What can we do to become a radio jockey.?

Question

i want to know what should we do,that is what are the precautions we should take to come into this field

Answer 1

OK, here's my brief version on 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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www.radio-info.com

Answer 2

Duh makes a lot of great points, however, the one thing he says about broadcast schools is a bunch of c**p.  I have been in radio for over 15 years over 5 of those years I have had the title of Program Director who is responsible of the hiring of on-air staff.  I have never, nor any PD or radio personality I have ever known (thats hundreds of people) have ever hired ANYONE from the Columbia School of Broadcasting.

Broadcasting "schools" are simply a way for people to make a lot of money off of the hopes and dreams of aspiring talent.  I'm just being blunt here, but they are worthless at best and criminal at worst.  This INCLUDES college radio!  If you feel that you must get an education to get into this business than please just major in someting that will help you if radio does not work out.  

The number one thing most PD's and OM's care about in looking for new talent is attitude.  Be confident, don't take no for an answer and for crying out loud be persistent!

Be willing to spend a few years paying your dues, but never give up!