What should be on a radio "Air Check"?

Question

I'm working on one right now, and I was wondering if someone could tell me the stanard material that should be put on it, and the length of it.

Answer 1

If it's a music station the check should be telescoped (unless they specifically ask for a full-length or non-edited check). Telescoping means you take out all but the first few seconds of anything other than your presentation: music, commercials etc. The PDs have all heard the songs and they don't need the spots. They're trying to hear how you sound and what you do with and within the elements.

For a news/talk check: you should send short samples of your best newscasts and/or talk segments.

Neither of these should be more than 5-10 minutes in length (if they want more, they'll call back and ask - and that's a good sign). This should be your best work. There should be no obvious edits, blips, feedback, extraneous studio noises etc. It has to be perfect. BUT make sure you can deliver if you get the job. Don't send an aircheck that doesn't accurately reflect what you can deliver on a day-to-day basis.

Good luck!

-a guy named duh

Answer 2

They will wanna hear you, so give them you waffling away,

ensure it is you at your best and reflects you and what you are able to offer.

no more then 15 minutes and no less then 10 is a good lenth

regards x kitti x

Answer 3

If it's for a music station, a few samples of "DJ Chatter" between songs; for news or news/talk a sample newscast

works well.

It doesn't have to be very long - 7-10 minutes tops.

You just want to convey your sound to the station's decision-maker.