Introduction
The radio industry is one of the oldest industries that has seen rise as well as fall. The most exhilarating part of this industry is its revival. It’s the only industry in media that is making a comeback. The reason for the come back is lack of time. As the world continues to grow, we understand the importance of time and choose not to waste a minute. Hence, instead of watching videos, people are now switching back to podcasts, radio news, and other entertainment programs that rely on listening. Naturally, this creates a demand for radio jockey. The following are some important points to keep in mind if you wish to work for radio.
1) Who are they?
A radio jockey is an individual that presents the content of a radio station. They ensure the smooth running of the station. The content offered by each radio station differs. Hence every radio Jokey has his/her unique ways of presenting. They require some special set of skills for the job and are partial celebrities!
2) Education
The job doesn’t demand you to be highly educated. Complete your graduation in mass communication subjects. There are diploma courses if one does not wish to do regular graduation.
3) College
Mumbai is the hub for radio studies. Some of the colleges you can apply for include:
4) Internship
A key to enter in any field is always an internship. Make sure you complete a few internships related to radio during your college days. It will help you get a job as a fresher directly after your graduation. An internship will train you for what is to come as a daily job and hone your skills.
5) Career
Radio jockeying further dives into a different position for work.
- Announcer: They read ads between shows. It is the first position one put into working for radio.
- Newsreader: these are the ones that host all news programs for the station.
- Music directors: Radio is incomplete without music. A music director ensures to keep up the quality music and public demand.
- On– Air work: their job is the management of prepared programs. This also includes scheduling ads and other announcements. Their job is to maintain engagement and not to lose the audience.
- Production director: they are responsible for the type of shows a station presents and management of on-air traffic.
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6) Skills
A radio jockey needs to have a certain set of skills. They need to be engaging to retain audience attention. Voice modulation, articulation, and effective pauses are extremely important. Your voice is everything here.
7) Voice Exercise
It may seem easy to go and talk on the radio, but it is not. One need to understand voice modulation requires throat exercise. Articulation and pauses need practice. Make sure you give your voice box a break. Because it needs to have a good presentation at the station.
8) Don'ts
Radio though is about speaking to millions, yet a personal touch is what makes it great. If you are a chatterbox, don’t consider yourself qualified. Talking won’t help, but meaningful conversation will.
Fumbling is a distraction, avoid it as much as you can.
Don’t sensationalize and spread misinformation. It could get you into serious trouble.
9) Side Job
Your time as a radio jockey is limited. You can’t talk the whole day. Stations often have other jobs such as scripting for radio. Though each jokey is asked to script his/ her content. One can ways take help and learn. Voice over artists is always in demand for TV. Be it for news or reality shows. Sign yourself up for these jobs to gain more experience.
10) Salary
The average income of a radio Jokey is around 10 – 15k per month. But this may vary as per the type of show you host and your experience years in the industry. Better the position more the income. Some radio jockeys earn up to 1-2 lakhs per month.
