STArTInG A LOCAL RADiO stAtiOn - Nai

Section 1: Getting StartedCREATING AN ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTUREThe organizational structure of a radio station shows how groups and individuals inside and outside thestation interconnect and rely upon one another, including relationships among managers and departments.The size of a radio station affects its organizational structure. However, some job roles are necessaryand remain the same, whether the station is small, medium or large. All radio stations, for example,need someone to act as a station manager, a program director, a business manager and an engineer/technical manager.Sample guidelines on the roles and responsibilities of essential staff in your station:Station Managern Builds community support for the station through locally meaningful programming that is well producedand based on principles of impartiality, independence, balance and fairness.nnnnnnCreates station policies in collaboration with an advisory board or the community (in the case ofcommunity radio stations) and ensures that policies are followed.Works with other media groups to advance and protect the rights of journalists and independentmedia in Afghanistan.Maintains good communications within the station, and between the station and its community.Hires staff with strong professional experience, ambition, honesty, enthusiasm, discipline and creativity.Does not hire staff based on personal relationships or for personal benefit. Manages staff fairlyand honestly. Encourages all staff and volunteers to respect one another.Builds financial stability of the station through business development and good financial management.Ensures that the station follows relevant laws and regulations.Program Directorn Develops programming formats.nnnnHires and manages program staff and volunteers.Creates and manages staff and volunteer work schedules.Monitors trends that affect programming.Maintains organized files of program recordings and a music library.Business Development/Marketing Managern Develops and follows a business plan for the station.nnnGenerates station income by developing rate cards and strategies to sell airtime for advertising, andpublic service announcements (PSAs). See rate card example below.Searches for opportunities for financial support, and responds to donors.Ensures that the station meets its obligations to financial supporters, manages business relationshipsto encourage repeat business, and prepares reports.12 STARTING A LOCAL RADIO STATION: A MANUAL FOR AFGHANISTAN