How hard is the Radio Industry?

How to Get Into the Radio Industry

• Answer:

  If you have a passion for creating content about a variety of subjects for the public airwaves, a career in the radio industry might be for you. Careers in the radio industry include journalist, sound technician and researcher. Making a number of career moves can increase your chances of success in this competitive industry. Difficulty: Moderately Easy Instructions Take a degree course through a university program in electronic journalism. Potential employers generally will require a relevant academic degree. Contact local radio stations and ask the editor if you can get work experience at the station. Although this work would be unpaid, it builds your experience in the industry and adds depth to your resume. Create your own content. Look for interesting stories in your area that a local radio station could use. Record interviews with principals of the story. Edit the content using an audio editing program on your computer and send it to the radio station. The radio station may not use the content, but this approach shows innovation and a determination to succeed that may help you stand out among job applicants. Look for jobs at an online or community radio station rather than a commercial station. Online and community stations are much smaller and lower-budget. Although the pay will be low, your chances of landing a job with one of these stations are better than at a commercial station. This allows you to earn experience and contribute to the station's public identity. Send your resume to as many radio stations as you can, even if they are not advertising available positions. If a station has your resume in its files, it can consider you for positions as they arise.