Whats its like to be Radio DJ?

Question

Whats the life of a radio or internet music DJ like?

Answer 1

I can tell you about being a radio jock, not internet, and my experience is relatively old (BTW we rarely use the term DJ).

OK, number one: It depends on who you work for. I haven't been on the air for many years, but it hasn't changed too much. There's some voice-tracking and syndication we didn't have, but there are still plenty of 6-day a week jocks holding  down an air shift. In the day, sometimes it was great and sometimes it wasn't.

If you are working for a highly-rated station in a big city with talented co-workers, it is indescribable. You are in the middle of everything that's happening in your city. Music, concerts, clubs, public appearances, bonuses for big ratings. Nothing can beat it. But there are only a few stations in each mid-sized city that fit that description. Maybe a half dozen in the bigger cities. One or two in a small town.

So the middle-tiered stations offer a different experience. And, once you've done it for a while, and if you're working for penny-pinchers, the excitement wears off and it can become a numbing routine. If you are on your way up - you will be discouraged by the attitude of some of your fellow jocks, don't let those on their way down throw you off point.

On the other hand, if you're at a great station that you're proud of, it can be terrific. So, you ask, why wouldn't you just work for the great ones?

Family, mortgage, groceries... or "I'm just starting." So when the inevitable happens, and you get fired or take a job that turns out to be not-so-great, you have to take what comes along or hang in depending on the situation. If you're just starting, take anything just for the experience.

Don't get me wrong, radio can be a great business. It hasn't been AS great lately because only a few big companies own the majority of the stations with a good enough signal to matter. Like anything else, a couple of those big companies are excellent. Others aren't. Many are public companies that owe their loyalty to stockholders instead of the listeners, advertisers and employees. That's a shame, but it's the way it is.

Here's a hint: always go to the big signal - don't believe it when management tells you the little station is going to get an upgrade. You can always work for them after they get it. In radio you can't do squat if people can't hear you - and that takes a big signal.

I'm trying to give you both sides of the coin and I'm sure you want to know how to get to the "great" as opposed to the "not so great." Work your butt off. Concentrate on nothing else. Volunteer for any job you can get. Practice. Prepare. Write bits and material, revise, re-write. Practice some more.

If you want to do music radio, study the artists and labels. If you want to do talk, study the issues, read at least three newspapers daily and keep up with blogs and the cable/network superstars. Get involved with people who are very talented. Follow their example (and their coat tails).

It's best not to marry until you are well established. but if you must, do not have children until you have at least 2-3 years of emergency money invested somewhere.

Find a mentor and follow the lead they set. You might make it. If you do, don't ever take it for granted and slack off. Because once you've made it, others are going to want your job - so you have to work even harder.

-a guy named duh

Answer 2

Radio beats working for a living!  If it wasn't for radio I would have to get a real job and probably have to wear a tie.  Yuck!

For the last 10 years I've been lucky enough to make my living in radio.  Right now I can't see myself doing anything else.  

One of the best things about the business is a person can go as far as they want to.  If you want to work in LA or a small farm town in N Dakota, you can do it in radio.  

Radio is still fun for me.  I can show up to work in jeans and t-shirt or shorts and flip flops.  I haven't paid for a concert ticket or CD in 10 years.  The best part is I have made some life long friends both in and out of the business.

Answer 3

Was in broadcasting for 7 years. still in the business but not on air any more..

At first i have to admit the job was SWEET.

your alone in a room with all this equipment and people can hear you and call you and interact with you.

then i took time to play on the internet and learned to edit phone calls to my advantage...

After a while it did get old.. i think maybe i got to old for the scean.. a lot of little kids called every 3 minutes... for baby got back and it get's old...

I also worked at a bar and that's not fun unless your into the bar scean.

over all the pay sucks the hours can be very wacky with remotes.. i'm sure you heard this " this is (dj name) out at the 711 for the new slushy drink stop by and get a free sample between 2-4 while i'm there. this is(dj name) right here on (station name)

you met a lot of people and get to go to some free shows sometimes.. (get good with promotion)

i would say don't waste your money on school but a internship is very helpfull you don't get paid but you met the people.. and the first thing they told me in school was it's not what you know it's who you know!!! emerse your self and you will go far.. be flexable and assertive and you will go further..

Best wishes!!!  maybe i'l'l see you out there!