Becoming a radio jockey in India: Here’s everything aspiring candidates need to know
The host of a radio talk show or a music show is known as a radio jockey or RJ. Precisely, the role of an RJ is to engage the audience through interesting conversations and mannerisms. They also need to entertain callers on phone or those who reach out via online messaging apps. Becoming a radio jockey has become a popular career option for many youngsters who have are good at wordsmithing. Here is everything an aspiring Radio Jockey needs to know.
Courses available
Students aspiring to be an RJ can take up certificate and undergraduate courses after Class 12. These programmes teach the fundamentals of working on voice modulation techniques, use of microphones, training on console handling and OB recording and live shows, among others.
The certificate courses (3 months), sometimes held as weekend workshops, include:
- Certificate in radio production and jockeying
- Short-term course in radio jockeying
- Radio jockey and production skills
The undergraduate courses (3 years) include):
- BA in Journalism and Mass Communication
- BA in Mass Communication (International)
Institutes to study radio jockey courses
AAFT School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Noida, Xavier Institute of Communications, Mumbai, Amity University, Noida and Manav Rachna University, Haryana have specific courses related to radio jockeying. However, other institutions like Sharda University, Greater Noida, Bennett University, Greater Noida, Amity University, Noida offer BA in Journalism and Mass Communication programme which covers radio jockeying and radio production techniques.
Eligibility criteria
Interested students should have completed Class 12 with at least 50% aggregate in any stream, Science, Humanities or Commerce. Further, various colleges and universities also conduct their own entrance examinations such as Sharda University Admission Test (SUAT), for admission to these programmes. Students need to appear for and qualify these entrance exams to gain admission to the course.
Essential attributes
A radio jockey must have a fascinating, vibrant, and captivating personality because radio is all about voice and words. Apart from that, a competent radio jockey requires a few key skill sets. Here are they:
- Voice modulation
- A good sense of humour
- Capacity to articulate well
- Spontaneity
- Clarity of speech
- Correct pronunciation
- Creativity
- Basic technical knowledge of handling radio studio equipment
Subjects taught
Voice modulation techniques, music production and programming, use of transmission systems, radio journalism concepts, as well as pre and post-production techniques in broadcast journalism are the core subjects taught to students as part of the radio jockey certificate or graduation programmes.
Career options and Placement opportunities
For those who enjoy talking, creating, and expressing themselves, radio jockeying is an excellent career choice. All India Radio (AIR), Radio Mirchi, Fever 104 FM, RED FM 93.5, BIG FM 92.7, My FM 94.3 and Radio City 91.1 FM are some of the popular FM channels that hire radio jockeys. The various career options available to students after completion of the programme are: Radio announcers, FM/AM radio jockeys, talk show radio jockeys, sports radio jockeys, satellite radio jockeys, etc.