Radio programs are usually heavily prepped before they are broadcast. The music is preplanned; the commercial breaks are prescheduled; contests and promotions are carefully designed; and live announcements are designated to be carried out at certain times.
It is the duty of the radio board operator to make sure that all of the preplanned components of the program are carried out as designed. The board operator plays the music, commercials and public-service announcements. He cues the on-air talent, answers the listener phone lines and in general ensures the quality of the broadcast.
Radio board operators work in the radio station’s programming department.
Training to become a radio board operator can be formal or informal. Formal training can be obtained by attending broadcasting school. Informal training is learned on the job. Smaller radio stations sometimes are willing to teach interns and other potentially qualified individuals how to perform this job.
Radio board operators may go on to become on-air talent or full-fledged radio producers. Producers not only carry out board operating responsibilities but have a hand in some of a radio show's prep work.