Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 5:45 AM AWST

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Develop and monitor program schedules

Develop and monitor program schedules

Unit of competency
National Code
CUFPPM501A
State Code
D1176
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
11/11/2010
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
31/10/2008
Field of Education
100103 - Drama And Theatre Studies
Original Release Date
31/10/2008
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to create program schedules for television and radio broadcasters.It requires the application of skills associated with planning, implementing and monitoring viable program schedules for radio and television.In this context, a programmer or scheduler liaises closely with program buyers and suppliers. A sound knowledge of program inventories is required, as well as a thorough understanding of demographics and audience flows and behaviours.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
Assess market requirements
  • 1. Analyse audience research and statistics to assess current performance of station's program schedule
  • 2. Identify target audience requirements, markets and demographic parameters as the basis for program scheduling
  • 3. Liaise with relevant personnel to determine direction and nature of programs required to meet broadcaster's policies and objectives
  • 4. Document appropriate market research and consumer patterns in viewing or listening as required
Assess current program schedule
  • 5. Assess current program inventory and types and suggest additions or variations to it in order to meet broadcaster's policies and objectives more effectively
  • 6. Assess performance indicators of current scheduling to determine strategies to increase or consolidate audience shares
  • 7. Evaluate market segments already catered for in the current schedule and identify market segments that may require additional or new programming
  • 8. Assess program schedule in terms of revenue performance and return on investment where applicable, according to station policies and objectives
  • 9. Consider strategies for scheduling programs across a range of distribution and transmission channels
Plan program schedules
  • 10. Devise program schedules that achieve desired audience shares in line with station requirements, policies and codes of practice
  • 11. Ensure program schedules maximise audience flows and audience demographic targets
  • 12. Consider program scheduling decisions in terms of audience appeal, interest and variety
  • 13. Ensure programs have appropriate weighting according to required impact and response
  • 14. Obtain sign-off on implementing proposed schedules as required
Monitor program schedules
  • 15. Monitor, evaluate and assess program schedules on a continuing basis to ensure they continue to meet audience targets
  • 16. Modify program schedules as required in consultation with relevant personnel
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Program schedules may include:
commercial advertising
community announcements
competitions
front and back sells
general programs
liners
music
news and weather breaks
station identification
station imaging and branding
trailers.
Target audience requirements may include:
attraction
full coverage
key points
understanding.
Relevant personnel may include:
agencies
archives
copyright agencies
departmental heads
marketing staff
presenters
program acquisitions' staff
ratings personnel
researchers
specialist program makers
station managers
transmission staff.
Policies and objectives may include:
broadcast codes of practice
broadcast standards
ethical standards
indigenous law and protocols
station policies.
Program inventory and types may include:
advertisements/commercials
arts and review
comedy
cooking shows
documentary
drama
education
forum or panel
game shows
interviews
lifestyle
live
music
news and current affair
political satire
religion
sport
talkback
youth, children and adult.
Performance indicators may include:
audience demographics
audience feedback
focus groups
market research
presenter profiles
press coverage
ratings
revenue figures.
Distribution and transmission channels may include:
AM or FM transmission
broadband
closed circuit television
fixed line or point to point
interactive media
microwave links
mobile telephones
personal digital assistants (PDAs)
podcasts
satellite.
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
development of at least two program schedules that meet the needs of a television or radio station
well-developed communication and organisational skills
ability to analyse and draw conclusions from a range of research materials
collaborative approach to work.

Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
access to relevant program inventories or to ratings and market research
availability of a range of audience profiles as targets for program schedules
access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required
use of culturally appropriate processes and techniques appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of learners and the work being performed.

Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance
evaluation of program schedules developed by the candidate, including discussion with candidate about the process followed to develop and monitor the schedules
written or oral questioning to test knowledge as listed in the required skills and knowledge section of this unit.

Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
CUFPPM402A Manage radio playlists
CUFRES401A Conduct research.
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
C4241 CUFPOP25A Develop and monitor a program schedule Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
AWH44 CUAPPM505 Develop, implement and monitor program schedules Unit of competency