Life as a DJ

[argytunes]

I really don't have a lot to add...because so many of the previous posters (including my friend and former broadcast co-worker, Nick Seneca) covered the subject very well. But here are my thoughts about "Life as A DJ"...

Like all businesses (and radio IS a business) you'll work for individuals who understand the market size, the audience numbers, and the programming concept that's expected by a boss (or radio conglomerate). Many of your superiors will offer encouragement when it comes to writing creative copy or 'building a commercial in the production studio!' If an AE 'takes a shine to you'---he or she might put you in touch with a client who likes your voice enough to become a spokesperson! If you're lucky enough to "get your radio feet wet" with this type of an employer---GREAT!

Unfortunately, you'll probably work for others who only want to make a quick buck! And you'll hear terms like: "Bang out this spot because it airs in 15 minutes!" OR "Just give the call letters and frequency. After that: Shut up and play the hits! Nobody listening cares about who you are!"

Also in situations like this, it doesn't matter if the advertising makes sense or if a bunch of infomercials are running in drivetime? As long as there's cash revenue coming in, ANYTHING can run on ANY radio station at ANY hour!

New radio people (sometimes called wannabees) are often asked to work ridiculous hours---which automatically puts them in conflict with family! So having a social life becomes secondary. You'll be expected to work on a Saturday night or Sunday afternoon for 6 hours...or longer! Depending upon the radio station (or radio group) you're working for...this arrangement can last indefinitely!

So if you're willing to 'do the time'--instead of pursuing your personal dreams---radio will consume a good portion of your life...regardless of whether you work full or part-time!

Personally, I think it's an easier medium for single, divorced, or unmarried professionals to remain in! Most of us who are currently involved in...or have been connected to a radio station in the past...often hate the idea of kissing our spouses and children "goodbye" in favor of a weekend airshift. :'(

argytunes

 

[webcastboy]

Many radio DJ's come in and work an eight-hour (or 10, or 12, or 14) shift each day but they only spend about an hour or two actually "DJing" thanks to the miracle of voicetracked automation. Since the entire music playlist is planned out days (or weeks) in advance, a DJ knows every song that play during his/her "airshift". They do a little research on the music, figure out the weather forecast and concert reports, and sit down and pre-record all the breaks in their entire shift. Then a computer plays the back automatically at the appropriate times. At most commercial stations at least 90% of the programming you hear (music, DJ, traffic, etc) is pre-recorded and played from a computer.

Also, thanks to the magic of the internet...many of the bigger station owners (like Clear Channel was until recently) have their DJ's voicetrack multiple stations in multiple markets. That's why you could hear Kiss108 (WXKS) DJ's on stations across New England and, in some cases, across the entire country. That's part of the misconception that big market DJ's get "paid more and work less". They're actually working just as much - you just might not hear their voices in the other markets. Plus since big market stations are more valuable (more potential for ad dollars) the owners of those stations will only put proven DJ's who have value themselves (in the form of getting ratings). Bigger markets = more value = better jobs = more money for DJ's. It also = very few opportunities for people with less than 10 years experience.

So with the voicetracking done and six to eight hours to fill, DJ's are usually then recording advertising spots, promos and stuff like that. Many of them then go into double-duty mode of being a salesperson (aka "account executive") or doing promotions work, production work, music director work, even engineering work. Except for the really big-big names (i.e. Matty Siegel or bigger) it's rare that a DJ doesn't wear at least two or three hats. Even in the major markets.

All this for the privilege of earning $50k/yr if you're lucky. Most people starting out are lucky to make minimum wage to $30k/yr. If you're a big ratings draw and have 5-10 years experience you might start inching up into the $50k-$75k range. Only the really big names make more than that (generally speaking)...and NOBODY has any job security. No matter how long you've worked there, you could have one bad Arbitron ratings book and you're all fired. Because there's always 100 hungry recent college grads who would do your job for free if they could.

Mind you, this is all commercial radio. Public radio is a different ball of wax entirely. It can be unbelievably hard to break into public radio and at most stations, the pay really stinks. But conversely, the work can be a lot more fun, often you have more control over your job, and job security is usually somewhat better - it all depends a lot on what station you work for. I've found that it's easier to get to the living wage level of salary in public radio than it is in commercial...but that the salaries tend to top out at lower levels than commercial radio will. Unless you're one of about three dozen really big names in pubradio who can make major moolah ($125k-$250k/yr). Getting to that level takes decades, though.

Someone mentioned making low six figures in a pharmacy??!?!? Dear god, stay the hell away from working in radio. There is a 99.9% chance you will never have that much salary or job security in radio. Instead, just volunteer to do an airshift or two at a local college radio station. You'll get to play whatever you want to play (unlike in commercial or many public radio stations) and you get to keep your nice salary. That's a win-win for ya. ;D

 

[greg11]

What's up with someone that makes low 6 figures in the pharmacy business wanting to get into radio for low money? Doesn't sound like a "honest" posting to me!

 

[Lucylu]

Maybe they have been sampling the supplies.

 

[MoLarryMoLarry]

agreed lucylu! a person would have to be hitting the pharmy ganja to think there'd be more to their life to leave a six-figure gig to make 8-bucks an hour for the next two years.

orignal poster - keep your day job. if you want to do radio that bad, find an NPR or non-comm close to your home and do a weekend shift where you can play whatever the heck you want. trust us, that's the only way you can have fun in radio and still enjoy the financial lifestyle you have grown accustomed to.

 

[greg11]

I bet the original poster of this thread...is ALREADY IN RADIO!!!!

 

[Finn]

I bet the original poster of this thread...is ALREADY IN RADIO!!!!

yes, but I bet she's trying to decide whether to bail or not.

good advice from a bunch of folks on this one.

 

[radioville]

I believe the original poster. Like me, she might hate her day job so bad that she would take a pay cut to do something she loves.

 

[Finn]

I believe the original poster. Like me, she might hate her day job so bad that she would take a pay cut to do something she loves.

I believe her too - I'm betting she's a student who has interned a bit in radio and is considering what to study. I doubt if she's in a position to take a pay cut - she's thinking career options. And, I bet she didn't inherit much if at all so she has to consider how to pay for her retirement.

If you did inherit enough to retire on (if invested well for 50 years), then what on earth are you waiting for? Do what you love! 8)

 

[Oldbones]

WATD in Marshfield has a few weekday mornings open from 2-5am for those interested in going into radio. It's unpaid but you get to program your own show with whatever you want (as long as it somewhat fits the format) and build up your airchecks.

They (WATD) might wanna be careful allowing volunteers on-air on a commercial station. ISTR a station somewhere in the midwest getting nailed by the Dept. of Labor for something similar a few years ago.

 

[Ozman]

Being a college DJ here is my 2 cents

I started in radio in the fall of 2004 with nothing and everyone hating me...
Since then I continue to do a weekly show week in and week out looking back at the shows I did and how I can improve it. What I have found is although, not many people call a ton listen, tell me I have a great show. I try to get in touch with people that have listened to my show and always take feedback of how I can improve it or I will occasionally ask people if they listen to our college station if they say they do, I then ask what DJ's they like as well if they like the OZ show... As you can imagine I get bad reviews and as well as good reviews. Tell them then I am the OZ and How I can change my show... Its fun to surprise a person that you are the DJ! WWLR, the 3,000 college station I am on In the NEK-VT has really no competition and our signal goes vary far, (Burke, Jay Peak, Stowe, Canon to Mt Washington valley where Bretton Woods is. since we are squeezed between the white and Green mountains and the FCC bases signals with HAAT (height above average terrain) transmitting in the Connecticut river valley, it seems the further you go away from our college station the better the signal up to about 50 miles away!

The best advise if you wanted to get started in radio is
In the summer of 2006 I as well took a class At Danbury Which allowed me time as Well At WXCI Danbury CT.
If you can, look into taking a class at a college with a radio station which could allow you to get time at the college station. It might be volunteer work but it is a lot of fun if you really like radio like I do. Some college stations like WXCI are on set rotational play lists whereas at WWLR I do an all request rock show and try to get tunes that people have not heard in a long time because there you can play whatever you want as long as you are following FCC rules and Guidelines which has created it so WWLR gets a ton of money in Underwriting since the format continually changes with each DJ.


I hope one day I will be able to get on a corporate station but for now I really like what I am doing and don't feel comfortable moving on yet. I hope this advice helps
-OZ

 

[Ozman]

Being a college DJ here is my 2 cents

I started in radio in the fall of 2004 with nothing and everyone hating me...
Since then I continue to do a weekly show week in and week out looking back at the shows I did and how I can improve it. What I have found is although, not many people call a ton listen, tell me I have a great show. I try to get in touch with people that have listened to my show and always take feedback of how I can improve it or I will occasionally ask people if they listen to our college station if they say they do, I then ask what DJ's they like as well if they like the OZ show... As you can imagine I get bad reviews and as well as good reviews. Tell them then I am the OZ and How I can change my show... Its fun to surprise a person that you are the DJ! WWLR, the 3,000 college station I am on In the NEK-VT has really no competition and our signal goes vary far, (Burke, Jay Peak, Stowe, Canon to Mt Washington valley where Bretton Woods is. since we are squeezed between the white and Green mountains and the FCC bases signals with HAAT (height above average terrain) transmitting in the Connecticut river valley, it seems the further you go away from our college station the better the signal up to about 50 miles away!

The best advise if you wanted to get started in radio ( or at least my suggestions on how I did it)
In the summer of 2006 I as well took a class At Danbury Which allowed me time as Well At WXCI Danbury CT.
If you can, look into taking a class at a college with a radio station which could allow you to get time at the college station. It might be volunteer work but it is a lot of fun if you really like radio like I do. Some college stations like WXCI are on set rotational play lists whereas at WWLR I do an all request rock show and try to get tunes that people have not heard in a long time because there you can play whatever you want as long as you are following FCC rules and Guidelines which has created it so WWLR gets a ton of money in Underwriting since the format continually changes with each DJ.


I hope one day I will be able to get on a corporate station but for now I really like what I am doing and don't feel comfortable moving on yet. I hope this advice helps

Its kind of funny to be taking an Intro to Media Communication class at my college and to know more than your professor, that he turns to you for advice on how the radio industry is doing these days.
-OZ

 

[FPB]

As many have said, you'll be doing well to start at $7/hour. If you live in metro Boston you'll be driving 50 miles from town each day just to get to your job. But don't let yourself get sick of doing that because you'll be spending YEARS getting another job.

 

[NHRadio]

There is one thing about those who truly love radio-it can be a dream come true. Ever since I was 6 I've wanted to be in radio, and was lucky enough to make a career of it. I've been doing radio a very long time and have never woke up and said "damn, I have to go to work". I still truly love what I do...even through some very toxic environments and managers. I've also been lucky enough to work with and learn from some very talented people...Jerry Goodwin, Harvey Wharfield, Liz Solar, Mike Morin and many others as well as top-notch engineers like Lindsay Collins, Dick Wholey (Sconnix) and Dirk Nadon (Nassau). That knowledge has been invaluable,
That said, there are trade-offs: the money isn't great,sometimes the BS is overwhelming, and I moved a lot.
I was in the right place at the right time to get my first job...for $3.50 an hour and no benefits. To me, the sacrifice was worth it. I've worked with a lot of interns, and very few have that burning desire to be on-air and pay their dues. Without that, don't even bother.

 

[Eli Polonsky]

WATD in Marshfield has a few weekday mornings open from 2-5am for those interested in going into radio. It's unpaid but you get to program your own show with whatever you want (as long as it somewhat fits the format) and build up your airchecks.

They (WATD) might wanna be careful allowing volunteers on-air on a commercial station. ISTR a station somewhere in the midwest getting nailed by the Dept. of Labor for something similar a few years ago.

Is that a universal law in this country that commercial radio air talent must be paid? If that's the case, then WHRB at Harvard, which is commercial and all-volunteer, would be in violation throughout, but perhaps they can be exempted because they're a non-profit organization (WATD is not non-profit). Can on-air volunteers on for-profit commercial stations sign some sort of waiver stating that they're willing to work without pay, releasing the station from liability?

Also, since WATD is commercial, I believe that their volunteer programmers can solicit ads and keep the revenue, or perhaps a portion of it. I occasionally hear some local live-read spots on their volunteer overnight shows (which are mostly 50's doo-wop and other vintage and/or unusual oldies), but I don't know what kind of a deal they have with the station for those.

I hope WATD doesn't get themselves into legal trouble. I already hear them violate the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (which limits the amount of songs by one artist that can be legally played during a given time period on broadcast stations which also stream on the web) whenever they do one of their three or four hour weekend or evening specials featuring one artist.

 

[Lucylu]

Considering all the restrictions on interns at commercial stations these days, I would be surprised if WATD isn't opening themselves up for a whole lot of headache.

Personally, I have no compassion for DJs that work for free. It is a craft and should be treated as something valuable. It's like those morons that answer ads on craigslist for actors offering no pay but a copy of the DVD when the movie is done, and then they complain that they were treated poorly on the shoot by everyone else. If you don't value your craft, why would they?

I'm also surprised that more stations don't try to get away with it, like WATD is.

 

[Eli Polonsky]

Personally, I have no compassion for DJs that work for free. It is a craft and should be treated as something valuable. It's like those morons that answer ads on craigslist for actors offering no pay but a copy of the DVD when the movie is done, and then they complain that they were treated poorly on the shoot by everyone else. If you don't value your craft, why would they?

Some DJ's work for free not because they don't value their craft, but because they want to present types of speciality shows that are not considered mass marketable enough for companies to pay for on commercial radio. That's why some DJ's, myself included, do shows on volunteer college stations. Commercial stations don't pay for shows that play deep album tracks of the late 60's and early 70's "underground radio" era any more, because they no longer get ratings among the masses. They do attract a "cult following" of my fellow old hippies (it's one of the highest fundraising pledge shows on WMBR), and volunteer radio is the only place where I can enjoy serving them.

Most of the volunteer overnight shows on WATD are 1950's doo-wop. Commercial stations, even oldies stations, won't pay DJ's to play 50's doo-wop anymore. But, those DJ's are passionate about the music they play, and they have their small but loyal audiences who listen to doo-wop in the middle of the night. Volunteer radio is the only way they can present what they want to play and serve them, and because they do value their particular (non-mass-marketable) craft, it's worth it to them to do it for free.

 

[pdwips]

Hmmm...

You make low six-figures and have keys to the pharmacy?

I know, marry me!

Support my radio habit, and I'll teach you all I know!!

 

[Lucylu]

Personally, I have no compassion for DJs that work for free. It is a craft and should be treated as something valuable. It's like those morons that answer ads on craigslist for actors offering no pay but a copy of the DVD when the movie is done, and then they complain that they were treated poorly on the shoot by everyone else. If you don't value your craft, why would they?

Some DJ's work for free not because they don't value their craft, but because they want to present types of speciality shows that are not considered mass marketable enough for companies to pay for on commercial radio. That's why some DJ's, myself included, do shows on volunteer college stations. Commercial stations don't pay for shows that play deep album tracks of the late 60's and early 70's "underground radio" era any more, because they no longer get ratings among the masses. They do attract a "cult following" of my fellow old hippies (it's one of the highest fundraising pledge shows on WMBR), and volunteer radio is the only place where I can enjoy serving them.

Most of the volunteer overnight shows on WATD are 1950's doo-wop. Commercial stations, even oldies stations, won't pay DJ's to play 50's doo-wop anymore. But, those DJ's are passionate about the music they play, and they have their small but loyal audiences who listen to doo-wop in the middle of the night. Volunteer radio is the only way they can present what they want to play and serve them, and because they do value their particular (non-mass-marketable) craft, it's worth it to them to do it for free.

I'd give anyone doing what they love on a college station a pass, but working for free for a commercial station, no matter how much you love the music, is wrong on so many levels. It's not love. You become a whore at that point, and not even a whore that is getting paid. So you know what that makes you?

 

[Erie_Lackawanna]

I'd give anyone doing what they love on a college station a pass, but working for free for a commercial station, no matter how much you love the music, is wrong on so many levels. It's not love. You become a whore at that point, and not even a whore that is getting paid. So you know what that makes you?

the next evening guy at W- - - ?