Getting into newsradio

[radioguy84]

Hello everyone. I've been lurking around here and this has actually been a great place to see what goes on in the industry. I just have a quick question. What is the best way to get into news radio. I have a journalism background but have always been interested in it. I libed in Philadelphia so I used to listen to KYW a lot growing up. Since I've been in Delaware, I have listened to WDEL. Just curious. Thanks.

 

[Oscar Madison]

Unfortunately, entry level opportunities in Wilmington dried up when Clear Channel took over WILM.

 

[Ravens]

Do anything but radio in Sussex County. Eventually you'll get a show on WGMD. Suggested lines of work: blogger, child of D-list celeb.

 

[MikefromDelaware]

Assuming they need someone, WDEL might consider you for a weekend reporters job [you said you've got Journalism experience, so assuming you mean as a reporter]. That might be a way to get your foot in the door at WDEL [maybe they'd give you an apprenticeship to learn the radio part of being a reporter]. Maybe even WILM [Wilmington] / WDOV [ Dover] would have an opening for part time reporter or apprentice.

However, usually folks get their start at smaller stations. Maybe the NPR station in Dover, WDDE [Del State Univ] might have an opening for a part timer or maybe would give you an apprenticeship opportunity [at no pay] to learn about doing radio. Then you'd have some actual radio experience and have a tape to give to the News Directors at WDEL, and WILM/WDOV.

You might want to look at a smaller market, so yes Sussex County and WXDE [WDEL's sister station] Lewes. Again maybe an apprenticeship to learn the radio side of being a reporter. WGMD [Rehoboth Beach] might be interested. Then there's Ocean City, MD. Maybe a South Jersey news talker or Lancaster. Maybe a college station like WXPN [U of Penn], WVUD [U of DEL] Newark, WGLS [Rowen Univ]Glassboro NJ for apprenticeships.

Bottom line, is you're going to have to search around. Sadly small stations these days are a radio station in a closet taking programming from the bird [satellite]. The opportunities that used to be other there for someone starting out aren't there. I believe most younger folks today get their experience via college at their campus radio station.

Hope this is helpful.

 

[TheBigA]

One suggestion is Total Traffic Network in Bala Cynwyd. It's the regional news & traffic service owned by IHeart, formerly Metro Traffic.

Another option is to volunteer for area non-coms listed in the previous post. A friend of mine has done reports for the Delaware NPR station, WDDI. No money, but it keeps him active. It helps if you know digital editing, and Word Press or similar web platforms.

 

[Ravens]

Looks like you can also get busted for the SEC for trading violations and get a job at WGMD.