How I did it: On my campus, there is a very large radio station. At first, admittedly, it was a little daunting because there were so many people there, but eventually I started to recognize some people, and they came to recognize me. It eventually got to the point where some people were surprised to learn that I didn't have a radio show, and encouraged me to get one! So, with some new inspiration, I decided to apprentice whenever next possible.

I ended up with a show with a DJ who was on from 1-3am. I loved it, even though it was a lot of memorization and I only got to play music for fifteen minutes of the entire two hour show. So, I went to work memorizing everything possible so I could pass the test at the end of the apprenticeship period.

I passed, and have been an official DJ with my own show for two semesters now! It's something I look forward to every week, and I love every part of it from planning to show to bantering with my own apprentices.

Lessons & tips:

• There are a lot of FCC Guidelines--if you ever want to be a Radio DJ in the United States and the radio station broadcasts to the general public, make sure to memorize these, and how to log things for the FCC as well. While I've never had to deal with the FCC personally, if you disobey their guidelines you could get in a lot of trouble--jailtime and fines up to $25,000 are possible for the worst offenses. (But don't let that scare you out of becoming a DJ!)
• Be confident! Being meek on the microphone isn't going to get you too far.
• Plan your shows ahead of time! Come up with set lists, do themed shows, mix it up a little, play requests... there's plenty you can do to bring a smile to not only your face, but your listeners' faces as well.

Resources:

• My particular radio station had a guidebook containing all the rules, guidelines, and stylistically good ideas--if you can find anything similar, read it!
• The Listeners! Hearing that they enjoyed the show makes me even more inclined to do an even better one later.

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Mar 11, 2010, 02:23AM PST | 0 comments | 3 cheers