What is Radio Jockeying? How to become an RJ, Eligibility, Courses and more
Radio jockeying is one of the most creative, exciting and dynamic career options of the present times. Many film institutes offer undergraduate, postgraduate and diploma courses in Radio Jockeying. If you are interested to make a career in this field, then read on to know about radio jockeying, its syllabus, eligibility, entrance exam, skills required and scope.
Radio Jockeying is a branch of Mass Communication and Media that deals with on-air events on the radio on various topics, across the world. An individual hosting the same is known as a Radio Jockey or an RJ, who is responsible for the broadcast spectrum like chat, music, and news shows to name a few. Radio Jockeying is one of the most creative, exciting, and dynamic career options of the present times. This is no less than a golden opportunity for students who are inclined towards creative writing and are equally eloquent.
The popularity of this area can be gauged from the fact that popular radio jockeys enjoy celebrity status in society. In the past two decades, the influence of radio jockeys in the field of radio production has grown to such an extent that it has become a hallmark of the sector. Candidates interested in making a career in Radio Jockeying can learn about the scope of radio jockeying in the article below.
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Radio Jockeying Courses
The courses can be pursued at both certificate and diploma levels. The duration of the courses is as short as 6 months and can go up to 1 year. Given below are the courses with the basic Radio Jockeying eligibility criteria for both levels.
| Radio Jockeying Certificate Course |
Radio Jockeying Diploma Courses |
|---|---|
| Certificate in Announcing, Broadcasting, Compering and Dubbing |
Diploma in Electronic Media (RJ/VJ) |
| Certificate Course in Radio Jockeying |
PG Diploma in Television and Radio Journalism/ Production |
| Certificate in Community Radio |
Diploma in Professional RJ & Radio Management |
| Certificate in Radio Jockeying Essentials |
Diploma in Radio Programming & Broadcast Management |
| (-) |
Diploma in Radio Production & Radio Jockeying |
Radio Jockeying Eligibility Criteria
The basic eligibility for Certificate and Diploma courses are listed below:
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For Diploma: Passed class 12th exam from a recognized board/ university
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For PG Diploma: A minimum of Bachelor’s degree in any subject from a recognized institute/ university
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For Certificate: Passed 12th exam or equivalent in any stream from a recognized board/ university
Note: For those who hold some media internships stand a better chance of securing an entry-level Radio Jockey position.
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Radio Jockeying Skills
Because radio is all about voice and words, a Radio Jockey must have a charming, lively, and engaging personality. Aside from that, there are a few more skill sets needed to be a competent radio jockey, which are listed below:
| Radio Jockeying Skills Required |
|
|---|---|
| Voice Modulation |
Keep oneself updated |
| Good Sense of Humour |
Spontaneous |
| Clarity of Speech |
Correct Pronunciation |
| Being Expressive and Creative |
Basic Technical knowledge to handle equipment |
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Radio Jockeying Syllabus
Tabulated below are some common topics covered under the Radio Jockeying courses:
| Radio Jockeying Syllabus |
|
|---|---|
| Voice Technique |
Voice Modulation |
| Production (Pre and Post) |
Communication |
| Music Programming |
Transmission System |
| Learning of Media Tools |
Radio Journalism |
| TV Journalism |
Fundamentals of Radio Jockeying |
Note: Other than the topics mentioned above, the institutes also conduct various live projects to expose students to their future in this field. Practical knowledge helps students prepare better for the job.
Radio Jockey Job Prospects and Recruiters
Radio jockeying is a fantastic job choice for those who enjoy talking, creating and expressing themselves. Listed below are the popular job types that one can opt for with a degree in Radio Jockeying:
Announcer: This is one of the most basic radio station's positions. An announcer is someone who reads commercials and is in charge of introducing stuff on the radio. This is the first position one holds before being promoted to higher levels.
FM/AM Radio Jockeys:FM/AM radio jockeys interact with the listener via playing music, talking, or both. Normally, they work for public radio stations.
Talk Radio Jockeys: Talk radio jockeys' only job is to talk for the duration of the show and to address various social and political problems. They also interact with the show's audience and viewers.
Sports Talk Radio Jockeys: They have to communicate with listeners and discuss various sports news and events. These jockeys are usually a former athlete, a television anchor, or a columnist.
Music Director: They are purely responsible to manage and deal with how a radio station's music library is kept and how music is played when it is requested during a show. This individual is in charge of the music we hear on the radio.
Other than the roles given above, other job roles that an RJ can go for are News Reader, On-air Personalities, Production Director, Station Manager and many more.
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Radio Jockeying Popular Recruiters
There are two sectors in which a Radio Jockey can pursue their career:
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Government Sector: AIR (All India Radio), Radio Mid-day and State radio stations
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Private Sector: Big F.M 92.7, Radio Mirchi 98.3, Radio Mango 91.9, Red FM 93.5, 104 Fever, and several other independent radio channels.
Radio Jockeying Popular Colleges
Some of the top and popular colleges are:
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