What are some audio editing jobs a public radio producer could get, that aren't in public radio?

September 7, 2008 6:33 AM

What are some jobs that someone with a background in audio editing/production could apply for, that don't involve public radio?

I've worked in the production end of public radio for most of my career, and I'm ready for a switch. The thing is, I'm just not sure what to switch into - and I don't want my production and editing skills to go to waste.

I'm really good at cutting tape and producing material -- and was thinking maybe it'd be fun to design and create museum audio tours, or podcasts for a company or university -- or something equally unique. I'm just not sure what's out there, but I know I could and should put these audio skills to good use. if you're aware of various companies that employ audio editors/producers, I'd love to know about them.

I don't want to work in the music industry -- but would be interested in multimedia positions (aka...audio slideshows or something like that...)

posted by anonymous to Media & Arts (5 answers total)

have you considered places like Sirius or XM? might be a different atmosphere than the public sector.

i know an audio engineer at XM, and it seems there's lots to do with the wide array of content they produce/host/etc.
posted by garfy3 at 7:37 AM on September 7, 2008

What you're asking after accurately describes what I've been transitioning into doing for the past couple of years.

You're welcome to MeMail me if you'd like to compare notes.
posted by LinnTate at 7:57 AM on September 7, 2008

I'd recommend joining AIR, the Association of Independents in Radio. It's an organization of public radio producers and reporters like you, many of whom do other jobs (such as producing podcasts, producing museum tours, producing slideshows for websites, etc). The organization frequently hosts seminars and suchlike about these sorts of opportunities. There's also a very good email list where folks like Curtis Fox (who produces the New Yorker Fiction Podcast and the Poetry Foundation Podcast) can give you some guidance.
posted by YoungAmerican at 8:28 AM on September 7, 2008

You could start a tape-to-CD conversion service.
posted by rhizome at 11:20 AM on September 7, 2008

Film and TV post production, (dialogue cutting, laying in of sound effects etc) particularly if you live near an industry hub (LA, NYC, Vancouver, Toronto ... ) although I am aware of projects that have farmed piece work out all over. Pay can be very good. Hours and pressure can be insane.
posted by philip-random at 12:22 PM on September 7, 2008