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. 

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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. 

 

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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 

 

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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.