Broadcast DJs introduce people to new music and bring them back in time
with old favorites.
Being a DJ -- or being involved in radio in any context -- is a natural
for those interested in music, technology or pop culture.
"I'm interested in music and politics, and the campus community lets you
explore both of those things with a lot more freedom than pretty much anywhere
else in radio," says Randy Gelling. He's station manager of a college radio
station.
Phil Hulett, or "Philthy," is a DJ and co-founder of KNAC.com, an online
station. He finds joy in touching listeners. And he should: he's been a DJ
since the mid-'70s.
"It is rewarding to know that, somehow, I've made one poor sap smile,"
he says. "When that happens, I've done my job."
DJ Jennifer Lancaster says that the key to getting started in radio is
hands-on experience.
"If you think you're interested in a career as a DJ, check it out, research
it, shadow a DJ for a day, or find a program or station where you get to experience
being on-air," she says. "If you like it, if you love it, then there is almost
always a way to make it work, whether it be working for a small station, taking
on extra work for more pay -- if money is important -- starting an Internet
radio site, or what have you."
But is broadcast DJing a realistic way to earn a living?
"Oh yeah, for sure," says Gelling. "There are a fair number of jobs available,
and you can work in a bunch of different areas. Radio, in general, is more
than just being a DJ. There are a lot of jobs usually available if you're
good at what you're doing. Sometimes you have to start in small towns when
you're a DJ, like a lot of jobs, and you can work up to a larger station eventually.
There's always work available in radio."
With changes in technology come changes in the workplace. The music industry,
in general, is in a state of constant change. The Internet threatens to make
radio and magazines irrelevant, but so far, it hasn't made good
on that threat.
"I imagine there will always be a place for the DJ," says Lancaster, "although
it may become a specialized niche, or it may evolve into a new field via Internet/podcasts/some
new technology not yet developed. There may not be a lot of places for DJs,
but for those who are passionate about it, I think they'll find a market for
themselves."
"A day is coming soon when digital mobility will make it possible for just
about anybody to become, at the very least, a 'micro-star,'" says Hulett.
Lancaster encourages people to follow their DJing interest, regardless
of what naysayers believe about the future of radio.
"I won't discourage anyone from following an interest, no matter how many
people say it's on its way out," she says. "You never know where you might
go with the skills you develop."
Her advice is similar to Hulett's approach. "I recommend kids look for
the vacuum in the industry, and fill it," he says. "There will always be opportunity,
and the successful ones will recognize where it is and take advantage."