Media booking and traffic jobs involve managing and improving traffic for media outfits, such as TV networks, radio stations, websites, and advertising agencies. Job opportunities vary from clerical and rank-and-file jobs to high-profile ones, largely depending on company size and nature of the business. While most are in the mainstream media industry, you can also find openings in small businesses, such as independent publications and university media departments. Most jobs are full-time and involve moderate to heavy travel.
Employees in this industry can earn anywhere from AU$19,000 to over $55,000 per year; the average salary is $39,000. Benefits also vary, but mainstream media companies usually offer better packages. Experience and qualifications can greatly affect your earning potential.
Job types
Booking agent - this involves booking parties such as suppliers, photographers, talents, and artists. This makes it more of a sales/marketing job, so experience in this department will come in handy.
Marketing trafficker - these people oversee the execution of ad campaigns to ensure that traffic and circulation needs are met. They usually work for newspapers, websites, or PR/advertising agencies.
Production coordinator - this job involves scheduling shoots, booking talents and crew, and often finding locations for shoots. Multi-tasking is a regular part of the job, so it's a job for the detail-oriented.
Skills and qualifications
Most media booking and traffic jobs require a bachelor degree in media, communications, advertising, public relations, or other related fields. Further education is usually not required, but may come in handy when applying for senior or managerial positions. Experience in advertising is also a plus, but entry-level positions are offered by some smaller companies (mainstream networks almost always require experience). Other skills you may fund useful include:
- Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
- Above-average interpersonal skills
- Multi-tasking and excellent attention to detail
- Computer literacy and knowledge of basic office applications
- Travel experience, or willingness to travel for work
