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How can I Begin a Career in Radio Broadcasting?
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  • Written By: Garry Crystal
  • Edited By: Niki Foster
  • Last Modified Date: 05 December 2011
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Radio broadcasting is one of the largest sectors of the media industry. There are many different jobs available within radio broadcasting, and the competition in the industry is fierce. If you intend to start a career in radio broadcasting, there are a few ways to get your foot in the door.

There are many educational courses designed with radio broadcasting specifically in mind. Many Communications and Media courses study radio broadcasting as part of the qualification. These courses are designed to provide an understanding not just of the on air aspect of the field, but also of the technical side.

Many radio courses can show you how to produce your own radio show. They will train you in all aspects, from editing to writing your own scripts. They will also train you in valuable areas such as market audiences and voice over techniques. A media qualification is extremely useful for gaining the radio training that employers look for.

Another way to kick start a radio broadcasting career is to research and contact your local radio station. If you manage to get your foot in the door of your local radio, you will gain valuable experience. You can work unpaid until you feel you are ready to apply for a permanent job. Volunteer work within radio will show that you are serious, and it will be looked upon favorably when you apply for upcoming jobs.

There are many job opportunities within local radio. Sales and marketing is one of the main jobs. The ability to sell airtime is a very valuable skill. Any sales training you have will come in handy when applying for this kind of radio job.

If you have your heart set on having your own radio show, be prepared to start at the bottom. Making your own demo tape to send to the station will be advantageous. It will not only give producers an idea of your voice, but also of your confidence and abilities. Make your tape or compact disc sound different from anything that can already be heard on the station. This will give you a fresh appeal, but make sure you are not too radically different or you may alienate your audience.

If you are given the chance of an interview at your local radio, make them aware that you are willing to do almost anything, within reason. Weather links, news bulletins or shows that air in the small hours will give you much needed experience. Make no mistake; these jobs are much sought after for that foot-in-the-door experience.

Script writing for radio is another way to break into radio broadcasting. Good quality radio plays and serials are much in demand by stations, and they are a good way to make your name known.

The age of the Internet has ushered in many new opportunities for radio broadcasting. The technology is now available to make and broadcast your own radio show from home over the Internet. Make sure you check out copyright laws before doing so. Your own radio show may be heard by countless people across the world and can be an excellent way to start networking your talents.

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Discuss this Article

StreamFinder
Post 5
What exactly do radio broadcasting courses cover? I'm looking into different schools of journalism, and would like to know if radio broadcasting classes are really worth taking, or if it's more of an experience-based thing.

Thanks for your input.

pharmchick78
Post 4
What would be some good tips for somebody looking to get into Christian internet radio broadcasting?

I have not attended a radio broadcasting school, but would really like to start a podcast or online radio show with a Christian focus.

Can someone advise me?

Thank you!

rallenwriter
Post 3
I was fortunate enough to intern at NPR, and I can tell you, radio broadcasting is fantastic, but also kind of scary to get into.

I mean, it's a career where you really start by getting thrown into the deep end.

Even if you attend a radio broadcasting college (which I didn't), then you still need to be able to quickly assimilate your radio broadcasting training: equipment, software, and writing knowledge are a huge plus.

In fact, I wrote scripts for weeks before I ever went on the air, and in retrospect, that was probably really good. By writing the scripts you get a feel for how many words you can comfortably say in a minute, and how to say things in a concise, but not terse, manner.

However, hard work aside, it really is great fun -- I would highly recommend this as a career to anybody with journalistic leanings.

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anon24147
Post 1
I've heard good things about broadcasting apprenticeships from a radio dj and a few talk show hosts. Can you address how these may be better than traditional broadcasting schools?

More specifically, can you tell me anything about the Broadcasters Mentoring Group? Thanks for any advice you can offer.

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