Basics about being a disc jockey/broadcasting

What training is involved on job?

• In this highly competitive industry, broadcasters are less willing to provide on-the-job training, and instead seek candidates who can perform the job immediately.

How does a person in this career spend their hours?

• Announcers read news items and provide other information, such as program schedules and station breaks for commercials or public service information. Many radio announcers, referred to as disc jockeys, play recorded music on radio stations. Disc jockeys may take requests from listeners; interview guests; and comment on the music, weather, or traffic. Most stations now have placed all of their advertisements, sound bites, and music on a computer, which is used to select and play or edit the items. Technological advances have simplified the monitoring and adjusting of the transmitter, leaving disc jockeys responsible for most of the tasks associated with keeping a station on the air. Traditional tapes and CDs are used only as backups in case of a computer failure. Announcers and disc jockeys need a good speaking voice; the latter also need a significant knowledge of music.What does it pay? on commission or steady?

What does it pay?

• Weekly earnings of nonsupervisory workers in broadcasting averaged $827 in 2006, higher than the average of $568 for all private industry.

Do a lot of people have this career?

• depends on area
  

Would I have to live somewhere specific to do this career?

• Keen competition is expected for many jobs, particularly in large metropolitan areas, because of the large number of jobseekers attracted by the glamour of this industry.

How much time would be be devoted to this career? Would it be full time or part time?

• Many broadcast employees have erratic work schedules, sometimes having to work early in the morning or late at night. In 2006 an employee in broadcasting worked an average of 36 hours a week

What skills are desired to be successful?

• good speaking voice; need a significant knowledge of music, computer training

What education do I need?

• Job prospects will be best for applicants with a college degree in broadcasting, journalism, or a related field, and relevant experience, such as work at college radio and television stations or internships at professional stations.

What are some schools with good programs for achieving this career?

• Kirkwood
  

How would I find job openings in this area?

• Many entry-level positions are at smaller broadcast stations; consequently, workers often must change employers, and sometimes relocate, in order to advance.

What kind of insurance is available?

• Workers in broadcasting generally receive standard benefits, including health insurance, paid vacation and sick leave, and pension plans, although often few benefits are available to part time workers and those who work for small employers.

How much traveling might be involved?

• to and from work

What would be the potential dress code?

• Causal but nice
  

What if I get sick or injured and can't work for awhile?

• Depends on employer

What kind of job security is there overall?

• Unionized; depends on different factors and your job performance