About Radio Disc Jockeys

Though the golden age of rock n' roll (and radio, for that matter) is over, there is still a place for disc jockeys in this world. People--whether they're driving, sitting at home or in a store or mall--need to be entertained. Disc jockeys not only play music, they also add personality to the listener's day, and because they're usually broadcasting nearby, they become part of people's lives and everyday existence.

Misconceptions

Radio disc jockeys do more than play music over the airwaves. On-air personality is a better job description. It doesn't take much skill to spin records on the air, but keeping listeners entertained, engaged, and listening without changing the station is a job that takes quite a bit of talent. Any slowdown in the pace of the radio show, or lack of enthusiasm, and listeners will flee faster than you can say "Arbitron ratings."

History of

The days of the larger-than-life DJ are mostly behind us; chances are there will no longer be another Alan Freed or Murray the K, whose reputations far outlived their radio careers (and lifespans, for that matter). Many in the entertainment business started their careers as DJs, including George Carlin, Howard Stern and Don Imus. With the advent of satellite radio, online radio, podcasts and syndicated programming, there is no shortage of opportunities for personalities who want to be disc jockeys.

Size

A radio DJ could be anyone from the graveyard shift in the Midwest, with a small audience, to hosts on satellite radio, with the ability to reach billions of listeners worldwide. Since every radio station has several on-air personalities that cover every shift (weekdays as well as weekends), and there are only a few nationally famous "name" DJs out there, that means the percentage of who make it to the top of the pack is extremely minuscule.

Time Frame

The most listened-to time for radio is drive time, the mornings, usually 6-10, and in the afternoons from about 4-7. Drive time is to radio what prime time is to television, and stations put their best (and most entertaining) personalities on the air. The midday, overnight and weekend shifts are usually staffed by competent, but usually more sedate talent.

Risk Factors

In the radio business, you have to start at the bottom, and most end up staying there. The pay for DJs (and other radio personalities) is quite low, and the industry is notorious for its desire to chase the ratings. For a DJ, that means there are a large number of potential pitfalls; format changes, attempts to attract a younger demographic, management shake-ups, airing of syndicated content and corporate consolidation are all factors that can jeopardize job security.

Resources

• National Radio Hall of Fame
• Connecticut School of Broadcasting