Notions of past years have gone about Radios! With the introduction of FM Radio to private channels, has infused a new phase to radio, and today’s Radio Jockey (popularly known as “RJ”) is an unconventional , challenging and an exciting profession with lots of avenues to prove oneself through his or her voice. It is the only voice of a Radio Jockey who makes the radio station. Today huge mass of young generation is inclining for this particular field of profession.

Radio Jockeys or popularly called “RJs”, they basically anchor music programmes on radio. But the task is not so simple! Actually they entertain listeners by playing music or even conveying messages in a most attractive and sophisticated way as possible. Their daily activities also include playing songs on listener’s request, interviewing guests, managing different contests, providing information on weather, music, and traffic and on countless subjects.

Every successful RJ has his or her unique voice. And an aspiring candidate must possess an eagerness and enthusiasm to learn all the time. It’s better to listen carefully towards the listeners, what they are saying or asking, handling their critical questions calmly and lot many techniques to be followed.

Qualifications and Eligibility for a Radio Jockey

Anyone under 35 years can be a Radio Jockey. As the field is purely talent based, the candidate requires huge ability to hard work, should have an extreme presence of mind and effective communication skill. No formal training is required though Bachelor’s degree is the bench mark for certain radio channels. Often 10+2 candidates are hired by private channels.

Other essential traits apart from a good voice, one should have good command over language, proper voice modulation, good sense on sound & music, good diction, good sense of humor and last but not the list is proper pronunciation. And if you have a box of innovative ideas, then this field can be yours. Staying updated is crucial for a RJ.

An aspiring candidate must listen radio a lot, how a RJ handles a call, how a RJ interacts, how a RJ handles awkward questions, how to handle tricky comments of the listeners.

Career Prospects in Radio Jocke

There are various job opportunities increases for Radio Jockeys. The selection of a RJ is highly competitive and is given in-house training for 2 months on everything from CD Players to mixers to Digital Audio Technology. The job of a Radio Jockey is of diversifying in nature. They may work in different radio stations. They can further explore their career as a voice-over artist in radio & television. They can do anchoring for live shows in television; can lend voice to audio magazines and documentaries. Majority of the software companies prefer professionals with experience of 2 to 3 years.

Job Prospects in Radio Jockey

The success of a Radio Jockey depends on the presentation and originality to attract the listeners. They even require handling sound equipments and computers. The job of a Radio Jockey is of diversifying in nature. Radio Jockey’s first choice to work in AIR (All India Radio), then second choice is other independent radio stations like- Times FM, Radio Mid-Day and so many. They have large number of job opportunities both in India and abroad.

They can be host or anchor of a show. And their responsibility may include selecting music, scripting, presenting shows and should be aware of latest songs and movies. However there are two ways to get the entrance into this profession, one is by audition and another by approaching software producing companies.

Colleges, Institutions and Universities of Radio Jockey

Radio Jockeying is fully based on a talent, so there is no formal training is needed in Radio Jockeying. One needs to have the exposure only to develop the confidence and flare in this field. However, in the field of RJ only a few Institutions offer specific courses and most of them started by the well Known anchors.

These are the Colleges/Institutions/Universities offering courses in Radio Jockey are:

• EMDI Encompass Institute of Radio Management, Mumbai
• Xavier Institute of Communications, Mumbai
• Academy of Radio Management, Delhi
• Take One Academy of Broadcasting, Chandigarh
• Xavier’s Institute of Communication and Film and Television Institute (FTII), Pune
• The British council
• National School of Drama, New Delhi
• Young Men’s Christian Association

Remunerations in Radio Jockey

In the open-air waves, Radio Jockeys are in high demand in the Private Sector. Beginners can expect to earn around Rs 7,000 to Rs 15,000 monthly, while the Government of India has allowed 20 percent FDI in the Broadcast Media. Moreover, a good grip over any foreign language will help to earn from abroad. Another well-paid and good option is Radio Broadcasting on the Net, where one can earn up to Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000 monthly.

For sponsored shows, companies may pay Rs 1400 to Rs 2500 per show. After gaining experience a RJ may earn between Rs 15,000 to Rs 85,000 monthly. Apart from being a RJ, one can also earn by doing AD commercials and their voice-overs for TV and Radio Advertisements can earn more. They may get Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000 per hour by doing shows for the Indian Diaspora on Foreign Radio.

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