KPNI - SMU Radio | Staff Positions and Selection Process

Saturday, July 05, 2008

KPNI - SMU Radio Staff Positions

Descriptions and Requirements

Station Manager

Daily office hours

Manages workings of the entire station

Relays information between SMU, the Division of Journalism and the station

Corresponds with underwriters

In charge of scheduling shows and on-air content

Completes the Policy Training portion of the DJ Application Process

Conducts weekly staff meetings

Keeps the “KPNI – SMU Radio DJ Manual” up-to-date, updating the policy section and combining the Engineer’s “KPNI – SMU Radio On-Air Studio Technical Operations Handbook”

Disciplines DJs – enforces policies

Assistant Manager

Daily office hours

Conducts monthly DJ meetings

Works with Engineer to train DJs (at least 1 scheduled training session a week, as needed)

Works with Station Manager to complete the Policy Training portion of the DJ Application Process

Disciplines DJs – enforces policies

Corresponds with BMI, ASCAP and SESAC to fulfill annual logging obligations

Assists Station Manager in general running of the station

Promotions Manager

Weekly office hours

Promotes the station in general as well as individual shows

Draws in interested underwriters and coordinates with Station Manager to secure underwriting

Works with Music Manager and DJs to bring in guests and put on special events

Constantly attracts new DJs to the station

Music Manager

Weekly office hours

Updates music on the on-air server

Coordinates with record companies for new releases and to get approval for non-BMI, non-ASCAP and non-SESAC music

Maintains a system to coordinate with DJs for obtaining songs a DJ might request be added to the station’s collection and handles the process of obtaining the item (either obtaining a promotional copy from the record company or getting approval from the record company and purchasing the item)

Maintains a music management system

Obtains new Public Service Announcements and adds them to the library

Engineer (Audio-based equipment support)

Weekly office hours (due to equipment training and upkeep)

Works with Assistant Manager to train DJs (at least 1 scheduled training session a week, as needed)

Conducts sound and equipment checks of dorm transmitter systems once per semester (all halls)

Keeps all studio and production equipment up and running in good order

Reports to staff as equipment problems and changes arise

Keeps the “KPNI – SMU Radio On-Air Studio Technical Operations Handbook” up-to-date

Works with Webmaster to keep the on-air server and web server up-to-date and functional

Co-administrator of the on-air server with the Webmaster

Webmaster (Computer-based equipment support)

Works as often as needed

Maintenance, design, and general upkeep of Web site(s)

Maintenance to the streaming audio, web server and web/computer components in the studio(s)

Works with Engineer to keep the on-air server and web server up-to-date and functional

Administrator of the web server and co-administrator of the on-air server with the Engineer

Librarian(s)

Organizes collection according to Music Manager’s directions

Reviews music and marks songs with Pacifica words

May remove and return music to the studio for reviewing purposes only

More librarians are added to staff as needed

¹ Indicates mandatory yearly positions (to obtain position, individual MUST be able to hold it for the entire academic year)
² Applicants desiring positions must come from an internal staff position
³ Non-paid but considered a staff position (as far as staff promotions are concerned)

Staff Selection Process

Generally, before the end of each semester, various staff positions will become available. A link will be placed on the KPNI Web site for the application for the opening position(s). Any DJ, current or prior staff member or any other interested student may apply for the new position(s).
The Station Manager and/or Assistant Manager will announce a deadline for applications. Applications will not, as a general rule, be accepted after the deadline, except in special circumstances where the applicant has prior approval from the Station Manager.
After an initial review of the applications, the Station Manager or Assistant Manager may or may not send out a position-specific test to the applicants. The tests ask general questions geared toward the specific position and test the applicant’s knowledge of the basic duties of the sought position.
The Station Manager and/or Assistant Manager will announce a deadline for the tests, if necessary. These will not, as a general rule, be accepted after the deadline, except in special circumstances where the applicant has prior approval from the Station Manager.
The Station Manager, Assistant Manager and the appropriate staff member whose position is opening will then review the applications and tests and select individuals to be interviewed.
Applicants will be given a window of time, generally a week long, in which to schedule his or her interview appointment. If the applicants do not schedule an interview time, he or she will not be considered for the position.
After the interview, the staff will vote for the two top choices for each opening position. After the selection, the Station Manager will take the recommendations to the KPNI faculty advisor, who will then make the final decision.
After the selection is made and appropriate persons notified, the out-going individual will train the new staff member, including appropriate codes/keys and processes for completing his/her duties.

Return to the staff page.

Content Last Modified: March 16, 2005