Broadcast Production Assistant

About the course

A Broadcast Production Assistant (also referred to as Broadcast Assistant, TV/Radio Production Assistant, Production Secretary, Runner, Production Management Assistant) provides support and assistance to editorial or technical colleagues to ensure the smooth delivery of content for TV or Radio productions (programmes). These productions may cover different genres including factual, daytime, light entertainment, drama, comedy, documentary and current affairs.

Broadcast Production Assistants work as part of a Production Team and need to be adaptable and able to learn quickly on the job; building their understanding of the TV & Radio industry as they move across production teams. As part of their role, Broadcast Production Assistants may be involved in developing programme ideas, supporting the pitching of these new ideas and then work as part of a production team to develop and deliver these. Broadcast Production Assistants may plan projects or events, manage guests, and obtain and manage resources, including finance. They may also need to assist production colleagues in technical support and operational areas such as camera, lighting, sound and editing.

For commercial and independent TV and Radio sectors, tasks could also include developing branding, promotions or commercials and working with marketeers. Broadcast Production Assistants may progress into TV or Radio creative, production management or editing roles, such as Researcher, Production Co-ordinator or Editorial Co-ordinator.