International radio trainer Steve Ahern told the Radio Asia Conference in Delhi this week that training is essential for the expansion of radio in India. “The growth of new stations in this country is phenomenal, but world experience says soon you will feel a severe staff shortage without adequate training,” he said.

In his presentation, Ahern told conference delegates that entry level skills will be needed to keep production, sales and RJ talent streaming into radio stations, because radio talent is often lured away to what is seen as more glamorous industries of film and television.

“In many countries to create a sustainable pool of talent, the industry has put aside its traditional network rivalries and worked together to initiate training courses that keep talented people streaming through as others move on.” He urged the Indian radio industry to do the same thing.

Training must be structured and must offer career progression according to Ahern, whose company designs and delivers courses from beginner level, through middle management positions such as Program Manger and Music Manager, to general management. He also believes radio staff need to learn multi-media skills for producing digital radio and online streaming, as well as traditional radio skills.

The Indian radio market is growing at a rapid rate. Less then 5 years ago 250 new FM commercial licences went on air, and a seconds round of licence auctions is soon to be held, which will bring the number of FM commercial stations to a total of 700.

Steve Ahern was previously the Director of Radio at AFTRS, and now runs his own broadcast training company called AMT (Ahern Media & Training). The company has been working with a number of stations and training schools in India to develop training programs.