Is college radio good to start out in?

[icycool7227]

I would like to know if college radio is good to start out in the field? On many college stations the music is not good as commercial radio and the voice overs and on-air spots are not as professional sounding either. Would you recommend starting out a broadcasting career on a college station and why or why not? I would like serious opinions here because I'm thinking of starting at a small college station near where I live and they only offer on-air work if you attend their school.

 

[Beejus]

I would like to know if college radio is good to start out in the field? On many college stations the music is not good as commercial radio and the voice overs and on-air spots are not as professional sounding either. Would you recommend starting out a broadcasting career on a college station and why or why not? I would like serious opinions here because I'm thinking of starting at a small college station near where I live and they only offer on-air work if you attend their school.

It honestly depends on what school you go to.

Some schools' radio stations are literally just there. People will take up some time and play whatever they want, and then hand off the mic to the next person etc. You can find some interesting specialty shows that way, but I wouldn't really expect to learn much except the basics.

Some colleges run their radio stations as professional sounding stations. Scheduled logs, "stopsets" etc. The production and on-air talent aren't going to be top-notch big market, but hey. It's 18 year old kids cracking the mics for the first time in their lives.

My school (Ithaca College. Not to pimp my alma mater... but just for example) has two radio stations, both professionally run, but completely student run. From station manager down to the talent. It was my experience in this setting that helped me make a kickass demo tape and land me my first gig right out of school.

I'm not saying if the station is free-form, you won't get a gig. If you've got the chops, and can show it, then that's all that matters. Just make the most of your time on the air at the station.

 

[johnbasalla]

The more professional a station is run, then the better the learning experience will be. A station that has a format with an identified target audience to work for and please is particularly of value. It's real easy to have your own show where you get to play what you want, but that's not the real world. Too often the DJ/host forgets about building, securing and pleasing an audience. Nobody is going to hire you to entertain yourself. There's a lot to learn and work for. Radio stations don't really need just "DJ's". They need well-spoken people who can entertain and hold the audience. What can you offer that is compelling inbetween the songs? Actually it seems that the on-air people that make it big are talk-radio people, even on music stations in morning drive. So, being conversant with the lifestyle choices of the target audience and being able to speak intelligently about the most important issues in the news is of value.

 

[rstatic]

I would agree it depends on which college and station...this is also a discussion I love...too many people say college stations should play "college music." Nobody can really define for me "college music." I have students who love country, others who love rock, and still others into classical and alternative. So, I 100% agree that a radio station that simply lets you entertain yourself, may be fun, but won't do a lot to help you get a job. If you are simply looking to get into radio, I might suggest you start knocking on doors now. You may have to go to a small market, or start out on a street marketing team, but you'll learn the business from the ground up. I personally think college is a great experience that will make for a well-rounded person with a good overall eduction that will help you in the long run. However, remember that college is going to be more than just working at their radio station and there are no guarantees you'll get a job once you graduate. Employers are still going to ask about experience FIRST.
Bottom line (in my opinion), if you're planning to go to college, GO. But select a school with a structured station. While in school, work at the school station, learn and ask questions, but also start knocking on doors for an internship or part time job at a professionally-run radio station (whether it is commercial or non com).
Good Luck!

 

[Dancerev889]

Go to college. The industry is really tough right now so at least you get an education, just in case you don't make it. Speaking as a PD at a non-com at a college, I tell people I don't run a college station. I run a station owned by a college. There is a negative feeling towards college stations because most people think its a free for all. I recommend going to station that has a format and is run professionally. Our station we have a day format and specialty shows at night. The day is completely tight and run more like a commercial station. Learning how to be a dj gives you a leg up on everyone else.

I totally agree about the college music comment. Last time I checked most of my students listen to the top 40, hip hop or modern rock stations. Our format is based on what students want with a twist. We run like a CHR that is dance leaning. But we play hip hop and alternative that fits Now we are our students favorite station

 

[dkocolin]

Absolutely agree with everyone. Four years at WGLS was a fantastic experience in learning how an actual radio station is run, how to have an on air presence, sell the music, all that important stuff, and we still had plenty of room in the late night hours for being "college radio".

 

[KFodor]

As a professional broadcaster, I would accept as experience a tape from a college jock, provided it met the following:

1.) The tape showed the jock understood basic formatics. (Forward momentum, identifying the station,
making points concisely yet creatively in an entertaining manner and...had a reasonable command of
the English language.)

2.) The tape showed the jock was disciplined. (Could follow a format - and wasn't just obviously playing
songs because they were his or her favorites.)

3.) Could show in an interview that he/she understood FCC rules and regulations, had a positive attitude,
and a willingness to do anything within reason necessary to make a radio career happen.

But, it has always been said "any experience is good experience". As a part-time teacher in an accredited college broadcasting program, I encourage my students to do anything, even if it means volunteering at an LP-FM, even doing volunteer high school play by play. I just remind them to tape everything they do.

 

[Top40ClassicsDJ]

I'm been doing my radio show Top 40 Classics on 1620am WBUL Tampa,Florida since 2001 and someday want to work at a major radio station! Peace Dr Johnny P LoveTrain 8)