How to get into radio work, I have exp. as a DJ....?

Question

I have been a regular public DJ (bar shows, private parties, weddings, etc) for about a year now, yeah I know that doesn't sound like much experience but I get a lot of compliments on how well I do my job...

Now I want to get into radio work, I'm wondering about recording a sound demo to submit to the radio station, I'm nervous about pursuing all of this...?!!!???!! What should I say to the "boss man" if I do go into a radio station and ask for a job? Someone please give input if you have it, thanks! :)

Answer 1

yer best bet would be to call yer local radio stations and check on on the possibility of workin' on a part-time basis with the promotions department...make sure you have a cover letter and resume to submit should you fill out an application...

should you get hired...you'll have access to the station and one of the cooler full time or part time announcers should let ya hang out in the control room durin' airshifts...study the format, control board,  hot clock, etc...

make it known to the program director that you want to do on-air work...use the station's production room to make a demo usin' the elements of the station's format...volunteer to run the board for countdown shows and the like...listen to any and all feedback to improve yer presentation on yer demo tape...

finally...let it be known that yer willin' to work shifts on weekends, overnights, holidays (but don't let it interfer with yer dj business too much)...

radio can be a cruel and heartless; but, if you can stay strong and weather all the storms...you'll do great...

good luck to you...

Answer 2

While I'd change a few things in it, Duh has a pretty good writeup and walking up to "the boss man" and expressing my interest in it as a career is how I started back when I was 16.

I'll try to expand on what he wrote a little further so it's more specific to your question:

The club DJ experience is unlikely to matter much to a Program Director because there is a huge difference between doing a wedding or party and being broadcast on 100,000 watts (or whatever the respective station is pumping out).

The demo is actually a very good idea since you've never been on-air before and I'd suggest making one but I'd also warn that you're probably not going to get hired and put on-air. In every case I've ever been involved with, experience-lacking people started off playing board-op for months before they ever cracked a mic open and spoke on-air. But a demo will give them an idea of what you could sound like and how much work you'll need to do.

The key to entering radio in the way you're asking out is to be persistant and be ready and willing to pay your dues. If you look long enough and hard enough and in the right spots, someone will give you an opportunity to earn your career.

Answer 3

Don't be so sure that your bit of experience won't count. It won't play a major part in the decision, but it can't hurt. Here's a short essay I've used before on this board for those aspiring to a radio career.

- a guy named duh

How to get in radio-in the US.

Take it from one who started this way. If you want to try radio as a possible career choice, It's easy, really easier than most think. Go to all the local radio stations and tell them you're willing to do anything for little or no money (at first). Including interning (though those are usually for current college students in a broadcasting major). In a big city, that's going to be more difficult than a smaller town, but not impossible.

Maybe they need a Gofer, or a production or promotion assistant. In the old days you used to be able to 'hang out" at a station. That's still a possibility (usually at night) in a small town, but in a bigger city, it's hard because the stations are in office buildings. Anyway, so maybe you get a Gofer or promotion assistant job. Or maybe you're just the kid who hangs out and will go get burgers. Then as people leave for bigger better gigs, you move up. Radio's a very fluid business. People move a lot. Because the only way to really get promoted is to go to a bigger market.

Give it a try. You've got nothing to lose. Study all the stations where you live. Visit some of the websites I'll put below. Go around to all the stations (obviously start with the ones where you like the music - but don't leave out religious stations, foreign language stations etc. anything to get experience and something legit on your resume). Because you've studied the station and listened to their format, you'll impress them with your knowledge; go to the remote broadcasts and get to know the promotion people - the ones hanging banners, in the tent and handing out bumper stickers.

Sooner or later someone will leave and you can say, "Hey, I can do that, I want his job now that he's leaving." It's important you have a driver’s license & clean record, 'cause you'll be driving the station van. Go 4 it!

Also, many colleges and some high schools (especially magnet schools) have radio courses of study and there are private vocational schools like Columbia School of Broadcasting. Emerson College in Boston is the premiere Media College in the US.

If you are interested in a career in radio, check out this great scholarship program from the John Bayliss Broadcast Foundation. It could mean $5,000 towards your tuition!

www.baylissfoundation.org

Maybe you can turn another skill, with accounting, traffic, or engineering into an off-air career. Sales, though not as popular with young people, is a great way to get into radio even if you don't have a great voice. You'll also make more money and work steadier hours - but it's not as glamorous. Radio stations also need salespeople, acountants and business managers

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