Radio jockey as a career

Although radio as a popular medium suffered badly once Television arrived, yet the commencing of the FM radio and its many channels have installed a new life into the medium of radio. Radio Jockeying happens to be a promising, exciting and a challenging career option for those having a passion for music, to know diverse things and of course for those who loves talking!  It happens to be the sole profession where one might be recognized by his or her voice.

Radio Jockeys are basically those whom you hear anchoring various types of programs, mostly music, on the radios. The job of a Radio Jockey, more popularly known as RJ is to offer entertainment to the listeners by conveying messages, interacting with the listeners and playing music, all in an attractive manner. They interview guests, manage contests, play music requests from the listeners, provide information on several things including weather, traffic and obviously music. Presence of mind is the most important and vital factor needed to sustain and flourish in this field. The popularity of a particular radio channel depends largely on the performances of the Radio Jockeys.

·         Career Options and Job Prospects

The job of the RJ is of diverse nature and depends on the subject matter of the type of program to be offered by the channel. It is not a 9 am to 5 pm job. A RJ can be needed to host programs anytime during the day or night. The job profile of the Radio Jockeys consists of music selection, scripting and also presenting the radio shows. The key to successful Radio Jockeying largely depends on the very way a program is hosted. The RJs are required to come up with original and interesting ways of presentations, using humor  punches, variations and one-liners. RJs are also needed to have sound knowledge of the technical equipment and computer systems.

Radio Jockeys have great job opportunities in the government and private radio channels. They can also go for voice-overs in television and radio advertisements, audio magazines and documentaries. They can host TV shows or live events and shows.

The most important attributes for a RJ are- Good voice, ability to modulate according to the situation, clear diction, accurate pronunciation, fluency and flare in language, ability to control voice pitches, the knowledge to use one’s voice to the best, good Response speed, good communication skills, good sense of humor  individuality, creativity, spontaneity, good and detailed knowledge of music, staying updated about the many happenings around, qualities of local dialects, mimicry, and comedy, diplomacy while interacting, approachable and down-to-earth attitude, friendly, spontaneous, warm, dynamic.