Even though radio is the oldest medium among all the electronic medias, but its attraction didn't decrease a bit among people. A lively portable electronic instrument whereby the listeners while listening or interacting with the broadcasters/RJs, more often, develops a friendly relationship. Yes! This fact stands true even today. Like any other medium, Radio too has gone through changes/modifications/upgrades in the last nine decades or so. Changes from the analog to digital, AM to FM, announcer to RJ has taken place together with the changes in the nature of radio programs, time duration of programs and active participation of listeners in the live, on air programs. Moreover, since it is a cost-effective medium it has left it competitors way behind at the present.
Qualifications/Entry
Today, the various mediums of mass communications like the radio, television, cinema, advertisement, newspaper, magazine, etc., have earned a significant place in society and these play a great role in the country's outlook and development. So, job prospective in these sectors have also increased many fields than before. Radio broadcaster is one career option that has gained popularity with time.
A graduate in any of the streams preferred for the job profile of the radio broadcaster. However, you need to be a regular listener to radio programs. This would fulfil the basic criteria required for the job profile. Besides, a mass communication diploma, post graduation or knowledge in radio production would give you an edge to secure a job in this sector. There are three ways to begin a career in radio broadcasting:
For public service, together with the broadcasting certificate, you need to clear the audition to get the broad casting assignment.
For commercial radio station, you need to give audition as an RJ. Though you may work part-time to begin with, but with time and expertise you get permanent in your job.
You may work as an assistant/helper to an experienced broadcaster. This would help in gaining practical knowledge that would come in handy when you work as a broadcaster, professionally.
Job Profiles/Designations in radio stations
Some of the important job profiles/designation in which people work in radio stations are station director, station manager, assistant station director, radio producer, program executive, program assistant, broadcast journalist, radio presenter/announcer/anchor/RJ, transmission executive, audience research officer, news editor, etc.
Qualities of a radio broadcaster
What it takes to be a successful radio broadcaster? Well, you need a good writing skill because within a limited time you may have to create scripts on various subjects.
You have to keep yourself updated with the things happening around you, socially/politically. Make sure to go through newspapers and magazines regularly.
You need to develop the habit of meeting the deadlines. Keeping a cool head and giving one hundred percent would lead you to success in this profession.
The success/failure of a broadcaster depends on the level of interaction with the listeners. So, you need to be aware about your listeners likes/dislikes and share your information properly.
Confidence is another yardstick that determines your success. While interacting with your listeners on any subject you should be confident about what you are speaking.
Common sense and presence of mind are the other basic traits of this profession. You need to form the introduction, carry on with the topic of discussion and conclude the same in the professional way. Your speech has to be attractive and at the same time to an extent problem solving.
Limit your speeches to a certain boundary, beyond which it should not exceed. You need to be politically/logically correct and neutral in your speeches. This would prevent controversies.
Moreover, you should have adequate knowledge on recording, handling microphone, editing, mixing software, etc.
Institutes that provide broadcasting course
Given below, are the names of some institutes that provide the broadcaster course:
Indian Institute of Mass Communication
City – New Delhi
Website – http://www.iimc.nic.in
Anna University
City – Chennai
Website – http://www.annauniv.edu
Indira Gandhi National Open University
City – New Delhi
Website – http://www.ingou.ac.in
Punjab University
City – Chandigarh
Website – www.puchd.ac.in
A J K Mass Communication And Research Centre
City – New Delhi