Radio is theater of the mind and air personalities (announcer, jock, DJ or disc jockey) are its actors. To become successful it requires passion, practice, a willingness to learn, ability to read, ego, ability to write, patience, desire, and sacrifice. The institution of radio has a responsibility to entertain and inform. Air personalities anchor the broadcast industry. A microphone is power. Becoming an air personality can lead to a career in or out of radio.
The announcer alumni list includes David Letterman of Late Nite; Allaccess.com President/Publisher, Joel Denver; Comedian, George Carlin; CBS Radio President, Dan Mason; Radio One President, Barry Mayo; Carson Daly of Last Call; Allaccess.com Urban Editor, Jerry Boulding; television icon Dick Clark; actor Donald Sutherland; Quincy McCoy, the Vice President of Radio for MTVN Digital Music; Service Broadcasting C.O.O Ken Dowe; Willard Scott of the Today Show; Sly Stone, the former lead singer of Sly and the Family Stone; and Bob Pittman, a principal in the Pilot Group, a private investment firm specializing in new media and Internet companies.
As a broadcast talent coach with a career spanning more than 30 years, I would offer the following for those interested in becoming a radio personality.
1. Anyone who can read and write has the capabilities of becoming a radio personality. It is important to vocalize written copy aloud. The sound of someone's voice has little to do with being a jock. Communicating succinctly in a warm and friendly manner is the ultimate goal.
In the beginning, one of the best ways to practice is to read front-page paragraph blurbs from the USA Today or The Wall Street Journal. Buy an inexpensive tape recorder and carry it around. These recorders have built-in microphones.
Another possibility is to download an audio software program and purchase a microphone. One of the better programs is Audacity. The software is free and used by many in the radio industry. It would be best to use the tape recorder and advance to audio software at a later date.
2. Choose five blurbs to record. Hit the record button, read a sentence, stop the recorder, rewind, and listen. This is how recording levels are checked. Depending on the loudness, either increase or decrease the volume. Make the necessary adjustments, sit up straight, and begin reading.
Article comments
1 - Juliann Mitchell, PhD
I have loved the radio and listening to music since I was a child. When I lived in Pittsburgh every night for years I would listen to WAMO and thought the nighttime jock, Ron Chavis was the best I'd ever heard. He had a voice made of silk. But I am wondering if the average everyday person really can have a career in radio? In your article you mentioned that the voice wasn't that important but how can that be true?
2 - J Kanizzle
I appreciate what you have to say. But must retort if you don't mind....As a top ten market on air personality and imaging director as well as founder of Satellite Radio, I don't think everything here is true. There are certain personalities who are made for it, and some people just won't be able to make the grade. I agree the voice is not always an issue, but the ability to have confidence in how you speak is. And some just can't be taught that...
Also, I wouldn't suggest anyone to get into radio at this point. I'm in it because it's all I know how to do and I'm this far into it that I can't pull back. I am one of the 'many who make a great living' but will never get wealthy off of it...but the fact of the matter is the reason I make a great living is because I do what it took three or maybe four people to do just 10 years ago. The corporate ownership and downsizing HAS made it very hard to break into as well as left no training ground for newbies in the game.
Anyways...just thoughts.
3 - Sam weaver
Juliann, let me clarify. There was a time in radio when it was about being male and having a booming voice. This has not been the case in years. It is all about projecting a personality that listeners will like. I have known air personalities that were not vocally gifted, but their persona leaped through the speakers. If the average person can get the training, has the patience, and a few breaks, anything is possible. There are many jocks on the radio and associated media that were once average people.
4 - Alex Rich
I've always believed there was hope for the common person to achieve in radio-land. This post makes it clear that with focus and some simple preparation once can succeed...even if the path is long and winding.
Now if we could just get a common person's relationship guru like the one Dolly Parton played on the big screen:)
5 - Sam weaver
Alex, it can be done. I have mentored and are currently coaching some that are trying to advance themselves in traditional radio and others in the new vocal media of podcasting. I am one of those common sense guru's for radio broadcast talent.
6 - kay jay
I am one of those people who have always been told that i have a voice and personality for radio, recently i've tried avenues to make myself available for the market but have had no success what so ever. i've entertained the idea of A.B.S. and C.B.S.(broadcasting schools) but they seem as if they're scams. i would really like to make an impact in radio but i need that one person to take me by the hand and show me the most effective avenue to take. Please Help !!!
7 - Sam weaver
Kay Jay, Contact me and let's see how I can assist you in your efforts for radio. 1 888 680 RADIO.
8 - Harley
Just to let people know, it takes a certain type of person to do radio. Everyone CAN do it, logistically, but not everyone has what it takes. Rejection isn't the worst part of applying for a job in radio. I've been in the industry for years, I'm a good talent with above average delivery and material, exceptional production skills, and drive that is unmatched. I quit my last job as a morning show host because I had to move, and since then have only been able to get a job as a part time board op. The station I work for wants to hire me full time, but joys of a corporate owned gig, the owner said the bottom line didn't justify hiring a new DJ. I have applied at over a hundred stations since my last job and have recieved only a small percentage of call backs, and those have led nowhere(Even when I was told my air check was the best that they had heard). I'm not saying don't go in to radio, I'm just saying, it's tougher than you can even imagine. I only stay with it because I can't work a regular job, my attitude and personality would get me fired from a grocery store, but they might get me a few extra points in the arbitron ratings on air.
9 - kaygey
Do you like it sibo?
10 - sibo
this is amazing, this is what l want to do and am going to get all the help l can, though l do read how tough it can be, since am determined and have the love and the dream of becoming a broadcaster l refuse to let anything bring me down, for l have the love for it. A m going to seek the help and the introduction to broadcasting. Thanks babe.
11 - jaybay
Hello, I want to become a radio personality/host, i got a great deep radio voice and know i can entertain people over the airwaves.. I've studied howard and rush, at 19 im gonna go to a community college and take broadcasting classes and hopefully earn a job at the school's radio station.. is this a good start?