FAQ
Broadcasting
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I'm an aspiring disc jockey. How do I break into the business?
I'm asked this question so often, I had to make it a FAQ. You can read how I broke into the business here.
First you need to understand that you'll work long hours and get very little pay. After you accept that, you'll need a demo of your talents.
Your demo should be your absolute best stuff, nothing less. Three to five minutes tops and you'd better have the creme de' le creme in the first thirty seconds or your tossed.
Now, get a haircut and shower. You don't want to smell like a solicitor when you go into the station, do you?
Ask to speak to the Program Director and never assume the PD is a 'he.' She could be standing right there when you ask.
If they are available to take an interview on the spot, consider yourself lucky and don't screw it up.
Be brief when answering questions and never lie about your experience. You'll be found out your first break on the air. Oh, and don't make any jokes.
Thank them for their time at least five times before leaving. Mix it up a bit, "Thank you so much for your time", "I appreciate your seeing me on such short notice", "I'm sincerely grateful for your taking your valuable time to speak with me", etc.
Walk out gracefully, greeting anyone you come in contact with in the hall. Smile.
Make your exit and calmly get on your scooter and ride away.
Follow up with the PD in one week, no sooner or you'll be thought of as a psycho. If you're lucky enough to speak to Mr./Ms. PD on the phone when you call, thank them again for their time.
At this point it doesn't hurt to ask if you may come in and observe another disc jockey while on the air. You may get a "yes."
If you do come in, ask questions and never assume anything. You won't know the answer if you don't ask the question. Oh, and unlike many other trivial things in life, there are dumb questions you should avoid while training.
They are:
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Do you ever date any of your listeners?
- What do I do if I have to use the bathroom while I'm on the air?
- When is payday?
- Wow! He/She is really hot. Who is that?
- Can I use your headphones?
- etc.. you get the point.
Don't take up every free moment the jock has with your questions. Observe as well. More can be learned with your mouth closed with eyes and ears open.
Are you taking down notes? You should be.
Ask the disc jockey about DJ lingo. Some examples:
- What is a cart?
- What does talking up the ramp mean?
- What's the outro mean?
- Does it hurt to be stepped on?
- You can drive a truck through what?
Anyone with any experience on the air can answer all these questions and more.
These are the two most important things to remember while training.-
If you already have radio experience and are moving to another station: Never, ever refer to how you did something at another radio station.
- If you don't have any experience: Don't suggest how you think something can be done better.
Now use what you've learned and toss your hat into the ring when the station announces they're hiring. Good job.
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