Nic McClure to teach AFTRS Australian-first radio producer course

The Australian Film, Television and Radio School is preparing to launch a new Industry Certificate: Radio Producer course, which will be the first of its kind in Australia.

The course will run for twelve weeks part-time and will be delivered almost entirely online, with Southern Cross Austereo’s Nic McClure coming on board as a lecturer.

McClure brings 24 years experience as an executive producer in radio, having worked on some of the country’s most successful radio shows including Kyle & Jackie O and Kate, Tim & Marty.

“This course has been a passion project of mine for a while now and I’m so happy to have partnered with AFTRS to develop, write and teach it,” McClure tells Radio Today.

The new course has been created to address a shortage of skilled producers and prepare students for a career in radio.

 “Up until now, the only way to learn the skills to work as a radio producer was to somehow get your foot in the door at a station, most likely volunteer your time, while observing and learning from other producers on the go,” McClure adds.

“This course will be a game-changer in preparing students for a career as a producer, allowing them to stand out from other candidates as they’ll be given the practical skills and knowledge within a workplace context. They’ll walk away with a solid understanding of the role and the day to day tasks required.

“There has always been a shortage of skilled producers in Australia and this course is guaranteed to increase the talent pool available.”

“I’ve carefully designed each lesson to include the most current and up to date practices that are being used on our biggest and most successful shows in the market right now.”

Featuring a series of industry guests, students will learn practical skills needed to work with on-air talent, callers and guests and to produce content, whilst developing their knowledge of the business of radio, including codes and compliances and audience sectors.

“I’ll be calling in all my friends from the radio industry to join us as guest speakers each week, so students will have direct access to those currently working on high profile shows and stations, and other legends of the industry,” says McClure.

The 12-week course begins September, with a large portion of the teaching to take place via Zoom.

There is also a one-weekend compulsory workshop on campus in Sydney part-way through the course (October 31 and November 1).  Enrolments close Monday, September 7.