Jobs working with music in radio?

Question

I went to a radio broadcasting conference over the weekend with my college class and it was primarily about talk radio, reporting, and tv broadcasting. They all said the music was what they had no control over, so I was disapointed. I'm interested in the music aspect. I'm a dj for my college radio station and sitting and listening to my favorite songs for hours, doesn't seem like a job. I just would want more control over the music. Such as choosing what plays, scheduling it, finding new music, working with bands/labels, promoting the music/staion. Working to actually bring good music to people. What position is in charge of this? I don't care if there is no money in it.

Answer 1

The music director. That's the person who listens to all the new music and makes recommendations. The music director also determines the rotation for the songs on the station playlist and develops the playlist - according to guidelines set by the PD. Most of this is software-driven these days.

But he/she answers to the program director (PD) who answers to the operations manager and/or (rarely with regard to music) the general manager. There's also the national and regional programming guys in bigger groups. So don't be surprised if your decisions/recommendations get over-ridden.

But you've got to go through a few years as a plain old DJ first, 'til you get some experience under your belt. You're also expected to stay on top of the music business in general, attend concerts and listening parties and have the answers about every new (and old) song that is or might be considered for airplay. Sounds great, huh? That's in radio.

The record labels also employ promotion people who call on the various stations (like a salesperson) to convince them to play certain records and add them to their playlists on a certain date to build momentum for the song and artist. These positions are not as prevalent as they once were. They require a dedication to the label's artists, specific songs and lots of persuasive phone calls and in-person visits to make your case. These are dream jobs with lots of competition and back-stabbing. It helps to live in Nashville, LA or NY.

Then there are the (even less prevalent) independent promoters who are hired by the labels to work a certain record to those stations/music directors/PDs with whom they have developed a relationship - this takes years and (generally) lots of experience. You might be able to squeeze in as an administrative person and work your way up, but usually these are former MDs and record promotion people who go into busines for themselves.

All these jobs require a tremendous amount of work, familiarity with the music and those who make it. Sounds like fun (and it can be) but looks can be deceiving. You're dealing with egos the size of blimps from all directions and decisions might be made over your head for which you have no reasoning nor recourse. You just have to go along - and probably pull an airshift as well.

The money's not great (until you get to the bigger markets), the hours are long. Weekends are spent at station functions; some of which are fun (good seats at the concerts) - some are dreadfully boring (giving away bumper stickers at a gas station - all day Saturday, then back again Sunday).

Good luck!

-a guy named duh

Answer 2

Duh has a very nice answer.  Best of luck to you.