How to Break Into Radio Broadcasting
Aspiring radio broadcasters, listen up. Before deciding to make the ultimate leap into this career path, you should have a clear understanding of the expectations required of the job, and how to work your way up to being a popular on air personality. Read on to learn how to break into radio broadcasting.
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Instructions
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Understand the potential drawbacks. In any entertainment field, the public will get to know you and sometimes a few people can get a little obsessed. When making the decision, keep in mind your privacy could be violated. There are always those who will not like what you say or how you say it. (You can't please everyone) You will tend to hear more about what you say or do wrong that right. So, the big question is can you handle being belittled, made fun of or insulted publicly? You will also make mistakes that many people will hear. We are all human and make mistakes, but in radio, listeners tend to think you should be perfect. Can you deal with making a mistake and getting past it when many people will continue to bring it to your attention?
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If you have decided to give broadcasting a try, then prepare a resume. When you apply, give the station your resume and a recording of your voice either doing a mock commercial or just speaking on a general topic no shorter than 15 seconds and no longer than 60 seconds unless they ask for something specific. If you are called in for an interview, be honest about yourself, your experience and your goals. It is very rare that a person with no experience be brought in and made the host of an on air show. You will probably start out running the equipment and learning how the station operates, doing a lot of paperwork and possibly being the voice talent for some commercials. If you show you are eager to learn and willing to do the small stuff, you will be entrusted with more responsibility.
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If you get to the point of doing live on air work, it is recommended that you script what you want to say until speaking to a microphone becomes more natural. In radio your audience doesn't see you and you don't see them so it is sometimes very difficult to just talk and be fun, funny and sound natural. It's easier when you have a co-host or take callers on the air, but keeping things rolling by yourself becomes easier the more you do it. Do not feel bad if you never get it down. As with any job, radio is not for everyone, but do your best and chances are you will succeed.
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Finally, be aware of all broadcasting regulations. The most important are for you to remain appropriate for your area, station, frequency, audience and time of day and type of show. Know the copyright laws and make sure anything you use or air have the proper permissions. And be courteous to everyone, because you represent not only yourself, but your company, station, ideals and listeners. Welcome to the glass house.
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