If you are a conversationalist and often praised or chided for having an opinion about everything, you should consider becoming a Radio Jockey, says RJ Khurafati Nitin
With the advent of digital media, Radio Industry has undergone a transformation in the last decade. Radio Jockey (RJ) as a profession wasn’t considered mainstream and has now evolved to become in-demand. The profession has now received more exposure and visibility, as a result, myths are busted and a clearer picture is conveyed to the people.
But even today, when people listen to any RJ on the radio, it is assumed that the voice you hear is the whole and soul of the show. However, that isn’t the case. Every RJ is backed by a group of other technical and business professionals like Radio Producer, Programming Director, Music Manager, Sound Engineers who make the radio show successful.
A radio station comprises several teams— programming, sales, scheduling, branded solutions, etc. lot of ideas, thoughts and collective effort goes behind everything that is broadcast on the radio. The trending conversations in the nation or city are linked or generated into content. So, it is about staying up-to-date about the most recent happenings and trends.
The employment opportunities in the radio industry are limited despite the fact it’s growing but that shouldn’t be a deterrent to them if they are passionate about the medium. The profession demands serious people with the talent, patience and right zeal for the medium. The first step in the direction of starting a career in the field could be by working as an intern at any radio station and learn as much as one can. As far as remuneration is concerned, it is decided based on your talent, experience and presence in the market.
Expectations from an RJ continue to rise with the popularity of the medium. Besides possessing an outgoing personality; good sense of humour and exceptional presence of mind, an RJ should be multi-dimensional. The job of an RJ now is not merely restricted to entertain the listeners through music and shows, the profile is more like that of a multi-talented artist. From being highly-inquisitive, tech-savvy, entertaining, having a flair for current affairs to being technically sound, an RJ must be completely tuned in, otherwise ,it's going to be a torturous uphill climb. Not to forget, a good command over language, voice and ability to connect with the listeners is a must in this profession.
The key in here is to be yourself, and that's what works. One should have their own style of communicating with the listeners. In this profession, it's also one's aptitude, overall confidence, and personality to deliver all of it through voice which counts more. Apart from this, RJs should be culturally sound, know their city well, and be aware of the key events taking place around them.
Radio in India today is evolving at a fast rate; right from the medium's functioning to the way it is employed as a platform for CSR activities. RJs also swiftly adapt to the changes. They step into the profession with the understanding that the medium has become more like a podium for listeners, where social issues can be raised without any hesitation.
RJs have realized this responsibility to represent the society and its critical issues, on the medium. They are not only doing reality-checks on-air but also make their voices heard on social media platforms to drive a positive change in a locality, city. They are walking an extra mile and highlighting the current scenario in every possible aspect with the intent to make their listeners more conscious and aware about social issues, through various campaigns. listeners now have the opportunity to understand these issues in an in-depth manner through on-air and social media campaigns.
The radio stations and RJs in unity are leading social issues in the hope to communicate the message among the masses. A lot of change can be noticed when it comes to taking up CSR initiatives through an amalgamation of both mediums. The success of these campaigns contributes towards making the job of an RJ, one of the most fulfilling professions in the world.
The writer is an RJ in 92.7 Big FM.