A station manager is responsible for the smooth running of a radio or television station. They must be aware of current events to provide relevant content. To become a station manager, experience in broadcasting and management is required.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
The station manager oversees day-to-day operations, including programming, advertising sales, and keeping the station on air. Managers keep facilities, equipment and activities compliant with policies and procedures.
They provide leadership and direction to operations and ensure service, execution of procedures and quality compliance with regulations.
Station managers provide leadership and direction to operations and maintenance functions regarding airfield operations, base services, logistics, safety/quality control, security, utilities and medical services. They also interact with the public and oversee employees.
Leadership and Management
Managers are responsible for meeting all customer needs – fueling, repairs or snacks. Strong leadership skills are required to manage staff. Time management skills are equally important to coordinate employee schedules.
The principal role is to ensure the overall health of the station and help the team achieve high content standards through creative leadership. They decide on programming priorities, schedules, music policy and campaigns.
What are the duties of a radio station manager?
The station manager has various roles in a radio station. They are responsible for overall administration of the station. This includes staff management, programming, finances, technical operations and public relations.
In commercial radio, the manager decides partnerships, schedules, music policy and campaigns. They lead a team to produce high quality content through creative direction.
Part of the position is administrative like budgeting, inventory and supplies. They also handle customer needs with services or complaints.
The station manager role has evolved with industry changes. As ownership consolidated, jobs merged so the station manager often serves as program director. Their main role remains overseeing operations so the station performs well.