Radio?

Inx

Hey guys!

I've always wondered whether or not I'd be a good radio personality. It's something that has interested me, but since I'm unsure, I've never really pursued it. This has led to a complete ignorance on HOW to pursue it. I'm an english major, so that hasn't helped, but lately I've been trying to think of ways to see what it would be like. What does it take to produce a radio show - either over normal radio waves or via the internet? I would need to take a whole class to work with my university's radio station, and I dont have the room in my schedule for that. I'm assuming it would cost me some amount of money to start my own internet radio station, and it would be kinda tough to get a position in an already-existing station with zero experience. Any wisdom, tips, advice, or thoughts I haven't considered?

Thanks in advance!

enderwiggin13

You say you're an English major...I'm assuming in college - you may want to see if you have a school radio station. Most of the larger ones have radio stations that allow students to have shows (you usually have to start on the lesser AM station before you can prove that you can put on an interesting show - at least that's how it was at Virginia Tech). Granted, when you do finally get on FM you'll get a shit-shift (I had 5am to 8am on Wednesdays) but after a few semesters, if you're any good, you should get a good slot (I had a prime 3-5 slot on Friday afternoon.)

Inx

Yes, in college. However, if you'll look more carefully, I've already noted the problems with the university radio station - I dont have room for the requisite class, and sadly, I've come to this sudden interest rather late in the game, and if all goes well, will only be here another 2 or 3 semesters. So, if my experience would be similar to yours, I might never get the chance to be at a good time slot. However, I do appreciate the advice, and it would have been helpful if I'd asked about it a year ago. But, that can only be blamed on my own psyche.

Reckless

Hey! I've worked as a DJ for my high school & college radio stations for the past three years, and got an internship which turned into paid work at a very prominent Long Island station, so I can understand your situation pretty well.

My first piece of advice would be trying to talk to the Station Manager, who may or may not be a student as well, and see if you can't work anything out. Offer to take a shitty time slot, or ask if there's any DJs that wouldn't mind sharing their slot with a rookie. Unless your school is heavy on Communications, most kids working the station don't intend on going into radio as a career, and are simply doing it for fun and to meet new people. Because of that, they shouldn't mind letting a rookie get some mic time during their show.

Secondly, check local radio stations for internships. These are great experiences, but you will most likely become the station's bitch - it's totally worth it. In exchange for going out a dozen times dressed in a bear costume and working some 6pm-6am shifts, I gained an incredible behind-the-scenes look at how radio stations really operate.

As a piece of inspiration, I've heard plenty of stories from people in the business that simply walked into the door of a radio station or newspaper, and said, "I'll take whatever work you've got - BUT I am going to move up the ladder to broadcaster, etc" and they've gotten places.

Oh, and if you've got a good voice, look into voice acting for radio commercials and that sort of thing. You'll be competing for jobs with local radio DJs, but once you get a foothold in the business, it's a great way to make some side cash.

enderwiggin13

Sorry, I swore I read your whole post but somehow glossed over that entire sentence. We didn't have a required radio class, but I got started by guest hosting on my roommate's show. Do you know anyone taking the class or doing a show? It all sounds a bit more official than mine was, but we had friends stop by and pop on the air all the time...you might be able to at least get your foot in the door.

If you want to do internet radio, Shoutcast is as good a place as any to get familiarized with some of the basics and maybe start your own show.

http://www.shoutcast.com/support/docs/