I want to know what a radio intern does. Some help?

Question

I need a job and I was thinking about signing up for a radio station I listen to, so I can be an intern for them. However I have no experience in radio at all, but it doesnt sound like you need any experience. One question I have is, What does a Radio intern do, and what would you need to be considered?

I have sent messages asking to be one before, but I have not recieved any response. If I wanted to be an intern, Where exactly SHOULD I send a message, and how would I at least get a response?

Answer 1

It really depends on what department you would be an intern for. If you have absolutely no radio experience, I would recommend trying to join the radio station's street team. This is the easiest way to get your foot in the door. Your responsibilities could range from handing out stuff at shows to setting up tent to an event call-in! You would want to contact the Program Director (PD) and the Promotions Director.

Another option that can be very handy is to learn how to board-op. If a station in the area carries baseball games or syndicated programming, they have someone in studio who makes sure the local commercials air. This will allow you to learn how the on-air console works and to learn the basics of whatever system is used for programming (ie- Citadel typically uses a system called "Scott" whereas Clear Channel uses one called "Prophet").

If you have an affiliation with a school (to be an intern, this is generally required), I'd recommend trying to become an intern in the Production Department. Learn how to dub agency commercials, how to use editing software such as Adobe Edit and Pro-Tools, and perhaps read a tag. Production skills are the best step towards becoming a DJ you can get! I can't recommend this enough. Again, the PD is your best bet... (or a school advisor).

However you get your foot in the door, ask as many questions as you can without being a nuisance! Say you want to learn how to voice-track, how to make commercials, what the letters on the music log mean, etc. And be willing to do anything that is asked of you-- heck, volunteer!

Apologies if used too much jargon and best of luck!