire and motivate staff. Effective leadership also entails conflict resolution skills, fostering a collaborative team environment, and the ability to make strategic decisions under pressure. Experience in staff management and development is crucial, as the Station Manager will oversee a diverse team of professionals.

Communication Skills

Exceptional communication skills are paramount for a Station Manager. This includes written and verbal communication, as well as the ability to engage effectively with various stakeholders, including staff, community members, and sponsors. A successful Station Manager must articulate the station’s vision and goals clearly while maintaining open lines of communication with the team.

Knowledge of Industry Standards and Practices

An in-depth understanding of industry standards, regulations, and best practices is essential for compliance and operational success. The Station Manager should stay informed about emerging trends, technological advancements in broadcasting, and shifts in audience preferences. Knowledge of digital media platforms and marketing strategies will also enhance the station’s reach and relevance in the community.

These qualifications and skills collectively equip a Station Manager to lead Shout Radio effectively, ensuring that it meets its objectives and serves its community with distinction.

Work Environment

The work environment of a Station Manager at Shout Radio is dynamic and multifaceted, reflecting the fast-paced nature of the broadcasting industry. Station Managers typically work full-time, often requiring flexible hours that may extend beyond the traditional 9-to-5 schedule. This can include evenings, weekends, and holidays, especially during special programming events or community outreach initiatives. The role demands a high level of commitment, as the Station Manager must be available to address urgent issues that may arise at any time.

Shout Radio fosters a collaborative workplace culture where teamwork is essential. The Station Manager works closely with various departments, including programming, technical operations, sales, and marketing, to ensure that the station’s vision is executed seamlessly. Regular meetings and brainstorming sessions are part of the culture, encouraging open communication and the sharing of innovative ideas. This collaborative atmosphere not only helps in creating engaging content but also builds a sense of community among employees, promoting a positive work environment.

However, the role is not without its challenges. In the broadcasting field, Station Managers often face high-pressure situations, such as meeting tight deadlines for programming, navigating regulatory compliance. Additionally, they must adapt to rapid changes in technology and listener preferences, which can impact programming decisions and marketing strategies. Balancing the demands of various stakeholders, including staff, sponsors, and the community, adds another layer of complexity to the role.

Despite these challenges, the Station Manager position at Shout Radio provides an opportunity to make a significant impact. The ability to influence programming and foster community engagement makes the role both rewarding and fulfilling, as it contributes to the station’s mission of serving the local audience effectively.

Ideally, the candidate should be based in Blackpool.

To apply, please go to the Join Us Page and fill in our Volunteering Form. The lower age limit for this post is 25 years old.

What’s Happening in 2025?

Lots is planned for 2025, so get ready for the lowdown…

CIC

Shout Radio is in the process of becoming a CIC. What is this you may ask? A community interest company (CIC, pronounced “see-eye-see”, or colloquially, “kick”) is a form of social enterprise in the United Kingdom intended “for people wishing to establish businesses which trade with a social purpose…, or to carry on other activities for the benefit of the community”. 

Many community Radio Stations are CIC’s and it will allow us to go for funding, allow us to start advertising and also allow us to further the station’s ambitions and goals. We are currently working on registering with Companies House.

DAB

Yes, we are looking into getting onto DAB! Hopefully by the summer, we will be on DAB and will be able to reach even more listeners than ever. Of course, you will still be able to listen online!

Advertising

Soon you will be able to advertise your business with us. We are currently working on packages for advertising, which will not cost the earth.

12th Birthday

Hopefully, this can tie in with our DAB Launch. We are planning a 24 hour marathon show.

Outside Broadcasting

Hopefully, we will also be starting Outside Broadcasting at Fates and Fares around the Fylde Coast. More on this will be announced in the Spring.