The Bible

Last updated: 15 September 2020, 10:15


Please note that this page is here for reference only while the new training guide is being written

Your role as a volunteer is important to us, and greatly appreciated. Phoenix FM would be nothing without your time, effort, knowledge and enthusiasm.

However, being a volunteer doesn't mean you can do what you like! Phoenix FM has to balance community-based aims with its commerical and legal responsibilities. The rules are set out not to hinder your enjoyment but to show you what we are trying to achieve and how you can help us do that.

Have fun!

Paul Golder
Chairman

This guide is in five main sections:

Introduction - who we are and why we do what we do
Technical - all the equipment you will need to use and how to use it
On-Air - what to say and do when you're broadcasting
Off-Air - things that you need to know or do when you're not broadcasting
Troubleshooting - how to fix problems that might come up during your show

After that there are some appendices:

Child Protection Policy
Equal Opportunities Policy
 

1

 

Introduction

History

There have been regular radio broadcasts in the UK since 1922. Services were nationwide for many years, and local radio from the BBC and commercial operators did not appear until 1967.

During the 1980s and 1990s many local commercial stations merged or were bought out by large media groups, which led to shared programming and fewer local hours. Dozens of groups formed around the UK with the aim of forming a new tier of radio - community radio - which would operate localised radio services and be not-for-profit, preventing stations being bought, sold and changed.

Phoenix FM was formed as "The Phoenix" in August 1996, changing its name to "Phoenix FM" in March 1999. We were able to undertake trial FM broadcasts while waiting for a full-time licence and we broadcast 12 of these between December 1996 and February 2006. Each trial broadcast lasted 28 days and we were allocated an FM frequency for each period.

In September 1996 we were the first radio station in Essex to have its own website, and in June 2001 we were the first community radio station in the UK to start online streaming 24 hours a day.

Community radio was legalised in 2002 and the first stations took to air that year. We were invited to apply for a permanent licence in 2004 and after an 18 month wait, were given the news that we would receive one in February 2006.

Phoenix FM started broadcasting on FM full time on 23 March 2007 from the Baytree Centre in Brentwood. In February 2012 we moved to our current studios at the Brentwood Centre.

Ethos

Our aim is to cover all aspects of life in our target area, Brentwood and Billericay. This aim is enshrined in our Key Commitments - a document legally binding us to providing this kind of service.

We are a non-profit making company. Our business goal is to cover our costs and provide extra money to invest in our future - not to make as much money as possible.

This policy allows us to experiment with ideas and programmes that would not be broadcast on commercial radio stations, which are under pressure to deliver maximum profits to their shareholders.

Broadcast techniques that are used on other commercial radio stations and many hospital radio stations and RSL broadcasts may not be appropriate for our own style of broadcasting.

We pride ourselves on being different in this way. However, being different doesn't mean "being terrible on air". Our presenters still need to be sensible and professional as well as entertaining. In short, we have rules too - and as mentioned in the introduction, you cannot just do what you like!

We don't want our presenters to be superstar deejays. We want them to be themselves. It's really important that you understand this!

We always aim to have about 30-40 different people on air at any one time and we're always looking to bring new ideas on board.

Presenters should generally be local enough to be able to know what is going on around our broadcast area and to help out at events that we are represented at from time to time.

Who's Who

The station is run by Phoenix FM Limited, a company limited by guarantee. No one owns the station - there are no shares that can be bought and sold.

Control of the company rests with the Chairman and Board of Directors.

The key positions are:
Paul Golder (Chairman): overall policies including scheduling, personnel, music policies, press, website and day-to-day operations
Tony Smith: technical matters
We are always looking for volunteers to join the board to help with vital areas of our admin. If you can help, please let us know.

Your commitment to Phoenix FM

As a volunteer on Phoenix FM, we need you to:
1  Do your show, and do it well. Give adequate time for research and preparation.
2  Make sure you are properly trained.
3  Attend group meetings as often as you can.
4  Promote your show over the internet and with other methods at your disposal.
5  Update your show page on the website after every show - even it's just a list of songs played, or a sentence about what's coming up.
6  Help the station at roadshows and other publicity events. You don't have to do them all - just don't say no every time you're asked.
7  Bear in mind that we are always raising funds to keep the station alive, and help us where you can in doing this.
8  Help to cover other people's shows on a regular basis.
9  Read all communications and reply promptly when required.
10  Follow our rules and policies and don't get upset if we need to tell you that things aren't going right. We will always try to resolve issues with you.
You will need to digitally sign a Volunteer Agreement on joining the group. This can be done here.
 

2

 

Technical

1  Studio 1 - Main Desk
You need to check that the desk is set up correctly before you start your show. The recommended settings are:
1  [all faders, top to bottom] MONO: all off
2  GAIN: 5 (or "12 o'clock") on every channel. You can turn this up on the phone channel if needed but be aware it is the SECOND dial down on that channel
3  TELCO SEND (phone fader only): 5. Higher may result in feedback.
4  LINE B: required for Cartwall, Playlist, Sky News and CDs if you are using them. Not required for microphones
5  MIC: only required for microphones
6  HIGH/MID/LOW: all 5
7  SUB: all ON
8  PROG: all ON
9  ST AUX/PAN: all 5
10  CUE/SELECT: all OFF
11  ON: all ON *this is very important*
12  FADERS: should not normally go past zero (the triple line 2/3 of the way up)
13  REMINDER: DON'T use GAIN or the fader to turn up the volume in the studio. Use the STUDIO dial in the middle of the desk instead
14  [buttons in middle of desk] TAPE SEND: Neither FROM SUB nor FROM AUX should be lit
15  ST AUX dial: 10 and TB button off
16  CRM: none of the 4 buttons should be lit
17  ** if you click Listen to FM, unclick it before you leave the studio **
18  BAL dial: set to CUE
19  PHONES dial: 5 (or wherever you feel comfortable)
20  CRM dial: 0
21  SUB dial: 0 and TB button off
22  STUDIO: only FROM CRM should be lit. (If it's not, you won't be able to pre-fade through the monitors)
23  SPEAKERS dial: 5 (or wherever you feel comfortable) and TB button off
24  GUEST dial: 5 (volume can be controlled through other panel) and TB button off
25  ANN dial: 0 (we don't use this) and TB button off
26  TALK-BACK dial: 0
2  Levels
1  You must check these at the start and throughout your show.
2  Levels should peak at zero.
3  Faders should rarely be put up past zero, with the except of the music fader, which should default between zero and 5. Put this up higher if you can tell that the MP3 you are playing is an older one and needs a volume boost.
4  You should monitor the on air signal to ensure there is no distortion, etc. Make sure that only the AIR light is lit in the CRM section at the middle of the desk.
3  Microphones
1  The main four microphone channels use Behringer microphones. You need to talk close to the microphone, facing the front of it and towards the bottom of the microphone head.
2  Do not remove the microphones plugged in to channels 1-4. Doing so and replacing these with different microphones, or placing the microphones in other channels, may cause damage to the desk.
3  The four faders on the left (mikes) only need to be touched very very slightly and they can mute the monitor speakers (if this happens, the MUTE light in the middle comes on). Check that all faders are at the bottom.
4  Taking calls to air in studio 1
1  When someone calls or you call someone: Pick up the phone and talk to them. (If you need the studio number it's 01277 203032).
2  If you then want to talk to them through the desk off air: Make sure both MIC and TEL faders are down. Press the CUE buttons. Both the CUE and ON lights should be lit. Keep the faders down!
3  To put the call on air: Push both faders up to zero.
4  Ending the call: As a presenter, you will want to carry on talking on air but make sure the caller isn't heard. Also you might not want to end the call at this point. Just put down the TEL fader.
5  Once the next song is on you can put both MIC and TEL faders down and press CUE again to talk.
6  When the call is over take off the CUE lights and put the receiver back. Ensure the green light is not showing on the end fader once you have finished your call, or people will not be able to call the studio.
7  Call quality: Just a reminder that on the phone channel the GAIN is the second dial down (it's the first dial on all the other channels). You should keep the Gain at 2 o'clock and use the fader to control the call volume. Any higher may result in feedback going through the desk. If you get feedback, bring the GAIN down.
5  Taking calls to air in studio 2
1  Make sure all the channels - including the phone channel - are switched on (ON buttons immediately above the faders should be lit up).
2  Ring the person on the phone as normal.
3  As soon as you've dialled the number, press the Conn button on the phone channel. This transfers the call from the phone to the desk.
4  Put the main mic fader up and the phone fader up.
5  Start Audacity and press record.
6  You are now recording the phone call. You must wear headphones to hear the other person, and they need to be attached the desk and not the PC! You should be able to see the waves of both of you as you talk. If you don't see this, you're not recording anything.
7  Both your speech wave and the phone speech wave should be peaking at around 0.5 on Audacity (i.e half way to the top). You need to adjust the faders to make this happen.
8  When you have finished the call, hang up by turning off conn on the phone fader.
9  Don't forget to stop audacity and then File > Export to save your file.
10  Please note! The phone may be crackly when you speak to someone on it. When you put it through the desk, the crackle goes.
6  Computers
1  We have two computers in studio 1 - the "email PC" (on the left as you sit at the desk) and the "playout PC" (on the right).
2  You can use the email PC for browsing your own Facebook, Twitter etc when on air - the playout PC is for mAirlist and IRN only.
3  We have three computers in studio 2 - the "recording PC" (on the left as you sit at the desk in front of the mixer), the "playout PC" (on the right), and Paul's office PC.
4  You can use the recording PC for browsing the web, off air research, IRN clips, etc. This is also the computer on which you would record any interviews or phone calls off-air.
5  If either of the computers in studio 1 are running slow, you can perform a shut down/switch on - you do not need to ask permission to do this. If you reboot the Playout PC you need to make sure that you don't have dead air going out.
6  Dropbox must be running at all times on the playout computers on both studios. Don't choose Exit Dropbox at any time. If you find it's not working, go to Start and Dropbox, which should restart it.
7  Please leave Paul's office PC alone.
8  Please do not install any software on any computer without permission from a Director of the station.
9  Please do not use USB drives in the studio 1 playout computer. You should transfer music to and from this machine by Dropbox only - you will be given guidance on this when you join the station.
7  CD Players
1  The CD players are frequently turned off, as many presenters now use mAirlist only.
2  If you are turning the CD players on, they will default to continuous play. You must make sure they are switched to single play, otherwise you will find them running into the next track at the end of the first song you play.
8  Sky boxes
1  The station has two Sky boxes - one is to receive IRN news bulletins via Sky News Radio, and the other is linked to the television in studio 1.
2  The television in studio 1 should kept be on BBC News or Sky News.
9  Playout software - mAirlist
1  The playout computers in both studios use mAirlist playout software.
2  There are two modes to playing music:
ASSIST - music does not play automatically. In this mode you can only start the next song by clicking on it. In assist, clicking on the next song doesn't stop the current one.
AUTO - music plays automatically. You can fade out the current song and put in the next one by clicking the right-hand play button (three along from Auto). When in Auto, the computer will load up the next hour's playlist at 58m00s past the hour.
3  The cartwall is situated in the top right. You can drag beds, etc onto any of the spare buttons (it won't save permanently unless you ask it to). Click to start the bed and click to end it. Some carts end others when you click them, eg News Out will stop the News In bed.
4  The main two directories are B:\Dropbox\Music for the A list, jingles, adverts and library music, and B:\Dropbox\Presenter Folders for your own shared folder. (On the studio 2 playout use C: instead of B:). If mAirlist starts/restarts, the two folders will automatically appear. These two folders should be the only browser windows open at the end of your show.
5  The playout system plays mp3 files only. m4a, wma or any other file will not work.
6  mAirlist does not automatically update its file lists. If you have added files but they do not appear in the file list window, hit Refresh and they will appear.
10  Webcam
1  It is station policy to offer a webcam feed and chatroom to its listeners. (Policy currently under review)
2  If you want to use them during your show - that's fine, go ahead.
3  If you don't want to use them - that's fine too. Don't turn the webcam off - just point the camera away from yourself if you don't want to appear on it.
4  Please remember that your primary audience is your (unseen) FM audience. It's not as much fun as people in the chatroom who may be interacting with you throughout your show - but it makes very poor radio if you are continually talking about the chatroom, so please keep on-air mentions to a reasonable level.
11  Logging
1  Phoenix FM has a legal requirement to retain its last 42 days of broadcast, recorded from FM.
2  The station logs all output in one hour intervals. The files can be downloaded from http://logs.phoenixfm.com.
3  The first 10 seconds of every hour are lost as part of the logging process - please remember this if you need a recording of that part of your show, and avoid having a guest talking on air at this time.
4  The files are saved with the format YYYYMMDDHHMMSS.mp3, which indicates the start date and time of the recording. The files are recorded in 64kbps MP3 which is good enough voice quality for FM broadcast.
5  The station also records all shows directly from the desk in 320kbps MP3. These files can be downloaded from http://newlogs.phoenixfm.com/index2.php.
6  logs.phoenixfm.com and newlogs.phoenixfm.com are internal sites set up to make it easy for presenters to get 320kbps-quality (or 64kbps-quality) recordings of their shows, to edit and upload. It's not meant to be shared with anyone outside the group, either directly (by posting the links) or indirectly (by linking to the audio in your blog posts on the Phoenix FM website).
7  New log files should appear on the site between 5-55 minutes after the end of an hour or show. If no new files have appeared on either system for at least 3 hours, please contact Paul.
8  We recommend that if you want to put your show online to listen again, firstly download the recording from newlogs.phoenixfm.com, or logs.phoenixfm.com if there is a problem with the newlogs recording. Please edit out any news at the start or end of the file and then upload them to Mixcloud. If you are using 2x1 hour files from logs.phoenixfm.com, please join them together before uploading. Then use the Classic Widget code in Mixcloud to embed them in your blog post on phoenixfm.com.
9  We ask that presenters publicise the phoenixfm.com post with the Mixcloud embed in it, rather than publicise the Mixcloud post. This is for the obvious reason of driving more traffic to our website, which is something we are always aiming to do.
10  Please ask Paul if there are any queries regarding logs.phoenixfm.com, newlogs.phoenixfm.com or Mixcloud.
12  Streaming
1  The desk output is streamed to the internet via Shoutcast. This enables it to be played on a variety of apps including our own Phoenix FM app, available from the Google Play Store and iTunes.
2  You should check to see if you are streaming by going to http://hyades.shoutca.st:8555/index.html?sid=1. If the Listing Status says "Server is currently up and public" then there is no problem. If it doesn't, contact Paul.
13  Removing Equipment
1  No equipment or physical or digital copies of music may be removed from the station without the prior written approval of the Chairman.
2  If you would like to borrow one of the station's MP3 recorders, please email the Chairman first to arrange pick up and drop off.
 

3

 

On Air

1  Before You Come In
1  Prepare your show - don't just come in and "wing" it. You should have a good idea of what music and features will appear during your programme.
2  Before You Start Your Show
1  Please make sure you arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of your show. This will stop the person on air panicking into thinking that you aren't going to be there. If you are going to be late please call the studio on 01277 203032 or the presenter directly.
2  Check to see if you can hear the station's output on the FM radio in the kitchen. If not, tell Paul straight away.
3  Respect the presenter on air and don't interrupt the flow of his/her show.
3  During Your Show
1  Refer to the advert schedule to see which adverts and features you will need to play or mention during the course of your show. Tick off the ads/features as they are played and sign the column where indicated at the end of your show.
2  You must check Windows Live Mail on the Email PC regularly, to see if any emails have been received during your show. Please respond to those clearly aimed at the presenter!
3  You will need to broadcast the IRN news bulletin at the start of your show (which will be started by the previous presenter) and at the end of your show. The bulletin lasts two minutes. Shows which start after 6pm and last for two hours or more do not need to carry news in the "middle hour(s)" unless you choose to.

To do this:

Start the News IN jingle at 59m52s past the hour.
Put up the News fader.
After two minutes the news ends - click the News OUT jingle and then bring down the News fader.
If you forget to bring down the News fader, you will hear a quiet beep every few seconds - this is a reminder to turn the fader off.

4  If IRN does not appear on the news fader, the satellite box may have lost the channel. If you go into the racks room (the room behind the desk in studio 1) and you will see some instructions on how to reset the box.
5  Should the satellite feed fail, you may need to read the bulletin from the IRN script. This will need to be read exactly as per the script and no comment should be made on any of the stories during the bulletin. As with all technical issues, do not make a point of explaining whatever technical issue may have occurred resulting in your having to read the news yourself.
6  All presenters should be familiar with the station's Traffic and Travel Guidelines.
7  Remember to brand the station and your show properly and frequently when you are on air.
8  Food and drink should not normally be consumed in the studio - but if you do, please make sure food and drink is kept well away from equipment.
9  Consumption of alcohol is not barred, but any presenters or guests who are under the influence of alcohol to the extent that it is impairing the quality of their show will be asked to leave the station.
10  Illegal drugs are not allowed on the premises under any circumstances. Guests who are in possession or under the influence of drugs must be asked to leave immediately; volunteers will be suspended or dismissed from the station.
11  Be professional on air at all times. Don't provoke arguments on air, make fun of advertisers, other presenters or guests, be profane or suggestive, and think before you open your mouth.
4  Competitions
1  Any competition on air or on the website should be authorised in advance by Paul.
2  If a guest suddently mentions a competition mid-interview, please quickly go to a break by putting some music on, and then tell them off air that they cannot do that.
5  Guest Policy
1  Presenters are encouraged to have live guests, or singers/bands playing live, on their shows.
2  All guests must be confirmed with Paul before they appear on your show, to allow any pre-promotion on air or on line to be arranged.
3  When interviewing guests, keep to a "bitesize" format - ideally, three bursts of 3-6 minutes with a couple of songs in between - so their studio time is typically limited to 15-25 minutes. However you should use your judgement to decide the best length for the interview.
4  Find out their message, and direct and encourage them to bring it over clearly and confidently.
5  Always encourage interaction - ask them how people can get involved.
6  If they are really good, they can come back, otherwise look for something new.
7  This formula may be followed on specialist shows, although interviews on specialist shows may be longer.
8  Guests playing live can only perform acoustic sets (not full band sets) and will normally be able to use a maximum of three desk inputs. If they require more they should bring equipment (eg their own mixer) and help to set this up beforehand - we cannot guarantee we can meet special requirements on the day, and they will need to communicate with us beforehand.
9  Please don't "do your show" at the expense of a guest's welfare. They are visitors to the station and should leave with a good impression. Make them comfortable, explain fully what they will be doing - and don't leave them on the doorstep while you start a 10 minute monologue!
6  Telephone
In order to put a call through the desk:
1  When someone calls or you call someone, pick up the phone and talk to them. (If you need the studio number it's 01277 203032).
2  If you then want to talk to them through the desk off air, make sure both MIC and TEL faders are down. Press the CUE buttons. Both the CUE and ON lights should be lit. Keep the faders down!
3  To put the call on air, push both faders up to zero.
4  As a presenter, you will want to carry on talking on air but make sure the caller isn't heard. Also you might not want to end the call at this point. Just put down the TEL fader. Once the next song is on you can put both MIC and TEL faders down and press CUE again to talk. When the call is over take off the CUE lights and put the receiver back. Ensure the green light is not showing on the end fader once you have finished your call, or people will not be able to call the studio.
5  Just a reminder that on the phone channel the GAIN is the second dial down (it's the first dial on all the other channels). You should keep the Gain at 2 o'clock and use the fader to control the call volume. Any higher may result in feedback going through the desk. If you get feedback, bring the GAIN down.
Please do not make any international calls (on air or off air) without management approval.
7  Guest Books
1  There are two guest books - one for guests and one for presenters.
2  All presenters and guests must sign in and out when coming to the station. Guests should also say where they are from.
3  The presenter book is important for us to know who has been in and out of the station at any time. The guest book is very important too - it is the main part of our proof to Ofcom and to funders that we are fulfilling our Social Gain targets.
4  The Chairman will check this regularly to make sure it has been completed correctly.
8  Wi-fi
1  The station has wi-fi available for presenters and guests.
2  The network name is "Phoenix Studio 1". Please ask Paul for the password.
9  Air Conditioning
1  The air conditioning should be turned on if Studio 1 gets too warm - our current maximum level is 23.0C so please put it on if the temperature goes above this level.
2  For reference there is a thermometer on the studio clock.
3  If you have the air conditioning on, the doors and window must be closed.
4  Don't forget to make sure it is switched off at the end of your show if you are the last presenter broadcasting live.
10  Closing Procedure
If you are the last presenter on air, or have a pre-recorded show following you, you will be leaving the studio unattended. Please make sure you do the following before you leave:
1  If mAirlist has been in ASSIST (eg to allow you to take the news), make sure it is in AUTO.
2  Load in the current playlist hour if this has not been done. (This can be done under the Actions menu).
3  If you need to restart the music, click the blue play arrow.
4  Make sure that the volume of the desk monitor speakers and the radio in the kitchen is set low.
5  Turn off the TV in Studio 1.
6  Make sure the air conditioning and all the lights and windows in both Studio 1 and Studio 2 are off/closed, and also check the fridge is shut. The blinds should be down too.
7  We're currently not setting the alarm, so you just need to firmly close the door behind you and make sure it is shut and not left on the catch.
11  Music Policy
1  Phoenix FM has a specific music policy which all presenters need to adhere to as required.
2  Between 7am and 6pm, the station should follow "normal daytime programming" - computer choosing most of the songs including the station's A list, songs mainly picked from the last 20 years with occasional older songs.
3  Presenters are allowed free plays of music but not to the extent that it may alter the sound of the station. In general this means a couple per hour from 7am-6pm (Mon-Fri) and 10am-6pm (Sat-Sun), and up to 50% of all music played from 7am-10am (Sat-Sun), while fitting in with the general sound of the station. If in any doubt about this, talk to Paul first.
4  Outside these hours, presenters are free to choose a format, which should be agreed in advance with station management and followed for each of their shows (unless covering elsewhere in the schedule).
5  Presenters are encouraged to suggest songs for future A lists and tracks should be emailed to Paul (at any time) for consideration. Ideally songs should fit the sound of the station (think Radio 2/6 Music/Absolute/Heart) and be ready for release or just released.
12  Non-Library Audio
Any external audio you wish to play:
1  Must be transferred onto the Playout using Dropbox and not via USB drives.
2  Must be high-quality MP3s which are correctly tagged with artist and title name, and have no swearing in them.
3  You must not use Spotify, YouTube or a similar web-based service to play music on air.
4  You must not use a mobile device (phone or tablet) to play music.
5  If you wish to use personal jingles, you must clear this in advance with station management before airplay. Any unathorised jingles will be removed from the system.
13  The Broadcasting Code
1  This is produced by Ofcom and explains fully what a radio station is allowed and not allowed to do on air.
2  All presenters should make sure that they are familiar with its contents. Any breach of this code may lead to a presenter's immediate dismissal from the station.
3  You can read it on line here: http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/broadcasting/broadcast-codes/broadcast-code/.
14  The Election Period ("Purdah")
1  The Election Period, informally known as "Purdah", runs for six weeks before a General Election, Local Election or Referendum.
2  Election candidates must not act as news presenters, interviewers or presenters of any type of programme during the Election Period.
3  Appearances by candidates in non-political programmes that were planned or scheduled before the election may continue, but no new appearances should be arranged and broadcast during the Election Period.
4  Be aware of any emails, Facebook messages, tweets or chatroom comments relating to the election or referendum - reading these out may affect the balance of your programme.
5  Due impartiality must be strictly maintained when you are on air at all times.
6  Your own views on election and referendum matters should not be expressed.
7  On the day of the election or referendum, you should report that voting is open and nothing else.
15  Obituary Procedure
1  The station's management has an Obituary Procedure, to be carried out in the event of the death of a "major royal" - currently defined as the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh (Prince Philip), the Prince of Wales (Prince Charles) and the Duke of Cambridge (Prince William).
2  The station's programming will be interrupted in this instance and if you are on air or about to go on air that day, you will be advised as to what to do.
 

4

 

Off Air

1  Publicising your shows
1  All presenters are asked to contribute to the station website - if you present a show, you should add a page to your blog and use social media to promote this.
2  We would like all guest interviews to appear on the website with a photo and audio clip so that listeners can hear it again.
3  Some presenters put up copies of their whole shows on the website for listeners to listen again. You are welcome to do this - if you do, please use Mixcloud only, which is PRS/PPL compliant. Other services (eg Soundcloud) are not and may lead to licensing problems for the station.
4  We ask presenters to publicise the website and not third party services, in order to drive traffic to our site. So for example, if you put up a show on Mixcloud, we ask that you embed it into a page on the Phoenix site and then tweet/share that link instead of the Mixcloud link.
5  You're welcome to make additional contributions to the website that may or may not be stuff that you mentioned on your show if it fits in with the tone of the site (eg in the past some people have blogged about the news, features etc which wasn't always covered on their show).
6  As a policy, Phoenix FM does not encourage taking down its own material once it has been published. If you are asked to take down an interview, photo or article, please refer this request immediately to the Chairman who will discuss it with you.
7  If a presenter opens a social media account with "Phoenix" in the title or username, please check first with the station management to confirm this is acceptable. The station would require the account to be handed back to them if the operator subsequently leaves the station.
2  Show Promo
1  All regular shows should have a promo recorded, for other presenters to play in order to promote your show generally. It's basically an on-air advert for your show.
2  The promo should be a straight read about what your show is called, when it's on and what people can expect to hear.
3  Have a listen to some of the other promos to get an idea of how others put it together. It's fine for you to have a go at putting it together in Audacity but if you need any assistance contact Paul or Steve R. It is recommended that you write a script and use studio 2 (perhaps before your show), and record the dry read first and, when you're happy, saving it separately so you can undo any music mixes that might not be right.
4  The promo should NOT be longer than 30 seconds.
5  You should not use reverb or other effects when recording your voice for a promo - your voice should be loud and clear and it shouldn't get lost in the music if you have a backing track.
6  Promos should be refreshed from time to time - you will be advised if it is felt this is necessary.
3  Website updating
1  You will be given a username and password when you join the station. The login page is at http://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-admin/. If you forget your password, you can reset it.
2  To add a page, go to Posts > Add New in the left hand column. Then fill in a title and content, and make sure you choose a Category (or the post will go to Uncategorized and not your own show page).
3  You can add photos and audio by choosing Add Media.
4  We recommend you upload/select a Featured Image, which is a picture which appears next to your post in your show page/author page. If you don't, a box appears saying "Image Not Found".
5  You can embed Youtube videos by switching to Text input (not Visual) in Wordpress and using this syntax:

<iframe width="620" height="349" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XXXXXXXXXXX?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Where XXXXXXXXXXX is the eleven digit code in every Youtube URL. (If you're not sure about that, ask Paul).
6  When embedding audio:
- if it's an interview, use Wordpress's "Add Media", or Mixcloud
- if it's a whole show, use Mixcloud.
7  You can embed Mixcloud audio by switching to Text input (not Visual) in Wordpress and using this syntax:

[mixcloud height=120 width=620]URL of the audio in Mixcloud[/mixcloud]

We recommend you don't use Mixcloud's method of embedding.
4  Advertising, sponsorship and fundraising
1  We don't expect Phoenix members to be out selling every day - in fact, there is no requirement for volunteers to make any contribution at all (other than for tea/coffee!)
2  But you do need to bear in mind that without income coming in on a regular basis, the station will cease to exist.
3  Phoenix FM is very sellable with many companies advertising or sponsoring us on a regular basis. If you know someone who might be interested in advertising or sponsoring a show then please talk to Paul who will advise on the best way forward.
4  The station also holds fundraising events throughout the year and any assistance with these will be greatly appreciated. News of these will appear on the station's Slack workgroup.
5  Communication
1  Communication is vital for the smooth running of the station - both between members, and between the station and its listeners.
2  All active members are enrolled into the Phoenix FM workgroup on Slack. This is an invite-only group, open to Phoenix FM members only for discussion of news and policies. All station members are expected to maintain membership and read/reply to messages in this group.
3  If an email is sent to you from any of the station management and requires an answer either way, please do so.
4  If you request material in the station's name please acknowledge its receipt as soon as you can with the sender.
5  If you take a message for anyone while doing your show, please email that person as soon as possible. If you don't have their email address to hand you should put a notice on the Phoenix FM Slack workgroup for them.
6  Security
1  The front door to the studio should stay locked at all times.
2  The door code will be given to those presenters who need it by the Chairman. Please don't put this code on any public or work-related forums.
3  Please do not encourage people to visit the studio if they are not part of your show - you will often be on your own and will need to concentrate on doing your show rather than looking after random people off the street.
7  Studio 2
1  The station has studio facilities ("studio 2") for off-air recording of shows and telephone interviews.
2  If you want to use these facilities you must book this by using the form at http://bible.phoenixfm.com/studio2.php.
3  You will receive an email saying whether the booking was successful and all succesful bookings are added to the calendar on that page.
8  Cover
1  If you cannot present a show for any reason, please contact Paul, who will amend the schedule and arrange cover for you. Please try to give as much notice as possible.
2  All presenters should offer to cover shows when asked - if you miss a certain number of shows each year, please try to cover an equivalent number.
9  Presenter Reads
1  A short description of what's coming up on your next show will guarantee you get more mentions on air from other presenters. You can mention these on the Slack workgroup for other presenters to read out.
2  The station's website should not be used to pre-promote your next show - social media is much more effective for this. The website is more of a historical record to enable readers to read/hear/watch things they may have missed.
3  Publicising your show is part of the "Phoenix deal" and future airtime cannot be guaranteed for presenters who do not follow this.
4  All methods of publicity should be used positively. They must not be used for any critical or negative purpose. If you have a problem that needs resolving please talk to Paul privately in the first instance.
10  Reputation
1  If you are working or have a profile in the community please remember you are representing Phoenix FM and behave accordingly.
2  This includes social media - whether you say that your views are your own or not, anything you post should not cause distress or embarrassment to our listeners, volunteers, business/broadcast partners, advertisers and other supporters.
3  If the station's management considers that you have made any action which reflects badly on the station, your volunteer agreement may be terminated with immediate effect.
11  Expenses
1  Expenses you may incur on behalf of the station will not be reimbursed unless you have prior agreement in writing from the Chairman.
12  Post
1  Post for presenters is kept in the pigeonholes next to the front door. You should check this area regularly.
13  The Brentwood Centre
1  Please have utmost respect for our neighbours, including the management and security at the Brentwood Centre. It's in our interests to keep them happy.
2  Do not use the "back door" in studio 1 to go into the Centre in the evenings, when the Centre is alarmed. You may be liable for any costs incurred in alarm call-out charges.
3  Please use the main green skip for any refuse - do not put any items in any other bins near the Centre.
14  Parking
1  The Brentwood Centre has a large car park which is free of charge at all times.
2  Parking closer to the station (eg close to the green skip) is not prohibited but it is also not given to us as a right. You may park your car closer to the station unless otherwise directed by the station's management or by Brentwood Centre staff.
3  Parking near the station is not recommended during weekday daytimes, where you may be obstructing or be obstructed by delivery vehicles. Parking close to the station is recommended outside daylight hours.
4  Phoenix FM is not liable for any damage caused to vehicles or property, or any parking charges or fines incurred, by presenters or guests.
15  Branding - on air and in print
1  The name of the station is Phoenix FM. It should not be written down as "PhoenixFM", "Phoenix98FM" or any other combination using other words like Radio, etc.
2  Our logo says "phoenix98fm" - only because we want the frequency in our logo. Having said that it's OK to say either "you're listening to Phoenix FM" or "you're listening to Phoenix 98 FM" when you're on air.
3  Can you remember to make sure you don't use any of the wrong ones when sending out presenter reads, publishing show write ups, etc.
4  Our address is: Phoenix FM, The Brentwood Centre, Doddinghurst Road, Brentwood CM15 9NN.
5  The name Phoenix FM and all associated slogans and logos belong to Phoenix FM Limited. Do not use any logos or any other aspect of the Phoenix FM brand without permission from the Chairman.
16  Working on other radio stations
1  Presenters on Phoenix FM should not broadcast on other radio stations and permission to broadcast elsewhere will only be granted in very exceptional circumstances.
2  All presenters wishing to broadcast on other services should contact Paul in the first instance.
17  Intellectual Property
1  All production material used on air, including production for your own specific show on Phoenix FM, is the intellectual property of Phoenix FM. You are not authorised to add or delete content or music to/from the playout PC (other than to your own designated shared folder) without the express permission of a director.
 

5

 

Troubleshooting

1  Playout computer malfunctions
In the event that the playout computer crashes or does not play audio files correctly:
1  Find a CD and cue it up. Make sure that the CD player is on "Single" play.
2  Fade the CD in and fade the playout out if necessary.
3  Shut down the PC. Wait 10 seconds and then turn it back on. Do not do a "Restart" as this may not fix all problems.
4  Do not mention any studio problems on air.
5  Email Paul to let him know.
2  "Now Playing" isn't working
The station operates a "Now Playing" Twitter feed at
http://www.twitter.com/NowonPhoenixFM.
mAirlist reads the tags and filename of the song being played and sends this by FTP to the website server. A separate webpage checks the server every 30 seconds and if the current song has changed, it sends a tweet. If it's not updating correctly or at all:
1  Check to see that you are playing an MP3 file which is correctly tagged.
2  Check to see if the FTP program (Fling) is on the playout computer and sending file info
If this doesn't work, message Paul or Steve R. While the station's management wants this function to operate, fixing it immediately is not usually high priority.
3  List of played songs isn't updating
You can find a list of played songs at http://www.phoenixfm.com/played. If this list isn't updating:
1  Check to see that the FTP program (Fling) is working by looking for the icon at the bottom right of the screen.
2  If you can find it, close it down by pressing Ctrl-Alt-Del, choosing Task Manager and then locating Fling in the list of programs and clicking End Task. Then press Start > Fling.
3  If you can't find it, press Start > Fling and it should load automatically.
4  If this fails, message Paul or Steve R. While the station's management wants this function to operate, fixing it immediately is not usually high priority.
 

6

 

Child Protection Policy

1  This is the Child Protection Policy adopted by the board of directors of Phoenix FM Ltd on 3 February 2019 and next due to be reviewed by them on or before 3 February 2021.
2  The purpose of the Policy is to ensure that any child (in other words, any young person under the age of 18) who takes part in an activity we organise can do so safely, under appropriate supervision and without fear of harm. In addition, it recognises that members of our own team may be in a position to spot that a child has suffered harm elsewhere, in which case we have a responsibility to report our findings.
3  This Policy operates in addition to our wider rules on safe working.
4  We work within the context of relevant legislation. In particular:
1  The Children Act 1989 contains obligations to protect children from harm, and to ensure that concerns are fully investigated by the appropriate authorities.
2  The Protection of Children Act 1999 provides the context for us to undertake appropriate background checks on team members who work with children.
3  The Human Rights Act 1998 and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child lay-out rights for children, and procedures whereby they can challenge infringement of those rights.
4  The Sexual Offences (Amendments) Act 2000 places special constraints on those in a position of trust in relation to children.
5  Our radio work gives rise to certain special responsibilities. In particular:
1  We never allow unsupervised children to connect equipment to mains electricity.
2  We take care to ensure that the content of programmes made by and/or for children is appropriate. Offensive material, including music with offensive lyrics that may come from the child's own collection, will be excluded.
3  We take care to ensure that no child broadcasts a message that humiliates another child.
4  Any use by a child of the internet will be for programme research purposes only, and will be supervised.
5  No broadcast or other publication by Phoenix FM should include information that may allow the public to contact a child directly and individually, or a recognisable image of a child without consent from a parent or guardian.
6  We work to ensure that any bullying behaviour (whether or not it is expressed on air) is challenged and ended.
7  All activities involving children will be planned and will be appropriate to their needs and/or enthusiasms. In doing such planning we will have regard to the target age range of each activity.
8  We ensure that our commitment to child protection is communicated to all staff and volunteers. A copy of this Policy and the appended Procedures will be given to all volunteers as part of their induction, and they will be invited to raise any queries with our Child Protection Representative.
9  We ensure that our commitment to child protection is explained to regular child participants in our activities. This explanation will be in uncomplicated language and will include a reference to an easy way to raise any concerns.
10  Our Chairman is our nominated Child Protection Representative. His name is Paul Golder and he can be contacted in confidence by anyone with concerns via e-mail: paul@phoenixfm.com. We ensure he receives appropriate training that is regularly updated.
11  Every member of the Phoenix FM team, including directors, staff, contractors and volunteers, agrees to share responsibility for implementing this Policy.
12  We adhere to the Child Protection Procedures appended to this Policy.
 

7

 

Equal Opportunities Policy

1  Statement and Guidelines for Implementation
1  Phoenix FM Ltd is committed to the principle of equality of opportunity for all in its employment, volunteering, access to its services and within its decision making structure.
2  All those involved with Phoenix FM must commit themselves to the principle of equality of opportunity and to the implementation of its equal opportunities policy.
3  Phoenix FM believes that no member of staff, volunteer or customer should receive less favourable treatment than another on grounds of race, colour, ethnic origin, religion, gender, sexuality, age, disability, offending background or any other irrelevant factor. In addition to our moral responsibility, we recognise our obligation under the relevant discrimination legislation.
2  Policy Implementation
1  All staff and volunteer appointments will be made on an applicant's ability to carry out the job.
2  A clear job description and person specification will be drawn up for each vacancy. Appointments will be made based on the person specification.
3  All permanent vacancies (and other vacancies for appointments lasting over six months) will be advertised locally and elsewhere as appropriate.
4  A minimum of two people will form the selection panel, both of whom will be aware of equal opportunities guidelines for selection. The lead person will be offered appropriate training.
5  Applications for posts will be monitored to check that the range of applicants reflects the diversity of the community.
6  A fair and open process will apply to all aspects of employment including training, promotion, transfer, dismissal and all other benefits and terms and conditions.
7  The Company operates with limited funds and is unable to provide additional benefits (such as childcare, etc). However, wherever practical given the constraints of the job, flexible working arrangements (including part-time working and job-share) will be given full consideration.
3  Provision of Services
Phoenix FM recognises that it cannot directly control access to most of its services (such as information services delivered on air and training opportunities delivered in schools). However, we aim to ensure equality of opportunity to our services by the following means:
1  maintain contact with a key link person in each service provision partner organisation to help partners gain a full understanding of the support available.
2  publicise our activities to ensure as wide as possible access.
3  ensure that all flyers/leaflets containing pictures avoid stereotyping and (as appropriate to the subject matter) reflect the diversity of our community.
4  work to ensure that the widest range of needs are catered for.
5  offer events in venues that are as widely accessible as possible.
6  request 'special provision' information in all booking and volunteer registration forms.
7  undertake equal opportunities monitoring of take up of provision.
4  Information will be provided to all staff regarding policy guidelines and implementation. Training will be provided where appropriate.
5  The policy will form part of the station manual and will be reviewed annually. It is next due for review on or before 19 September 2020.



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