How do I become a talk radio presenter?

Question

How do I become a talk radio presenter?

Answer 1

Hello,

In the past this involved a unique voice.  If you really pay attention to the voices around you it may spark interest.  Being familiar with the "issues of the day" and not especially any college blather from professional politicians is OK.  Have a special and sincere outside interest  (sport,outdoors,type of music, travel or).

If you happen to be in college they often have low-watt stations.  These are fought after jobs by  students who will likely not "play fairly" to be selected..  If you find closed doors ask why.

The myth in many jobs is "merit".  The myth that hiring at TV stations,major universities, or  so many other positions  is based on your "merit" not your political ties or your family's connections. This is simply not true. Money talks, this  is all I can say, which would be a good expose' for you to cover in your first broadcast.

If possible see if there is someone that is looking to mentor (coach) you.  It need not be at a flagship station (big ones) and make yourself useful doing what's needed.  

Bye,

PR

Answer 2

Becoming a talk show host is a long, and difficult process.

Most people start off as either producers (board operators), DJs, or reporters for newspapers ( for some reason, radio station management thinks a good reporter should make a good talk show host, which is no were near close to always being the truth).

In either case, radio is very much a business of attrition; which means you can expect to spend several years in the business before getting your chance on talk radio. This is partly because a lot of people want to do this kind of work (stiff competition) and partly because a certain amount of "life experience" really helps in handling callers, knowing what topics will be interesting to the audience, etc.

Technically: You may also want to work on your speaking voice, your ability to read aloud, and your diction.

Most places will want to hear a demo, so e-mailable wave file/MP3 samples of your best work are imperative.

After that, start networking, a lot. There's a real bias in this business that says "if you were good enough to be on the air, you would be there already". It sounds stupid, and it is, but it's all part of the weeding out process.

There's more, but that should give you enough to think about for now.

Good luck!