Disc Jockey Jobs

About This Music Career

The Disc Jockey is the one responsible for introducing albums, singles, commercials, news, and public announcements on the radio station. He or she usually possess a likeable, unique personality to entertain listeners – this is what makes certain Disc Jockey's successful and establishes loyalty among listeners.

A radio station employs many different Disc Jockeys, and each works their own shift, usually lasting three to five hours. Of course, popular Disc Jockeys receive the most listened to shifts throughout each day, which include the morning commute, afternoon drive or early evenings. Sometimes the Disc Jockey is responsible for selecting the music for his or her show - this usually occurs in small market stations that have relatively smaller staffs. However, this selection comes from an approved list that has been put together by the Music Director.

Sometimes, the Disc Jockey serves as the acting Music Director or Program Director. If the station is small, the Disc Jockey might also be responsible for putting records on the turntable and working the soundboard. The Disc Jockey oftentimes becomes a local celebrity, asked to make public appearances for certain promotions or charity events. The Disc Jockey can also provide voice-overs on radio and TV commercials. They might also do guest appearances as live Disc Jockeys at clubs, bars, or discos.

The Disc Jockey answers to the Program Director, Music Director or Station Manager.

Salaries
The size and market, along with the experiences and following of the Disc Jockey will determine their salary – salaries can range from $25,000 to something as high as $225,000 per year. Personal appearances, commercials, and Disc Jockeying at clubs or bars can help Disc Jockeys earn additional income. As a result, there are some very well-known Disc Jockeys who earn more than $1,000,000 through salary, endorsements, etc.

Employment
Employment prospects range from fair to meager, depending on the size of the market the radio stations is in. In smaller markets, employment prospects are fair, due to large turnover resulting from low pay and people wanting to move on to higher paying positions. As the market gets larger, employment prospects start to thin out.

Advancement
Small market radio stations allow for Disc Jockeys to advance to the position of Program Director or Music Director at the same station or a station of similar size. Of course, they can also look for positions at bigger stations in bigger markets.

Education and Training
Many radio stations may prefer for their Disc Jockeys to possess a college or music school degree or have some sort of vocational training. Useful college courses include communication and broadcasting. There are many vocational, music schools and trade schools, but it is important to check out the reputation of the school before enrolling. You can check out reputations through the Attorney General's office and/or the Department of Consumer Affairs. Also, working in college radio provides a valuable experience and hands-on training.

Experience, Skills, and Personality
Many Disc Jockeys get an early start with their careers by taking part in high school radio clubs. From there, they go on to work in radio at the college they attend. To be successful, they must have a good, unique, but likeable voice, and they must be able to project their personality over the airwaves. It is also imperative for Disc Jockeys to show up for their shift on time. And, in order to hold a position as a Disc Jockey, one must obtain a license from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). This license can be obtained by having a letter sent to the FCC by the prospective employer, in which it is stated that the individual in question has a position in the field of broadcasting. Along with the letter, an application must be submitted.

Unions and Associations
The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) is an association Disc Jockeys can be a part of. They might also belong to the National Association of Broadcasting (NAB) or a member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS). Lastly, Disc Jockeys may belong to the National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians (NABET).

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