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How do I create an aircheck?

F

football_45013

Hi all,

I need some help. I want to apply for a radio news anchor position. I don't have any radio experience. I told the news director this when I inquired about the job. However, he said he would be willing to train the right person and that he leaves no stone unturned. In other words, he is willing to consider me. I was shocked and happy at the same time. However, he did say he need an aircheck sample and writing samples. I can do the writing samples because I took a college class on writing radio script. That is no problem. The one problem I do have is that he wants an aircheck. I know an aircheck is a demonstration reading a script. However, I have no idea how to create one. How do I create an aircheck? I don't even know where to start. Can somebody give me step by step instructions on how to do this? Are there companies out there that provide this type of service? I live in the Cincinnati Ohio area so if anybody knows of any company around Cincy that can provide this type of service, please let me know. I do appreciate the help and I look forward to your responses. Thanks
 
Does your computer have a sound card? If so, use that with a good microphone. You can download a free audio editing program like Audacity and use that to edit your air check. When you're done, burn it to a CD.

Try to keep in mind what a PD looks for when listening to an air check. They will know in the first 10 -15 seconds whether or not you will ever have a chance to work for them. So what they hear first had better be your best.

Keep your air check to 2:30, 3 minutes tops. Chances are, they won't even have time to listen to half of it. If the PD wants to hear more samples, he'll tell you. They might even bring you in to see how fast you can write copy and cut up a news cast right there in the studio.

Although most of my experience has been in music programming, I would suggest you adding a little diversity to your air check. Get some balance with stories on a the national, state, and local level. Throw in a quick forecast, maybe a quick sports report...you could even end with a light-hearted kicker.

Above all...make sure you've got the facts right and you say all the names correctly!

There should never be any flubs or mistakes in an air check. I'm always amazed when I hear ones sent to me like that. Do it as many times as it takes to make it perfect.

Maybe once you've got it together...some pro's on this board could give you a review and some feedback.

Good luck!
 
Thank you very much!! I am now working on the scripts for my aircheck. I posted another topic asking if someone could edit my scripts for me. If you could give me some advice, that would be great.
 
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