How to Become a Radio DJ in Kentucky

From talk radio to Top 40, there's a radio station in Kentucky that can use a talent like yours.

The radio industry is competitive, no matter which market you are trying to get into, even in Kentucky. A career in radio does require some training and experience, but most of all perserverance. Most disc jockeys (DJs) get their start in promotions or as board operators and work their way up to getting weekend shifts. With the right talent and content, you can achieve your goal of becoming a radio DJ.

Things You'll Need

• Resume
• Aircheck or demo
• Email
• Website
• Social network accounts (i.e. Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, etc.)

Instructions

1. Research the radio stations in the market you're interested in. There's Bowling Green (#207), Lexington-Fayette (#103) and Louisville (#54), which is the highest market in Kentucky. Depending on your experience or training, you may want to try getting your foot in the door in the a lower market like Bowling Green.

2. Create a resume that focuses on your experience in radio. Whether you've worked as an intern in the promotions department or as a board operator, list it on your resume. If you don't have much experience, mention why you believe your skills and talent would benefit the station.

3. Produce an air check or demo that includes samples of your voice doing song intros/outros. You may also include commercials you've voiced or produced. Keep your air checks to less than five minutes. Program directors are limited on time and they can tell whether you have what they're looking for within the first minute or two of your demo. If you don't have any samples of your voice, ask friends or local DJs for help. You shouldn't have to spend a lot of money to create a demo.

4. Create accounts on all social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace. This is a key factor if your goal is to be on a Top 40/CHR radio station. It reflects your involvement in current trends and entertainment.

5. Call the station's main office number. Ask for the name of the program director. Program directors have hectic schedules, so don't be surprised if they don't take your call. Be sure to ask for an email address as a back-up. Some stations will give you the assistant program director's name and email instead. They screen the messages intended for the program director.

6. Follow up with the program director a few days after you've mailed your package. You can also call and leave them a voice mail, but following up with an email is sufficient unless it's been over a week since you've gotten any response. A good program director will respond either to say they are interested or they're not looking to hire new talent.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't be discouraged. Radio is very competitive. If a station isn't looking for new talent, try again in a few months. Radio stations may reassess their hiring strategies after quarterly ratings are released. Follow up with emails or phone calls to the program director at least once a week, but be careful not to be overly aggressive or annoying.

References

• Radio-Info
• All Access
• DJ Lysa D.

Resources

• Radio Airchecks
• Radio stations in Kentucky