How to get a job on the radio?

Question

i was just thinking about jobs i am 17 and thought about working on the radio i have a great voice and personality so i was wondering how to aproach getting a job with a radio station

Answer 1

Hate to break it to you gentleman, but an education in radio is stupid and unnecessary in the modern day.  In fact, you would be better off majoring in something else just to have a fallback plan in case your radio dream fails.  

To get into the business these days, you simply need to have enough drive and determination to get the attention of the PD (program director).  Offer to gas up the station vans before remotes.  Put together an aircheck (google it) and get comfortable with hearing your own voice -- just don't send it to anyone yet.  Once you get into college, contact your local stations and try to get an internship.  A lot of the younger voices that you hear on the air today got their start with an internship.  Morning shows are usually always looking for a first-string coffee retriever.

You will make no money for the first few years, but if you truly love what you're doing, the money will not matter.  Good luck.

Answer 2

Brother is right, that education is a great first step and many got their start like I did in a college radio station.  Failing that, try to get in on the ground floor, by learning somthing about electronics, doing any volunteer work around community stations,  taking part time work doing anything that will get your foot in the door.  Once in the door, listen study and learn.  Lot's of people want to be a radio star, but you will have to pay your dues on the way up.  I know one great talent that started out washing the station cars, another who put up tents at promotions until he was able to get on the air part time and now has worked up to a morning show in a major market!

Answer 3

I teach at Columbia college - which is a TV/Film/Radio school and if you go to a college like Columbia - you will learn all of the tools that will get you an in for a DJ position.  The school I teach is in Chicago and most students go on to have a great carer. I don't know where you live - but do some reaches  in your area and I'm sure you will be successfully.

Good luck and don't give up on your dream,  It takes a lot of hard work at the school of you chose - but it will pay off.