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I'm not currently working in radio, but have only recently left the industry to move into television and have a fair bit of knowledge about getting a gig in news radio at least.
I completed the full time AFTRS course back in '97, by the end of the course most of us had jobs, as jocks, copywriters or news journos. Obvisously the industry has changed a fair bit since then, but as someone who spent more than 5 years at 2ue as a radio journo I think it's actually fairly easy for talented young people to get gigs.
More often than not these days metro radio stations hire young people in their newsrooms before older experienced people, and that comes down to cost. Newsrooms don't have the money they once did, so well trained juniors are a very attractive option.
There's also a very high turn over of staff in commercial radio newsrooms so news directors are always looking for staff but finding good quality staff is difficult. So the opportunites are there.
Yes but i love radio aswell i have been in the studios had a little look around djing on the panel at school and reg stuff like that so if anyone needs a gig from Sydney at 2dayfm or when i get older i may be able to go to b105 nxfm fox or 929. Demos are avaliable please feel free to email me [email protected]
I echo Sarah's comments below. If you have the drive, you can move mountains. It pays to get feed-back from the professionals in the industry if you can and my experience with that has been both welcome and constructive, I have listened and taken the information on board so that it will help me eventually get the all-important nod from the decision makers. I'm confident that one day I'll make the break and if I'm sent to a one-horse town in order to get that first gig, whatever the role is, taking my skills with me I'll go gladly and watch, listen and learn.
Adding to my original comments... I have no doubt the AFTRS course is the best way to go about getting a break in the industry. Everyone I did the course with managed to get a job and I think that is repeated year after year. Once you have a start you can do anything. In news once you've worked in a major regional station the jump to metro is very easy.
Currently i am not employed in radio although i would like to be. I am only 15 and i love radio but i was told by a radio announcer to keep being keen and i can assure you i am very keen. I am trying to get a job at 2dayfm in Sydney when i am older or anyother austereo station. I.E B105 NXFM Fox SAFM or 929. I am not sure how to go by it though..
Note: The following is posted by Ryan Khay and not Sarah Blinco. Ryan was iandvertently using her account.
Radio is a passion, it's not a job! If you want a job, you would get paid more stacking shelves overnight at a supermarket in most cases. If you are passionate and persistant, you will get a job eventually. I did the formal training at the only two Radio Schools Brisbane had to offer, and then busted my nut getting involved in Community Radio for practical experience. I was fortunate to work with Wild Fm, Rhythm Fm, Radio Lollipop and Bay Fm, all without getting paid, and this experience, and my passion for Radio, got me my first gig, in Outback QLD! I have since moved up a notch to a much larger regional market, and am loving the experience that I am gaining here. I think that if you have passion, dedication, and can be self-critical, and are willing to go and do you hard yards in the bush, there are gigs out there that will allow you to increase your skills list 10-fold! It's all about perseverance. I have a shoe box full off standardised "thanks but no thanks" letter at home since I was 17 and applying for gigs, but at no stage did I give up, perseverance always pays off, and passion increases the dividends.
I only scored my first job in radio this week, so I understand what it's like to wait to get the break. Lots of "you have raw talent but no experience" responses. I thought many times how can I get experience until i get a job, but there are obviously stations who are willing to give newbies a break, you just have to find them.
I did a journalism course last year because although news is not my passion, I knew it was going to be the easiest way to break into the industry. The best advice I can offer is to get as much work experience as you can, especially at regional stations, as the learning experience is amazing.
I did one week work experience at 2MG/Real FM and am now employed at 2PK/ROK FM, and I have no doubt that the contacts I made there helped me in getting the gig. I not only met some great people on work experience and had fun, but I learnt lots, and it led to my first job.
Be willing to work at regional stations (where you learn more anyway) and keep trying and the jobs will come eventually.
For those who want to get into radio, I can only offer what I remember from trying to get a job.
Mistake 1 - I'm on community radio, therefore I know all.
A PD informed me just because I panelled the local footy, did morning shows and was on the programming committee at my community radio station, this meant nothing. It meant I knew what a radio station looked like and that at least I had an idea of "how the engine goes, but I was no flamin mechanic" What appealed to the PD more was my common jobs before that which was working at Macca's. The PD said this proved I knew what a hard day's work was. I thought he was a loony at the time, but I changed my resume with Macca's at the top and got a job at 2MG 4 weeks later.
Mistake 2: I thought my home town station would employ me
My home town station (pop 100,000)got sick of me sending tapes, so the GM sent back all my tapes and a note which read "8 of your tapes enclosed, send these to Parkes, Mudgee, Gunnedah, Taree, Young, Griffith, Broken Hill and Colac. Find out how stations and towns like these work, then come see us about a job" His point, you learn more about a town and a job sometimes when you're an outsider.
Always ask what the PD really thinks of your tape too. If he/she thinks it stinks, it's best to know. But always get some advice, if they don't offer any, I don't think you'd wanna work for someone like that.
And lastly, every PD knows how you feel, it was tough for them once too to get a gig, sometimes it's just tough for them to remember.
And always have a bag packed and ready. Cheers!
Knowing several people in the industry, the best and most repetitive advice I have ever been given is - send in resumes with demo tapes. Demo tapes are usually 5 minutes long, and they just really want to hear your voice. If you want to know what to put on it -
listen to a commercial radio station for a whole day
jot down what you hear when they talk
where and how they say the song title and what is lined up etc...
Also, you really can't limit yourself to one station.. EG 2day FM, because what if you dont meet the credentials of them, but some other station in another state? Would you still go?
Having a job in radio, you tend to move from station to station around Australia or overseas (See MOVEMENT link).
No, I don't work in commercial radio (yet)... and I am doing a short course at AFTRS at the moment, but patience and persistance pays off. If you get stuck, contact your closest commercial station and ask for advice.
(I have a feeling I am going to be corrected by a few people on this)
Oh.. by the way.. I got to give credit where it is needed.
Thankyou Jim Tumeth, Gordon Rothery, Stuart Cranney, Steve Ahern, Simon Kirby, Rob Duckworth, The Legend Phil Charley, Bianca Dye, Kip Wrightman, and many more who I forgot to mention who give advice.
All I have to do is take the advice, give it 110% effort, and if get knocked back... try and try again.
Oh by the way, No offense Andrew Joseph - Rare occasions commercial stations come looking for you. Keep your options way open. You most likely need to travel. You have to seek them. E-mail them and send demo tapes. They won't ask you.
Yes i would go its just i only ever have listened to 2dayfm and thats the type of music i like to hear.Should i get a demo tape professionally recorded?
I am also an ex-community station announcer, now employed from regional NSW. What any person wanting to break into the industry must learn is to 1. Be prepared to move 2. Be prepared to move further. For my first job, I moved over 1'000km (this may not seem far, but add bass strait & it adds up). If you are in community radio, try not to surround yourself with all the "politics" that goes with it, just try to become a good announcer and if you can find any commercial or ex-commercial jocks to help, thats great.
When you want to send a tape, try to find out what the format for the job is, if its Hits & Memories, dont send a tape full of Living End & Greenday, try Eagles/Mac/CCR etc.. same for a CHR station (if other order)
Hope this helps (I know it helped me), & good Luck.
I'm a journo with a bit of experience (none paid) but it's tough getting a break at the moment - you can't start in rural areas because it's all networked news, and commercial stations are downsizing newsrooms anyway. Any ex-journos or current ones with hints to share specifically to getting a job in news?
I have been trying to get in for 7 years worked in community radio done tempoary fill ins in stations in NSW and Sa have been to outback to work and lost that due to non radio people not knowing how to run a radio station Ive been to radio school,Have done copy,production,sales and marketing and even been music director and program director. Still cant get anywhere its so frustrating.And networking in country areas wrecks it for the ones who love radio (specialy when you live in a town that has a networked station and to for a job at the station you have to aply to a place 2000 ks away HOW IS THIS FAIR). Andrew (very frustrated)
It takes the three P's - passion, persistence and patients! If you have these three ingredients and a couple of C's - creativity and can take criticism don't give up on your dream.
Reality is however you need to be multi skilled as the world wide business ecdemic of cutting back (to make higher profits) and getting every inch out of your staff is rife in radio (especially when you start out)
I know that much from my life before radio as I had a terrific job, a healthy income and a life of my own... then I went in search of a dream. I studied, moved back home, worked two jobs and started out on community station whist knocking on the door of the local FM stations to do whatever it takes!
But I was lucky I got a break even if it didn't pay to start with I voice tracked nights, helped in promotions and just hung out! Then eventually I got a spot doing Goss on the Brekkie Show and then next I was asked to do a couple of hours over lunch. From there I became a full time Brekkie co-host... like I said I was lucky I had people support me through the teething days (thank heavens for GRANT Broadcasters). Eventually I studied more and moved on and moved on again. Who knows where it will take me and even though I still don't make the money or have my own life like I did before my radio days I now have passion in my life everyday... OK well most days!
Reality is I am Morning Crew chic and Promotions Manager, so if radios what you desires make sure you have those three P's otherwise you may be disappointed! GOOD LUCK.
Thats kinda harsh. Can i ask what you do for a job?
Ok fine Not professionally i will do it at home.
Just reading some of these comments and posts with a bit of a smile, not because I'm laughing AT you, but because I remember what it was like when I was trying to break into radio years ago. Not much has changed for the aspiring hopefuls, oppotunities are limited, you need experience - how do you get that without a job? etc. I at one point was ready to give up on working in radio completely as it was becoming so frustrating to receive those rejection letters - a whole book of them I have, and I still look at them from time to time to remind myself of what I did to get where I am now. Most of the respondents in this forum question are correct. Persistence, passion, belief in oneself and your abilities and NEVER giving up.
Think of the athlete that trains at his or her sport for hours every day for years to win Olympic Gold - give up, and you lose any chance of getting that medal. Goran Ivanisevic in the 2001 Mens Final at Wimbledon - a wild card entry, one of the oldest in the field, and won in one of the greatest games of tennis I have ever seen against one of the hardest working players at the time - Pat Rafter. Neither was going to give up - it was a fight to the end. These are what DREAMS are made of - putting everything on the line and GOING FOR IT.
I dreamed of being on the radio since I was 10 years old. I'm often told by friends that I am one of the few people they know who had a career dream and followed through with it until I achieved it. If you have a dream and you want it, be prepared to work hard and do what it takes to get there. It's your dream, it's your goal, so chase it. You earn the respect for having tried hard, and that is one of the things that make us who we are. It's very true - Radio is NOT a job; it's a passion. That's why so many job ads for radio say words to the effect of " Must be passionate about radio" or " Must love music".
Remember it won't be easy. There'll be hard times and good ones, but ALWAYS take the positive from a situation, an airshift, a demo tape, a meeting with your PD or GM. You won't ever stop learning until the day you die. I did community radio for 6 years, doing all sorts of shifts and programs, helped set up a successful community station in Melbourne, dragged a barbeque trailer around nearly every Melbourne train station as part of a Breakfast promotion during one bitterly cold Victorian winter ( 3am starts at -3 degrees) so I could one day be an announcer. Got there.
Now I program my station's music. And there is NOTHING more satisfying than getting into my car at night, winding the window down and TURNING THE VOLUME UP, listening to the radio knowing that I
placed the songs where they are. Dreams come true, if only you're willing to make it happen. Don't give up. It's worth it. P.S For inspiration, try listening to Van Halen's " Right Now " ( For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge, 1991). And TURN IT UP LOUD!
How do you get a job in radio? You've gotta get as much experience as you can. Anyone in the industry cannot stress that enough. If you've got the time, head over to your nearest Community Radio Station and get involved - Whether it be announcing or being the dude/chick that helps out in recepetion etc...
Ring up a Commercial Radio station, speak to an announcer, PD or even GM and let them know that you're interested and keen in getting into the industry. And let them know that you exist! They might tell you to "bugger off" or they might give you a tour of the station. At least that's a start.
If you ever get the opportunity, and if you feel you're up to the challenge, apply for a radio course. There's a few of them around. Just click on the "Courses" link here on the Radioinfo site. The majority of students get jobs after completing these courses. Some go to regional markets, others go to cap. city markets. It's all how the cookie crumbles.
Even a Communications Degree (or equivalent) at University can lead to a career in the radio industry. Explore your options.
Another thing that I personally can't stress enough is "Let the industry know you're out there and that you exist". If you work in community radio, and you're looking for your next step into the commercial industry, don't just sit there hoping the job will come to you, because it wont. You've gotta network. Let the industry know you exist.
A good thing to do is get a few tapes together, and send them out to radio stations in your area and ask them for feedback or a critique on your work. That way you're letting a PD or GM know you exist and you're getting feedback on how to improve your work.
Last but not least, you MUST be willing to move. Don't expect to score your first commercial gig at 2DAY, NOVA, SEA, MIX or the radio station you listen to in the morning or at work. Yes, it has happened before but, 97% of the time you hafta start out in a country/regional market, gain your commercial experience there, and then work your way up into a provincial or metropolitan market - whatever tickles your fancy.
I started out in community radio when i was 14 through a work experience course at school. Gained as much experience as i could, got feedback from people in the industry, made contacts and networked my way round by knocking on doors, and here I am 4 years later in my 1st commercial gig and lovin the job with a passion. Hope this helps any dudes and chicks out there looking for their 1st break.
Cheers :)
I am a baby in the radio industry and from my experience here are just a few short tips.
1. Do a radio course.
2. Work on getting into radio stations close to home. If you are in a capital city choose regionals which are close to the capitals. Why? Well it's easier to work/earn money in a "normal" job until you make it.
3. Get to know the PD's in town.
What you do is ring up the PD (find out his/her name before speak to them) - say "Look just done a radio course etc. etc." I am really keen just to have a look how it works, etc. etc. Then when you get that talk to the PD, well ask the PD heaps of questions - most people in radio are full of themselves so don't mind answering questions. If a PD doesn't give you this oppurtunity, or just ignores you, quite frankly I doubt it would worth working for them. I think good PD's are constantly on the look out for people they can call when there in a spot!
3. Never rely on Radio to pay the wages...when starting out. (Also like an earlier post said - don't do it for the money. I used to get more money working at a supermarket)
Radio is as consistant as Melbourne weather - Sunny one moment, raining the next. If you are prepared for adversities etc. etc. radio won't give you a suprise.
4. IF YOU GET EMPOLYED
-Don't be an arrogant, know it all. There is nothing that your work colleagues hate more than new jocks who are the best thing to radio. If they are on the talk scene they think there the next Zemanek, or on the Music scene the next Jo Angel. Whilst you may be, keep it to yourself. Be friendly with the people at your station. Ask a more experienced jock who seems friendly enough there opinion of your work- and if they have a go at you, just take it on the chin. (Don't always use their advice .
Well this is what works for me...
Catchya!
Thats ok Annonymus user but if i do it at home its really bad quality and then the producer can see its a home job
Funnily enough I was talking earlier about jobs at 2MG,and now there's one going. Applicants we need you now!
I thought i'd just add my comments in. I volunteer for a community station, which I have done for the past 2 years or more.
During those two years i've seen lots and i've stuck through everything. From working with second hand domestic equipment that was literally falling apart, to working with the 'wannabes' (who only want to be a 'dj on the radio'). I've stayed through the politics, i've seen fights (some physical) and even been in disagreements myself. I've been there longer then any station manager, and feel I am in the select few volunteers that appreciate the work that has been done.
I've stayed with the station since it was on narrowcast, running a 1 watt transmitter on top of the studio building, for the years it took to finally get a 25 watt temporary community licence from the good people at the ABA.
I've recorded voiceovers, i've produced jingles, i've added music, done the scheduling, copywriting, promotion, o/b's, engineering, announcing, fundrasing, installed equipment, purchased equipment, the works, and I am still only young.
I now present a two hour alternative countdown show on Friday nights. I put a lot of effort into my show and it's disapointing to see it spoiled by the general image that some of the other volunteers give the station. People tell me I have 'the voice' and one day, i'll make it, if I keep at it. I'm very lucky to have a contact into the industry, our engineer. He has 35 years experence, has worked at commerical stations, and knows his stuff.
Most of the advice given in this thread is the best advice you'll get. My main advice though is to:
Help out in as many ways as you can
Get the experence - start small.
Make friends - not enemies.
Keep at it - even when it doesn't seem worth it.
Get involved as much as you can - that way you get a general idea of everything.
Another thing, keep at radio but don't make it your life. Not everyone makes it and you won't be in a radio job for all your working life. I've found that some PD's don't want to know a jock that has only worked in radio since they were 16. Experence and a general knowledge in life is what makes a person interesting, not show prep.
I hope someone has some comments about what i've said.
And another thing.. do yourself a favour and pull out of radio if you get sick of it. Nothing worse then a jock who isn't having fun
Community Radio is both good and not so good as a springboard into Commercial Radio. Not that skills obtained in community will guarantee work in commercial but it's still the best way to gain experience. My advice is, if you want to learn from the ground up, only approach the community stations that have a level of professionalism and don't waste your time with an unprofessional mob. If the station sounds professional, you'll also learn how to be professional from those trainers within the station. As a former PD, I was not against the community sector at all, as this offered the only practical hands-on way to learn and refine those skills. Most PDs don't listen to community radio at all to be quite honest. They live and breathe their own station, monitoring their station's broadcasts even when they're not at work. However they do know which community stations have a good reputation. If you live in a city with a choice of community stations, be choosey. If you don't have that luxury, and if you want to gain employment in time, go somewhere that can offer you the best training. That's what I did and it worked for me all those years ago. Don't give up on yourself and keep trying.
Of course there are radio courses around which DO take your money and provide you with hope. But you do take the good with the bad, It does give you an insight into commercial radio, and may help community jocks iron out some bad habits. Ultimately, it's up to oneself to make it in the industry and find a job. If you feel that you're ready and you get the OK from someone you know in the game, then send a demo to every PD in the country and hopefully you'll get a something out of it.
One thing I did for 10 years before entering Commercial Radio was Mobile and Venue DJ work. It is a brilliant way to develop your music programming skills, develop a 'personality' and build that thick skin (thanks to drunken punters), essential for a career in Commercial Radio. I suggest anyone trying to get into Commercial Radio to do this, along with Community Radio. This experience will look good to a PD who is considering giving you your first gig. And be prepared to work anywere in this great southern land of our!!!
Good point, I'd like to know how you become a PD!
I'd like to know what I have to do to get a job BACK in radio!
I can think of several stations who could use the wit and humour of Mr. Blackman instead of the wannabes I hear as I'm surfing the dial in the car, trying to find something original and entertaining to listen to on the way to work. Who needs or wants a breakfast 'crew' who need each other to bounce off the gags in order to make it work when you have a one-man gem in Blackman who's available! Go get 'em John. You have a lot of fans out there who have valued your contribution over the years!