Career as a Radio Disc Jockey

If you have a good voice, you're comfortable in front of the microphone, and you like to talk, a career as a radio disc jockey might be in your future.

Radio disc jockeys, or DJs, perform a variety of tasks on and off the air. They introduce songs, announce station program information, such as program schedules and station breaks for commercials, or public service information, and they introduce and close programs.

Radio disc jockeys read prepared scripts or ad-lib commentary on the air, as they present news, sports, weather, time, and commercials. If a written script is required, they may also do the research and writing for that script. DJs also interview guests and moderate panels or discussions. Some provide commentary for the audience during sporting events, at parades, and on other occasions.

Radio disc jockeys are separated into several broad categories. Some DJs specialize in a particular type music, announcing songs they air them. Most DJs do not select much of the music they play (although they often did so in the past); instead, they follow schedules of commercials, talk, and music provided to them by management. While on the air, radio disc jockeys also comment on the weather, news, and traffic. They may also take requests from listeners, interview guests, and manage listener contests.

Advances in technology make it possible for disc jockeys to do some work previously performed by broadcast technicians. At many music stations, for example the DJ is simultaneously responsible for both announcing and operating the control board, which is used to broadcast programming, commercials, and public- service announcements according to the station’s schedule.

The radio disc jockey career field has changed a lot in recent years. Changes in technology have led to more remote operation of stations. Several radio stations in different locations of the same region may be operated from one office. Some stations operate without any staff overnight, playing programming from a satellite feed or using programming that was recorder earlier, including segments from announcers.

Although most disc jockeys work from a radio studio, they may also do public address work. Public address system, or PA announcers provide information to the audience at sporting, performing arts, and other events. Some disc jockeys announce and play music at clubs, dances, restaurants, and weddings.

Working Conditions

Radio disc jockeys usually work in well-lighted, air-conditioned, soundproof studios. The broadcast day can be long at radio stations—many are on the air 24 hours a day—so DJs should expect to work unusual hours. For example, many stations present early-morning shows, when most people are getting ready for work or commuting, while others do late-night programs.

Additionally, disc jockeys often work within tight schedule constraints, which can be physically and mentally stressful. For many DJs, the intangible rewards—personal and professional contacts, creative work, and the satisfaction of becoming widely known—far outweigh the disadvantages of irregular and often unpredictable hours, work pressures, and disrupted personal lives.

Employment

Radio disc jockeys held about 80,000 jobs in 2003. More than half were employed in broadcasting, but some were self-employed freelance DJs who sold their services for individual assignments to networks and stations or to advertising agencies and other independent producers. About a third of all DJs work part time.

DJs are often are well known to radio audiences and may make promotional appearances and remote broadcasts for their stations.

Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement

Entry into radio announcing is highly competitive. Formal training in broadcasting from a college or technical school (private broadcasting school) is valuable. A college degree isn't absolutely necessary, but most radio disc jockeys have a bachelor’s degree in a major such as communications, broadcasting, or journalism.

Many station officials pay particular attention to taped auditions that show an applicant’s delivery and style on commercials, news, and interviews. Those hired by radio stations often start out as production assistants, reporters, or researchers, and are given a chance to move into announcing if they show an aptitude for “on-air” work. A beginner’s chance of landing an on-air job is remote, except possibly at a small radio station, as a substitute for a familiar DJ, or on the late-night shift at a larger station.

Radio disc jockeys usually begin at a station in a small community. If they show an aptitude for the job, and they're qualified, they may then move to a better paying job in a large city. Competition is especially intense for employment by networks, and employers look for college graduates with at least several years of successful announcing experience.

Needless to say, DJs must have a pleasant and well-controlled voice, good timing, excellent pronunciation, and correct grammar. College broadcasting programs offer courses, such as voice and diction, to help students improve their vocal qualities. Today's disc jockeys also need to be computer literate, because programming is created and edited by computer. They also need good writing skills, because they usually write their own material. In addition, they should be able to ad-lib all or part of a show and to work under tight deadlines.

Students may gain valuable experience at campus radio facilities and at commercial stations while serving as interns. Paid or unpaid internships provide students with hands-on training and the chance to establish contacts in the industry.

Unpaid interns often receive college credit and are allowed to observe and assist station employees. Although the Fair Labor Standards Act limits the work unpaid interns may perform in a station, unpaid internships are the rule. Unpaid internships sometimes lead to paid internships, which are valuable because interns do work ordinarily performed by regular employees and may even go on the air.

Persons considering enrolling in a broadcasting school should contact personnel managers of radio stations, as well as broadcasting trade organizations, to determine the school’s reputation for producing suitably trained candidates.

Job Outlook

Competition for jobs as radio disc jockeys will be keen because the broadcasting field attracts many more jobseekers than there are jobs. Small radio stations are more inclined to hire beginners, but the pay is low. Applicants who have completed internships or have related work experience usually receive preference for available positions. Because competition for ratings is so intense in major metropolitan areas, large stations will continue to seek DJs who have proven that they can attract and retain a sizable audience.

Employment of disc jockeys is expected to decline somewhat through 2012, due to the lack of growth of new radio and television stations and consolidation of existing stations,. However, other DJ jobs will become available from the need to replace those who transfer to other kinds of work or leave the labor force. Some disc jockeys leave the field because they cannot advance to better paying jobs.

Projected Earnings

Salaries in broadcasting vary widely, but generally are relatively modest, except for disc jockeys who work for large stations in major markets or for networks. Many DJs supplement their income by doing PA work and serving as disc jockeys at weddings, proms, and other special events.

So if you're prepared to compete in a highly desirable career field, and you've got the voice and delivery for radio work, a career as a disc jockey is worth looking into.