Could you be a Music Programmer at KIC Radio?

We're looking for enthusiastic young people who are passionate about music, love discovering new tracks and artists, and want to help decide what gets played on KIC Radio. You'll get the chance to build playlists, discover new music and learn how a radio station chooses and schedules the songs you hear on air. You don't need previous radio experience. If you're always creating playlists, recommending songs to your friends or looking for the next great track, this could be the role for you.

Job Description: Youth Radio Presenter

Organisation: KIC Radio
Job Title: Youth Radio Presenter
Location: KIC Radio / KIC Studios and community locations as required
Hours: Part-time / sessional / flexible, including some evenings
Responsible to: Station Manager / Programme Lead

About KIC Radio

KIC Radio is a youth-focused radio station providing young people with opportunities to have their voices heard, develop creative and digital skills, build confidence and gain real experience of the media and broadcasting industries.

Through radio, podcasts, interviews, music and community content, KIC Radio gives young people a platform to talk about the subjects that matter to them while developing practical skills that can support future education, training and employment.

Role Purpose

The Youth Music Programmer will help shape the sound of KIC Radio by selecting, organising and scheduling music that is relevant, exciting and engaging for young audiences. You will help discover new music and emerging artists, create and maintain playlists, research music trends, review new releases and contribute ideas for specialist shows, features and themed programming. You will also work alongside presenters and producers to make sure the music we play reflects KIC Radio's audience, identity and commitment to supporting young people and new talent. This is much more than simply choosing your favourite songs. We are looking for someone who can understand different audiences, spot new music and trends, make creative programming decisions and help develop a distinctive sound for KIC Radio. Previous professional radio or music industry experience is not essential. Training and support can be provided. We are particularly interested in enthusiasm for music, curiosity, creativity, attention to detail, reliability and a willingness to discover new artists, genres and sounds.

Key Responsibilities 

Music Programming & Scheduling

• Help select and schedule music for KIC Radio's programmes and general station output.
• Create playlists that reflect KIC Radio's youth audience, sound and identity.
• Build balanced playlists considering factors such as artists, genres, tempo, mood, familiarity and new music.
• Help ensure appropriate rotation of songs and artists across KIC Radio's schedule.
• Programme music for different shows, times of day, special programmes and events.
• Review playlists regularly and make changes based on new releases, audience interests and the needs of the station.

Music Discovery & Research

• Discover new music and emerging artists that could be suitable for KIC Radio.
• Keep up to date with new releases, music trends, charts and the artists young people are listening to.
• Research artists, tracks and releases before considering them for KIC Radio's playlists.
• Help identify emerging, independent and local artists who could be introduced to KIC Radio's audience.
• Listen to music submissions and help assess whether tracks are appropriate for the station.
• Bring new music recommendations and ideas to station and programming meetings.

Music & Youth Culture

• Help ensure KIC Radio's music reflects the interests and listening habits of young people.
• Keep up to date with music, artists, festivals, entertainment and wider youth culture.
• Identify music trends across radio, streaming platforms and social media.
• Contribute ideas for specialist music shows, artist features, themed playlists and music-based programmes.
• Help introduce listeners to music they might not otherwise discover.

Audience & Station Sound

• Develop an understanding of KIC Radio's audience and the music that appeals to different groups of listeners.
• Help maintain a recognisable, engaging and consistent musical identity for KIC Radio.
• Consider listener feedback and engagement when reviewing music and playlists.
• Help ensure playlists feature a diverse range of artists, genres, styles and voices.
• Balance popular and familiar tracks with new, emerging and alternative music appropriate for KIC Radio's audience.

Working With Presenters & Producers

• Work with presenters and producers to understand the music requirements of different programmes.
• Help presenters discover new music and identify tracks suitable for their shows.
• Create or support playlists for specialist shows, interviews, features and themed programmes.
• Listen to ideas and music recommendations from young presenters, volunteers and contributors.
• Support young people who want to develop their knowledge of music programming, radio and the music industry.

Music Library & Playout
Depending on experience and training, the Music Programmer may also:

• Add new music to KIC Radio's music library and playout system.
• Categorise tracks by genre, style, mood, tempo or other programming criteria.
• Maintain accurate artist, title and track information within the station's music library.
• Review and update music categories, rotations and playlists.
• Identify duplicate, outdated or unsuitable tracks within the music library.
• Help prepare music for specialist programmes, outside broadcasts, events and other KIC Radio activities.
• Follow KIC Radio's procedures for music selection, scheduling and broadcast content.

Full training in music programming, scheduling and KIC Radio's playout systems can be provided where required.

Person Specification 

Essential

We are looking for someone who:

• Has a genuine interest in music, radio and discovering new artists and songs.
• Is enthusiastic about creating music programming that appeals to and represents young people.
• Has a broad interest in different genres, styles and eras of music.
• Enjoys discovering new and emerging artists, as well as keeping up with current music.
• Can think creatively about playlists, music features and the overall sound of KIC Radio.
• Has good attention to detail and can organise music accurately.
• Can consider the audience when selecting, scheduling and reviewing music.
• Is open to different musical tastes and can listen to and respect other people's opinions about music.
• Is reliable, punctual and able to complete music programming tasks within agreed timescales.
• Is willing to learn new radio, music programming and digital skills.
• Understands the importance of equality, diversity and inclusion, including representing a diverse range of artists, genres and voices.
• Can work effectively both independently and as part of the KIC Radio team.

Desirable It would be useful, but not essential, to have:

• Previous experience of radio, DJing, playlist creation, music programming or music-related content creation.
• Experience creating playlists for radio, events, online platforms or personal projects.
• Knowledge of current music, emerging artists and music trends.
• An understanding of how different songs, genres and styles can be balanced to create an engaging radio playlist.
• Knowledge of radio automation, scheduling or music management software.
• Experience researching artists, songs, releases, charts or music trends.
• An awareness of local artists and the music scene across Wolverhampton, the Black Country and the West Midlands.
• An understanding of how social media and digital platforms can be used to discover new music and identify emerging trends.

We recognise that someone starting their career may not have had the opportunity to gain all of this experience. Potential, passion for music, attitude and willingness to learn are equally important to us.

Skills You'll Develop

KIC Radio is committed to helping young people develop skills they can use beyond the radio station. As a Music Programmer, you’ll have opportunities to develop:

• Music programming and playlist creation
• Music research and discovery
• Understanding radio formats and music policies
• Audience awareness and selecting music for different listeners
• Scheduling music for radio
• Understanding song rotation and playlist categories
• Identifying new and emerging artists
• Music trends and chart awareness
• Using radio playout and music scheduling software
• Analysing listener and music performance data
• Attention to detail
• Organisation and time management
• Communication and teamwork
• Decision-making and creative thinking
• Digital content and music promotion
• Confidence in sharing and explaining creative choices
• Understanding how music supports a radio station’s sound and identity

These skills can support progression into careers including radio, music programming, music supervision, broadcasting, record labels, artist development, music promotion, music marketing, events, digital content and the wider music and creative industries.

Get in Touch with KIC Radio

Interested in becoming a Music Programmer, or want to find out more?

We’d love to hear from you.

📧 Email: Studio@kicradio.co.uk
📞 Call: 07935 754 677
💬 WhatsApp: 0330 043 2313