Many writers, when asked about the steps to becoming a professional writer, will respond with the same phrase: “Get a job as a ro writer.” And, in fact, that’s pretty much what you need to do to make it in this industry. But what does a ro writer do? And what is a ro show? And how do you get one? In this article, we will explore these questions and more.
What is a RO Writer?
Broadly speaking, a ro writer is someone who takes a daily dose of recorded spoken word and turns it into engaging, entertaining content for various platforms. A ro writer may produce radio shows, podcasts, or both. Typically, a ro writer will work for a media company that either owns the recording rights or has a deal with a record label. For the purposes of this article, we will focus on the steps to getting started as a ro writer.
The Steps to Becoming a RO Writer
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in radio, you’ll first need to consider what type of ro show you’d like to produce. Broadly speaking, there are four major types of ro shows: news, information, entertainment, and sports. While there is some crossover between the types of shows (e.g., a sports ro show might also include some news and entertainment segments), this is largely irrelevant from a practical standpoint. Each type of show has its own distinct requirements and opportunities. For example, a sports ro show might involve covering the day’s games, interviewing notable figures in the world of sports, and maintaining a frequent schedule of post-game shows. Essentially, you’ll need to be adept at juggling multiple tasks and projects while on your feet for long periods of time. So, while it is good to have an interest in all types of shows, you should go into this career expecting to specialize in one type of show.
Newsroom Writer
If your interest is in producing a daily news show, you’ll need to consider not only the platform but also the format of the show. There are numerous newsroom writing positions available, but many companies prefer to hire freelance writers with at least some experience in journalism. A good rule of thumb is to look for opportunities to pitch stories that will benefit your career prospects. For example, if your goal is to work for a major television network, it’s a great idea to pitch stories about celebrities, political figures, and sports stars. Basically, whatever you can find that will make the news director or assignment editor nod their head in approval. And, of course, you want to avoid pitching anything too controversial for a major television station.
Entertainment Room Writer
If your interest is in producing a talk show for an entertainment network, you’ll need to apply your skills towards creating engaging content that will keep the attention of an engaged audience. For example, if you want to be a comedy writer, you’ll need to have the ability to create a joke that will make the audience laugh and empathize with the characters. Plus, the ability to maintain a conversational tone while writing is something you’ll need to develop if you want to write something for a talk show. Otherwise, it’ll come off as stilted and forced.
Sports Room Writer
If your interest is in producing a show that will cover the daily events of a specific sport, you’ll need to consider what type of platform you’ll use to disseminate your content. Daily podcasts are popular and can get a decent amount of listener engagement, but if your interest is in creating content for a television network, then consider producing a weekly or monthly linear show that will fit within the parameters of the major television sports networks. If you are interested in pursuing this path, make sure that you develop the ability to quickly and efficiently take down game statistics and highlights in a clear and concise manner. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself buried in reams of notes with little to show for your efforts.
Podcast Producer
Finally, if your interest is in creating content that will primarily be available on digital platforms, you’ll need to consider what type of editing software you’ll need to produce high-quality content. Although most people think of podcasts when talking about getting a job in radio, the field actually encompasses a wide array of content available on various platforms. Generally, if you’re looking for a specific niche, consider creating a podcast for that niche. For example, if you have a love for history, you might want to create a podcast to explore the fascinating subject in depth. Or, if you have a talent for interviewing subject matter experts, consider creating a podcast around that subject matter. Basically, look for a niche that you can specialize in, and then create content around that specialization.
The Requirements For Becoming a RO Writer
Prior to officially applying to any position, you’ll need to first determine whether or not you meet the minimum requirements for the job. You can find this information on the employer’s website, usually in the “About” section or the “Skills” section. To verify your application, check with the employer to see if they’ve received your application. After you’ve been given the all-clear, you can go about gathering the additional documents and information needed for the successful completion of the job application.
Special Notes
If you’d like to become a qualified writer, here are a few things you might want to keep in mind: