How to Start an Internet Radio Station

 

One of the less appreciated shifts that the digital age has brought about is the rise of truly independent media: citizen journalists, bloggers, and even those people who make a living by creating Youtube videos. Whether you have a Ph.D. in economics or just a couple of strong opinions, everyone can now have their voice heard, leading to an unprecedented level of competition between different viewpoints.

There are a number of reasons that can motivate a person to look into setting up their very own web-based radio station — starting your own radio career can be very rewarding. Often, a person will want to set up the kind of radio they themselves would like to hear but can’t find, whether it consists of discussing Greek poetry or vegan cooking. Others are natural entertainers and would prefer friends as well as strangers to tune into them instead of spending their time in a depression chat room. Whatever the station’s intention and mission, a little more than a broadband connection is required to start jamming.

 

The Easy Way: Streaming Services

Suitable for both audio and video, streaming services require no technical skill whatsoever and start at around $100 per month for professional packages. This may seem like a lot for a hobbyist, but a reasonably popular station can easily charge as much for a single ad. All you’ll need is a decent microphone and an MP3 player, and you can potentially start broadcasting immediately.

 

The Less Easy Way

If someone plans to start broadcasting as a career or doesn’t want to be exposed to policy changes on the part of a third party, it’s not all that difficult to set up your own server. This doesn’t even need to be a rack-mounted monstrosity that requires its own air conditioning since an ordinary desktop PC will likely be all that’s needed to handle initial traffic volumes and production tasks.

Essentially, what is needed is installing an application that can play music, another to convert audio into a real-time stream, and a third that turns your computer into a server. In addition, a computer with a dedicated sound card (rather than using the chip on the motherboard) and professional quality microphone are recommended, which will allow good audio quality at least at the source.

There are a whole bunch of options for the various software functions, including open source alternatives. For easy configuration, a budding broadcaster can look into Winamp with its Edcast plugin, while Icecast2 creates a no-nonsense radio server.

 

Getting Started

The only data rate your ISP normally specifies is the downstream capacity, whereas you will mainly be broadcasting, not downloading. The bandwidth you’ll need is affected both by the broadcast quality and the number of simultaneous listeners, so you may need to upgrade to an enterprise internet plan. Alternatively, part of a cloud server can also be rented to handle all of the data requirements, with high availability at a reasonable cost.

Once you’ve wrestled with concepts such as ports and encoders, it’s time to actually start deciding on programming. There are few hard and fast rules when it comes to attracting listeners, whether you’re broadcasting as a business or as a hobby, but high-quality, consistent content is obviously a must. It’s better to only broadcast an hour or two per day and keep people interested in what’s being played or said.

Secondly, specialization is the name of the game. A quick look around the internet will easily reveal the existence of web stations in every niche you can think of. Competing with them is almost never possible by diluting your efforts across multiple genres. Instead, focus on what you can do well and wait for like-minded people to find you.

As one example, copyright fees can easily cripple a small station that tries to play the most popular tunes, but it may be possible to negotiate good rates with individual artists looking for exposure. Another route which can be followed is to focus on listeners in your town or even a single neighborhood, which helps keep content relevant and interactive, as well as making finding advertisers easier.

 

 

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What Every Radio Station Operator Needs To Know About Copyright

 

Different radio personalities specialize in different things: the fictional Frasier Crane provides talk therapy over the airways, millions of people trust the news as they hear it from Glenn Beck’s lips, and Howard Stern is presumably up to his own thing.

However, there are some commonalities that have to be taken into account whatever the program’s format, including internet broadcasts and podcast. One of these principles is that creative artists of all kinds are entitled to compensation whenever any of their work is used – unless you’re in a country such as Turkmenistan, which has no copyright law whatsoever. At least, in theory, copyrights both allow the actual creators of the work to make a living wage, while the corporations they’re tied to continue to have an economic reason to invest in new works. This principle is even mentioned in the U.S. Constitution.

As a freelancer, the copyright on articles and recordings literally make up a large portion of my livelihood. As an author, torrent sites offering copies of my books make a real though unquantifiable dent in my earnings. As a broadcaster, ignoring the basics of copyright law can have serious legal and financial consequences, and small independent broadcasters are in no way exempt from understanding and enforcing these regulations.

 

What Is Protected?

The Copyright law or practice is ridiculously complex. As a general guideline, any work that isn’t specifically stated to be licensed under a Creative Commons license or older than 100 years should be considered as being the property of its owner, whether it’s an actual sound recording or something more abstract, such as a musical composition or written text. Some countries require works to be registered for copyright to apply, but merely the act of creating something is usually sufficient, even without including a phrase such as “all rights reserved”. This is the case in all countries that subscribe to the Berne Convention.

The good news is that non-profit or student radio is often given a long leash as long as it acts in good faith. In addition, it’s understood that only a particular way ideas are interpreted can be copyrighted, not the ideas themselves. There are also various different types of rights that can be assigned from the owner or creator to a broadcaster, including reproduction, public performance, and control over derivative works.

 

Enforcement

While a few countries have laws that make copyright infringement illegal, government resources are usually devoted primarily to actual forgery. This means that the copyright holder has to bear the costs of protecting his intellectual property itself in a civil suit rather than involving the police. In practice, this means that large, financially muscular organizations such as the “big three” record labels receive more advantage from copyright law as it stands. Due to the costs of initiating a trial, violators are usually first asked to stop using copyrighted work through a letter or phone call.

The actual scale of intellectual property theft is unknown. Should it be determined on the basis of the nominal value of all pirated works, or as a number representing the actual lost sales an industry suffers? In fact, it has not been proven that technologies such as file sharing actually harm music vendors, many of which have embraced Youtube with open arms.

 

Copyright in Radio

As mentioned, copyright law is a minefield at times, and anyone who needs to pay royalties might well need legal advice before letters of demand start arriving.

Fortunately, rationality has prevailed in the broadcast industry. You might think that a radio station needs to keep a record of every song they play, find out who holds the copyright and how much they charge, and finally send out hundreds of little checks each month. This would clearly lay a heavy administrative burden on everyone involved, so companies such as SoundExchange and Live365 were founded to take a lot of the pain out of paying royalties.

The two examples mentioned are focused on digital broadcasts, but national or regional equivalents exist in nearly every jurisdiction. These are typically industry associations rather than organs of government. Essentially, each radio station pays a monthly fee based on size (typically determined by output power), with discounts applying to community-based stations or those tied to educational organizations. The proportion of funds that should go to each performer and record label is then calculated through a complicated algorithm, and in principle, everybody gets paid according to the contribution they make to broadcasting.

 …

Radio Show Giving Psychiatry Advice

Counselors, therapists, and psychiatrists are examples of health professionals people to run to during problems with relationships, self, and mental illnesses. While social stigma on mental diseases is slowly weaning, people are still hesitant about the idea and do not often seek professional help upon identifying early signs of problems. The stigma of mental illness “Is in the same category as racism and sexism,” according to Patrick W. Corrigan, PsyD, distinguished professor of psychology at the Illinois Institute of Technology.

 

People Are Finding Ways

Despite studies and research stating that mental illnesses should be managed and treated as a clinical condition like that of cardiovascular disease or diabetes mellitus, society still believes that mental illness is something that can be controlled or can be overcome by an individual as long as there is sincere willingness to change or to improve oneself. “Many people feel embarrassed or ashamed of their symptoms because our society places illogical taboos on mental health issues over physical conditions,” according to clinical psychologist Nikki Massey-Hastings, PsyD.

Also, treatment modalities for mental illnesses are expensive. Hourly rates of mental health consultations are sky-rocketing per the hour as well as the medications. Therapies can be costly and time-consuming. According to Marla B. Cohen, PsyD, “Some therapists may charge as much as $200 or more per session.” Thus, it is an entirely common practice for people to seek help through affordable methods. For instance, more people turn to the internet and mobile applications, help hotlines or facilities funded by government or NGOs.

In fact, many radio shows and streaming stations are bringing in the experts on psychiatry and mental health to help the public in information dissemination and promulgating awareness about different mental health issues. Also, it encroaches on topics on how to handle anxiety, overcoming stressful situations and reducing on modifiable risk factors. In short, these radio shows are trying their best in keeping us sane. Topics can range from latest updates on psychotic medications to how a healthy lifestyle can also translate to vigorous mental health.

Psychiatry Made Available Through Radio

One of the prominent radio shows under psychiatry radio is Psychiatry Today. Dr. Scot Bay hosts it. Dr. Bay is a medical doctor, board-certified in psychiatry. He is also maintaining a private practice in Georgia. He graduated from the University of Rochester majoring in Psychology. Later, he attended medical school at New York Medical College. He underwent residency program in Psychiatry at St. Vincent’s Hospital and became clinical director of the outpatient clinic of the said hospital until 1995. He moved to Georgia where he began his private practice. He specializes in evaluation and management of mood and anxiety disorders. He had the chance to lecture all over Southeast on topics such as practical and inventive usage of psychotic drugs. He also played a role in clinical research on unique uses of medications available in the market as well as the potential of new medicines. He started with the radio show specifically to help listeners cope better with stress and emotional turmoil. Examples of topics of “Psychiatry Today” are (1) Depression In Pregnancy Can Alter The Babies’ Brains, (2) Access To Gun Increases Risk Of Suicides And Homicides, (3) Drivers Diagnosed With ADHD More Prone To Crashes and (4) Use Of Smartphones At Night and many more.

While having radio shows discussing stereotypes and debunking myths about mental illness is advantageous, it is still best to seek individualized professional help for specific problems. This radio shows give off general advice and information that may or may not work for your situation or problem.…

Radio Industry

The earlier generation lived on AM-FM as entertainment. While TV is still a permanent fixture in the household, radio is rarely seen in people’s homes.

For the past two decades, the world has witnessed the technological advancement of the radio industry and the magnitude of its effort in the public’s daily lives. Music can now be accessed and owned through various means and different avenues. It is what experts call ancillary services and public service providers playing on the table.

Thus, the radio era has paved the way for digital tuning at cheaper dollars.

Introduction To The Whats And Hows Of The Radio Industry

Many say it’s the end of the radio era, and it’s true to some extent. But the radio era is a generic term. News flash: People are not buying a set of radio players, cassette tapes, CDs, and various accessories despite the enterprise being considered dead. “The AM-FM era can have odd functions for patients’ (and all of our) psyches,” according to Peter D. Kramer, an American psychiatrist.

The End Of The AM-FM Era?

Due to these changes, it is safe to assume that traditional radio broadcasts are dwindling.

However, government reports and data show the opposite of the expected projection of the radio industry. Nielsen revealed a report that states that the second quarter of 2015 has shown the highest number of people listening to the transistor ever recorded in the country. Also, in the 1st to the 3rd quarter of 2015, it was recorded that 245 million people had the chance to listen to the transistor at least once a week. The number is 91% of the American population above twelve years old, which is a gem to advertisers seeking to use the radio equipment industry. 

 With the diverse demographic profile of listeners, the radio industry is an excellent medium for advertising revenue materials targeting various audiences and markets. In other words, we benefit from it, too.

The important reason why radio still exists in our society is its accessibility and availability.

Radio access first opened in New York, Chicago, and Europe. As years went by, people started to invest in radio, competing for licenses and the key genre of the time. Indeed, age comes with growth.

Most people with cars listen to the radio on their way to school or work. After travel or commuting during peak hours, the number of traditional and local broadcasting involving listeners drops as they turn to a different mode such as mobile phones, computers, mp3, etc.

The Times Of Traditional Broadcast

Many industry experts believe that the essence of the radio might change during the time spent to adapt to the different improvements; for instance, music streaming service and subscription industries might gain considerable audience traction compared to radio. It led figures in Washington to create a law to regulate the industry.

Traditional broadcasters promote listening to the radio by creating ingenious ways to capture the audience and transform them into interested listeners through radio. They want their voices to be heard by millions of people.

Other radio stations venture into other programming strategies: genres other than music to tap a diverse target audience or market; after all, not all driving people want to listen to radio music. Some groups would like to search and learn new things (new businesses, hobbies, etc…) and even seek counseling in dealing with their relationships through love advice from licensed experts on traditional radio broadcasting.

Maybe spiritual talks and discussions are also available on the radio, which can be a good required start. Dr. Joy Browne, a psychologist, states that radio talk shows are a good start toward healing. “It’s a start,” says Dr. Browne. “It clarifies things and moves people in a new direction.”

The companies in the radio industry are striving and in no way near extinction. Just see the earnings of one of the world’s highest-paid radio broadcasters, Howard Stern. He received around 90 million from June 1, 2016, to June 1, 2017, which proves that talking on the radio can make you productive.

The Best Strategy

Maybe opting to turn on the radio for music is not the best alternative for listeners since they can use their phones or computers to direct them to the song they want to listen to. Therefore, the best strategy for radio programming is to find the sweet spot for satellite radio and the audio that interests the listeners that they would be willing to stay tuned to for a long time and make content listening to the radio a part of their daily routine.

Increased listeners would mean an influx of advertisers, creating a vibrant community for the industry and Spotify subscribers. “Psychologists on radio and TV shows are now part of pop culture,” says Sheenah Hankin, a Manhattan psychotherapist. Subscriptions commonly rise during February or March.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is radio in the media industry?

Radio is a significant part of the media industry, encompassing broadcast, digital, and satellite radio platforms.

What are the three types of radio?

The three primary types of radio are AM (Amplitude Modulation), FM (Frequency Modulation), and Internet or Online Radio.

What is the biggest radio company?

As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, iHeartMedia, Inc. (formerly Clear Channel Communications) was one of the largest radio companies in the United States.

How do I get into the radio business?

To enter the radio industry, consider gaining relevant education or training, building a demo reel or portfolio, networking, and applying for internships or entry-level positions at a radio station.

What is it like to work on the radio?

Working in radio can be dynamic and exciting, involving tasks such as hosting shows, producing content, conducting interviews, and engaging with listeners. It offers a platform for creativity and communication.

Do you need a degree to be a radio host?

While a degree can be beneficial, it’s not always necessary to become a radio host. Practical experience, networking, and building your on-air skills can also open doors in the industry.

Do radio hosts make good money?

Radio host salaries vary widely depending on factors like market size, experience, and location. Some established hosts can earn substantial incomes, while others may start with lower pay.

Who is the most famous radio personality?

The most famous radio personalities can vary by region and time frame, but some well-known figures include Howard Stern, Rush Limbaugh (before his passing), and Ryan Seacrest.

What do you study to work on the radio?

Studying communication, journalism, broadcasting, or related fields can be valuable for a career in radio. Courses may cover topics like radio production, voice training, and media ethics.

Is working on the radio stressful?

Like any job in the media industry, working on the radio can be demanding and fast-paced. Deadlines, live broadcasts, and audience interaction can contribute …

Psychotherapy On Radio: Boon or Bane

In his early 40s and by societal standards labeled as successful, Bob is a corporate executive who loves his wife of 20 years and children; however, torment is evident in his voice when he shared the fact that he has a secret that he has taken exceptional measures to hide from his family. Bob imparted to the psychologist that he receives pleasure from trying on his wife’s undergarments. Bob is deeply concerned that his family will know about his most profound secret. Also, he worries about what they will think about his mental health status. The therapist then emphatically inquired about his background and declared his condition as a harmless fetish. It might be eccentric but nothing problematic enough. The therapist urges him to talk to his wife and free himself from the burden of this secret.

 

This is an example of an intimate conversation between doctor and client. However, this is neither private nor happened within the confines of a doctor office. The discussion was broadcasted on local radio in Los Angeles. The patient is on his office telephone, and a clinical psychologist was on the other line. Eavesdropping on this private conversation is the 122, 000 radio listeners in the Los Angeles area. According to Peter D. Kramer, a psychiatrist, “Patients can feel diminished by radio talk for a contrasting reason: it exposes the limits of their knowledge.”

Radio Therapy Shows: Are They In Or Out?

The question of societal fascination with psychology-oriented talk shows is rising. Whatever is the functional purpose it serves is not overstepping the ethical boundaries expected from professionals. We live in a period where gurus are straightforward and direct. Because of this, people wanted to eavesdrop. Therapy through the media is not something novel. In the 1950s and 60s, Dr. Joyce Brother started pioneering television, and live radio talks show discussing topics on frigidity and impotence. These topics are taboo subjects on the air. Some critics exclaimed that direct on-air consultation is not entirely for psychology and the primary purpose of such is not giving sound advice but instead, all done in the name of entertainment. In fact, David Bartlett, former president of the Radio-Television News Directors Association, once said,

“The best way to ensure the failure of a radiotherapy show is to concentrate on psychology. Good talk radio is done for the listener, not the caller. That may not always be compatible with the role of a therapist” (Independent, 2018).

“Psychologists on radio and TV shows are now part of pop culture,” says Sheenah Hankin, a Manhattan psychotherapist who treats media personalities.

With compromising obligations and objectives, can a radio psychologist place the best intentions of the caller over the need of the radio station and advertisers to entertain? Thus, it is essential to ask if the psychologists’ loyalty is in that of the patient’s welfare. Ethical issues arise for the profession because no sound advice or help transpires when one only knows tidbits of facts about the person and draw a conclusion from this information. Moreover, the input of psychologists might influence these callers and can affect their lives. Hopefully, advice given to them is appropriate for their condition or situation.

Always Check With Your Doctor

It is always best to seek traditional professional help. Inquiring about general information with regards to different mental illnesses and condition is perfectly fine in radio shows but when dealing with private and sensitive issues, investing in a good therapist is still irreplaceable. “You will need to talk openly and honestly with your therapist about your thoughts and feelings, so it’s important to find the right specialist for you,” says Ryan Howes, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist.…

Top 3 LGBTQ Internet Radios

Remember when Ellen Degeneres first opened up that she’s gay? She did it on her TV sitcom, and it created a lot of reactions – both negative and positive. This was 30 years ago when the topic of LGBT was taken so seriously and often received a bashing attitude. 

 

Fast forward to where we are now, there are still bashing moments and negative side comments about one’s sexuality, however, the platform for revealing one’s true identity has expanded. Today we have the social media on the internet, podcasts, and even the good old radio broadcasting system to deliver this lifetime revelation to the whole world. Far more than that, the LGBTQ community possesses a very strong sense of support system that they easily reach out to someone who is ready to come out of the closet and start a new life.  

Here are the top 3 LGBT radios that have created a mark in encouraging individuals who are still struggling with their sexuality and serves as a beacon of hope to everyone.  

Pride World Radio. Initially based in the UK and is heard in 1,195 countries, Pride World Radio carries this mission in their website: “committed to nurture and encourage new and emerging talent, giving a platform for a proud, strong and diverse LGBT+ voice.” Because internet technology drives it, the shows are hosted in different countries in the UK such as Wales, England, Scotland and Ireland. Pride World Radio carries several talks shows that deal with LGBT issues such parents and teens relationship, dealing with coming out problems, relationship issues with family and workplace, and how to deal with everyday issues such as sexual, physical, and psychological health, bullying concerns, and stigmatization about LGBT in general.  

Gaydio. India is one of the countries where being gay is considered a taboo. It is not accepted and entirely not allowed by their culture. But this was changed by Harish Iyer, a very active Indian gay rights activist. He started the first ever gay radio in India in July 2017 and aptly named it Gaydio. He believes that fighting for this specific right does not only ends in the streets and demonstrations. He’s been hosting the radio talk show and has received many calls describing personal experiences about LGBT issues. Some of his callers are not only the LGBT individuals but also parents of LGBT children who need advice on how to handle the situation. Some topics are very complicated because of the cultural and moral implication that India has towards LGBT issues. At present, the radio show is going strong and broadcasting to major cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. 

Pride Radio. Their slogan proudly declares “The Pulse of LGBTQ America.” Aside from carrying the flagship of LGBTQ problems, Pride Radio also tackles daily news and events in politics and government, local news, showbiz, sports, and business news. It’s like your typical internet radio show with a flare of LGBTQ on the side. Broadcasting in major cities and via the internet, Pride Radio is also available as a mobile application where it can be downloaded and installed on your phone. As long as you have an internet connection, you are always connected. 

LGBTQ community has so many to be thankful these days, compared to those who experienced backlash and encountered negative implications of being different. Although there are still some cases of discriminations, the environment, behavior, and attitude of the majority are already pointing towards acceptance and acknowledging LGBTQ population.  …

Calling In Your Problems: Is It Safe?

Humans are inherently sociable creatures. We love to share stories and experiences so that other people can gain insights on what is happening in our lives. Some would do it by bragging or showing off what they are capable of, while others do it for the sake of gaining attention. It has also come to a point where one’s problems, mostly relationship issues, are shared with the mainstream community. We hear a lot of stories called in by avid listeners over the radio to obtain advice and support from others and the person who is hosting the radio talk show. Is this even acceptable? What are the benefits or complications that a person can endure if they want to open their personal life to a radio talk show? “More fundamentally, we enjoy the sense of personal connection that radio offers.”, says Peter D. Kramer, a psychiatrist.

 

 

Is This Even Acceptable? 

Have you ever watched the movie Sleepless in Seattle? This is a perfect example of a radio talk show helping people with their relationship problems. I will not go into details on how the movie went, but I would like to point out that it is a reasonable manner to ask for advice on matters of the heart in any radio talk show provided that it is hosted and delivered by a life coach or someone with a background in psychology. Some DJs are also capable of giving practical advice, and this is also acceptable. Remember, the number one reason why people are eager to call and share their problems is that they are in dire need of someone to listen to them. Sometimes, what matters most is the listening aspect and for the person to unburden his/her psychological conflicts. Dr. Hankin, a psychotherapist, says such psychological quick fixes from radio talk shows can be therapeutically valid, within reason. “I think it can have a lot of value if the people doing it are competent,” she says. “It can be quite useful to people who are not deeply troubled. Certainly the demand is there.”

Confidentiality Issues 

 

 

Unlike the Facebook or other social media platform, there is a specific limitation on how you want others to see your profile or media posts. A Facebook user, for example, can control his privacy settings to ensure that only preferred friends and connections are allowed or not allowed to view the posts. When you share your personal experience over the radio, this will be broadcasted throughout the airwaves, and the probability of going public and be known by the majority who listens to the radio station will know your situation. Of course, your identity will be protected by giving an alternative name or alias. However, the similar circumstances of your story can trigger a familiar note to other people who are involved in the experience, and they too will be dragged into the limelight. It is essential that the other person’s identity is protected and not divulged in any way while you are telling your version of the story. 

What To Expect After Making The Call? 

 

 

I should say that while on air, the person sharing the story is not just aware of the listeners’ reactions and feedbacks they are giving while this person continues to narrate their experience. Some would side the caller while others will provide negative comments and even blame the person. So, you will have the best of both worlds. In some radio programs, they have some real-time reactions from their listeners such a Tweet or comment on Facebook. The radio host will then read it aloud so that the person will know what the others think of the problem. Some listeners give pieces of advice especially if they have the same experience as the caller.  

Radio show programs are another media that can provide psychological help to those who needs it. It’s an unconventional way however the benefits are the same or comparable to a formal or office setting of getting mental help. Nonetheless, one should consider that by sharing your problems on air, there is a significant possibility that privacy issues are compromised, and you should be prepared for any consequences it may bring. “The first step is to look at yourself and determine what it is you need,” Dr. Howes , a clinical psychologist, says. “Ask yourself, Am I the sort of person who benefits from someone who tells me what to do? Or do I need someone with a good ability to listen and who will talk through things with me?” But then again, those who are listening will know your deepest issues.…

Career Focus: Disc Jockey 

Ever wanted to be a disc jockey? This career has evolved that it can now be a lucrative option for earning an income. This article will give you an idea of how to start a career in the radio industry as a disc jockey. 

 

The word disc jockey or DJ started in 1935 and was coined by Walter Winchell, a radio gossip commentator. But it was only in 1941 that the word was known publicly when it was mentioned in the Variety magazine. The primary task of the disc jockey is to introduce phonograph records on air. Back then, this was a novel way of playing songs over the radio as the disc jockey composes an introduction and adds some personal greetings to the person(s) to whom the song was dedicated. Today, this is still the primary job of the disc jockey with additional perquisites. 

Job Description And Requirements 

To become a disc jockey, it is not only necessary that you love music or can gab endlessly. A significant requirement nowadays is one must have an associate or bachelors’ degree to stay at par and meet the demands of broadcasting and communication arts. It is also essential to gain experience or hands-on training in becoming a DJ to make sure that the person will have a grasp of the technicalities of the job. 

Duties And Responsibilities 

As a disc jockey, one must understand that it is a vital aspect to practice the ethical principles in broadcasting. This includes integrity of information, fairness or equality, independence, accountability, and humanity. 

 

 

The office of a disc jockey is limited to the 4-walls of a soundproof booth. They accept greetings and calls over the phone, read letters and follow song requests. They play commercial segments and prepare interfaces in their radio program to entice the listeners. Disc jockeys are also capable of offering guidance and on-air counseling to callers who share their life problems. Most of these problems are on relationships with parents and family, love life, student, and career issues. 

Disc jockeys not only play music all day. They are given a specific radio program to host and deliver spiels that are relevant to their listeners. At times, they interview celebrities, politicians, or other vital personalities that are relevant at the moment. Disc jockeys are also invited to host social events like product launching at concerts or station sponsored events. As the disc jockey builds his/her professional portfolio, they become in demand and influential in commercial and business sales. They can receive endorsement offers and are very much well-paid. What’s more is if you have a talent in singing, dancing or acting, this can be a stepping stone to another well-off career and your road to stardom.  

Future Directions 

 

 

Some say that because of the progress of digital technology, human factors will start to diminish and digital or robotic programs will replace this. Some disagree with this prediction and would like to clarify that human interventions will remain a number one element in radio broadcasting. Even in digital radio and podcasts, radio announcers and disc jockeys are still doing their jobs. The only changes that are sure to take place are the advancement of the roles and responsibilities of a disc jockey. It is too early to say at this time what future will hold for this type of career; however, we are confident that the curtain will still not fall for the disc jockeys around the world. 

 …

Benefits Of Listening To The Radio

Nowadays, listening to the radio might sound peculiar. In this modern world, people have the opportunity to download everything from the internet to their devices such as laptops, smartphones and mp3 players among many others. Majority of people have their means of storing music into their devices where they can connect it to loudspeakers or can be plugged with earphones. But for some, radio is still an essential part of their life. It may not be the old type of receiver where someone can insert CD or cassette tape, but it can be any device that is equipped with a radio. 

 

So, what are the reasons that there are still people prefer listening to the radio rather than its counterparts? Here are some of them: 

It Brings Entertainment  

 

Listening to favorite songs or artists, again and again, may make a person entertained but aside from that, disc jockeys might be the other reason why people are happy listening to the radio. Every people has their favorite type of personality of a disc jockey. Some people prefer funny while some prefer sentimental. It is impossible for them not to share their personal stories over the radio which people may relate to. And sometimes, they may invite guests or even celebrities as the interviewee that makes radio more entertaining. 

It Is Educational 

The radio’s primary purpose is not just to bring entertainment to the public but also to give information such as current events and other relevant matter that people must know. Radio announcers are not just reporting about celebrity updates but other serious stuff such as politics, religion, and even traffic reports. Many radio stations have their official accounts on Twitter, Facebook and other media sites where listeners can give insights or reactions to a particular topic being tackled.  

It Gives Prizes 

Radios have many sponsors that offer prizes for many games or contests almost every day. Games are typically, and most of it are just naming the brand or the latest products of the sponsors. Prizes of these games are in the form of gift products, gift certificates, free movie tickets, free concert tickets, or a trip to a particular destination. If they are a little more generous, they could give iPhones and even brand-new cars.  

For Counseling 

 

It is so typical for a disc jockey to act as a counselor or a friend for their listeners who shares specific issues or problems that they wanted to have answers. Most of the time, issues related to love or relationships are being shared by the public listeners. They can send their problem through the official social media account of the radio station or via phone. Disc jockeys read their problem on air and give their advice. Sometimes, other listeners have the opportunity to provide their inputs or opinions regarding the matter being addressed.  

It Relieves Stress 

When a person happens to be stuck in traffic, it is impossible not to lose temper. Listening to the radio while driving may alleviate the negative feeling that a person is experiencing. Is it nice to hear the disc jockey cheering up a person in the middle of traffic? It is an undeniable fact that even once in our life, the radio somehow manages to ease the tension we are in and can bring pure joy. …

The Basics Of Journalistic Ethics

 

Various professions come with a code of conduct that’s adhered to a greater or lesser extent: doctors, lawyers, builders, soldiers. In each case, this is a recognition that these people have the power to both help and harm, and following a few guidelines has been shown to limit the risk.

 

The basic danger of ignoring these rules is clear: once listeners realize that you’re not following them, any commentary on current events will be left feeling empty and suspect to your audience. Any reporter who is found guilty of a serious ethical breach will have the reputation of a pariah, and will struggle to find future employment even at less reputable sources of news. Finally, getting it wrong can result in lawsuits under defamation and libel laws, and settlements are often substantial.

 

Editorial Independence

Every broadcaster that hopes to become popular knows to “respect the audience” and not transmit messages that would be offensive to them. Unfortunately, a small proportion of listeners have trouble distinguishing between moral outrage and someone simply disagreeing with them.

 

Advertisers also frown on shenanigans that will put their own brands in a bad light (pro tip: don’t call someone who doesn’t share your views a “slut” and “prostitute on live air). And, it’s an open secret that how news on controversial subjects is reported, including everything from climate change to political campaigns, affects where they choose to spend their money.

 

News editors and discussion hosts therefore have to walk a fine line between commercial viability and the accurate representation of current events. This can be done in a number of ways, for instance, by clearly separating factual reporting from opinion. A plane crash is a fact, speculating about its causes before the official verdict is released is opinion.

 

Equally, reporting on any issue should be balanced and reflect at least the views of the main players (think of how many reports you can remember on U.S. soldiers compared to Iraqi civilians). Balanced reporting does not mean that every bigoted or unfounded opinion should receive equal play, but that their contexts and supporting evidence are presented fairly. For example, if a famous expert is to participate in a debate, every effort should be made to find him an equally distinguished opponent, while the host may want to declare his own views or any conflict of interest explicitly.

 

Humanity and Compassion

All of us will remember the Boston Marathon bombing, but aren’t our memories of such incidents based mostly on what the media reported?

 

In fact, it seems that some editors saw the event as a payday rather than a tragedy. The death toll was initially inflated by a factor of four, while one newspaper published photographs of two “suspects” that had already been cleared by police, and in fact had been nowhere near the blast. They are currently suing the newspaper for the distress and notoriety this inflicted on them. Not to be outdone, CNN reported that an arrest had been made without checking this fact.

 

Reporters often cover sensitive stories or interview emotionally distraught people. At the same time, inaccurate reporting in the name of being first with the story can literally ruin lives. Subjecting bereaved persons, or those accused of a crime, to ambush journalism is not supporting the public’s right to know unless it yields information that is actually in the public interest. Listeners may have an attraction to scandal or prurient stories, but covering them requires greater ethical standards, not weaker. When publishing a story may cause harm to some individual, no matter how unpopular, it is advisable to get legal advice about how far his privacy has to be respected.

 

Honesty

Good sources are more valuable than gold to any journalist who actually investigates stories (as opposed to reporting at second hand). However, for personal, professional or legal reasons, they will often be hesitant to speak under their own name. For this reason, anyone who gives information “off the record” is entitled to their identity being protected by reporters, even to the point of serving jail time. This principle applies to a person’s identity, as well as ancillary information that may be used to track them down, such as the neighborhood in which they live. The conditions and reasons for anonymity, as well as other conditions, have to be negotiated right at the outset.

 

Speaking of sources, plagiarism remains a real problem within the news community. For this reason, any information gained from other outlets should be credited accordingly. It’s also very bad practice, yet done, to claim that an interviewee or even the journalist himself was an eyewitness to some event – no amount of accuracy can be expected in these circumstances.

 

Finally, journalism can be a demanding job, in which a person searches out information that’s not generally known on a tight deadline. At some point, every reporter has to decide when enough is enough. Were comments sought from everyone affected? How many independent sources are needed for confirmation of key facts? Has the story been fleshed out enough, or is it distorted by oversimplification? Formal ethical guidelines can only help a person so far – at the end of the day, a decision often amounts to a judgment call which the person making it will have to live with.

 

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