How to Become a Radio DJ
Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of a Radio DJ
What does a Radio DJ do?
A A disc jockey, often abbreviated as DJ, is a person who plays existing recorded music for a live audience. Most common types of DJs include radio DJ, club DJ who performs at a nightclub or music festival and turntablist who uses record players, usually turntables, to manipulate sounds on phonograph records. Originally, the disc in disc jockey referred to gramophone records, but now DJ is used as an all-encompassing term to describe someone who mixes recorded music from any source, including cassettes, CDs or digital audio files on a CDJ or laptop. The title DJ is commonly used by DJs in front of their real names or adopted pseudonyms or stage names. In recent years it has become common for DJs to be featured as the credited artist on tracks they produced despite having a guest vocalist that performs the entire song: like for example Uptown Funk. DJs use audio equipment that can play at least two sources of recorded music simultaneously and mix them together to create seamless transitions between recordings and develop unique mixes of songs. Often, this involves aligning the beats of the music sources so their rhythms do not clash when played together or to enable a smooth transition from one song to another. DJs often use specialized DJ mixers, small audio mixers with crossfader and cue functions to blend or transition from one song to another. Mixers are also used to pre-listen to sources of recorded music in headphones and adjust upcoming tracks to mix with currently playing music. DJ software can be used with a DJ controller device to mix audio files on a computer instead of a console mixer. DJs may also use a microphone to speak to the audience; effects units such as reverb to create sound effects and electronic musical instruments such as drum machines and synthesizers.
radio DJ, and some new forms of radio will cater to more DJ talking than others.
Sometimes a radio show has a particular theme as well, in which case the DJ will be responsible for facilitating conversations on that theme.
Some radio shows feature a call-in format, which means listeners can call into the radio show and speak directly with the radio DJ.
This allows the topic at hand to be discussed with a wider array of people, and it can make the radio show more interesting and less predictable.
Other radio show formats call for more than one DJ to discuss a topic or various topics throughout the course of the show.
Step 2: Learn best tips to become a Radio DJ
Best tips for those who want to become a Radio DJ
Here are some tips to become a Radio DJ.
There's a lot more to our job than just pressing play.
Things go wrong with live radio all the time.
And our radio software often drives us mad.
Dead air is our worst nightmare.
We've all accidentally sworn on air at some point.
Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Radio DJ
Best colleges and universities for Radio DJ
- Calvin University
- Colby-Sawyer College
- Augustana University
- University of South Carolina--Upstate
- New York University
- CUNY--Queens College
Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be a Radio DJ
Is being a Radio DJ Worth it?
Lee kept the caller talking on talkRADIO, a popular radio station in the UK, while his producer contacted emergency services.
However, one allegedly racist tweet by BBC Live presenter Danny Baker didn’t go over as planned—and now the radio host has been fired from the station because of his “serious error of judgment.”.
The remark was heard coast to coast on 60 radio stations and the MSNBC cable network.
His radio show, once home to presidential hopefuls, political pundits and platinum-selling musicians, was yanked eight days later by CBS Radio.
Smith, who worked for over 20 years as a DJ at WJTL-FM, a Christian radio station based in East Hempfield Township, asked for forgiveness from the community.
Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being a Radio DJ
What skills do you need to be a Radio DJ?
A bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism will provide a strong foundation for a career as a radio DJ and graduate level degrees are also an option.
Many colleges have radio stations on campus, creating an opportunity to gain some hands-on experience.
Knowledge of broadcasting equipment, Federal Communications Commission guidelines and software editing programs are also part of the necessary training to become a radio personality.
Interpersonal skills are extremely important as a radio DJ often answers calls from listeners and conducts interviews.
Perfect your skills and develop your radio persona while working at a small station.
Step 6: View average salary for Radio DJ
How much does a Radio DJ make?
The average salary range for a Radio DJ is from $35,188 to $52,135. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.
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Step 7: Find relevant Radio DJ jobs, and apply.
Looking for Radio DJ jobs?
Here are some Radio DJ jobs in the United States.