Working for a radio station as a DJ or a talk show host is a very rewarding job or volunteer opportunity. At DePauw, I work for WGRE Radio (91.5, Your Sound Alternative), and I LOVE it. This is my second time working as a DJ and I can't get enough. Here are seven reasons why you should try it.
1. Unless you hate music, what could be better than one hour of relaxing and playing any music you want. The act of being a DJ or a talk show host takes enough time that you can't do too much double tasking, but the act of putting on the songs and promos and PSAs is relaxing and fun.
2. You get to share your music tastes with others, introduce them to your music and why you think it's good. You can play almost anything (appropriate) that fits with the genre of your radio station. You can even announce over the microphone why you like each song or when it came out, or a little blurb about it. Imagine what you'd want from a radio station, and you can provide that for others!
3. You learn new music! Because of the music that is in the system, I get exposed to more new bands each time I have a shift. I can play favorites that I know, or I can go through some of the other bands and test out what I might like. I have learned a few great bands through exploring the system, or playing the program logs (when they require you to play certain songs).
4. When people call in, it's super exciting. Whether or not you are busy changing the song or whatever, you have to answer the phone. When the flashing light goes off so as not to bother you when you are on air, it's like a surprise waiting to be listened to! Sure, sales calls let you down, but calls requesting songs or complimenting a song are exciting! (Call WGRE at 765-658-4641).
5. Whether your show is on your own or with people, talking through a microphone is always fun. It's weird to hear your voice on air but the adrenaline or excitement of planning what you're going to say, or how to tag team with a friend is so much fun. Imagine people in their cars driving around listening to you. It's exciting, no matter how nerve-racking it is.
6. Okay here's a totally stupid point, but if you find the fun in the littlest things, you'll enjoy life. So you should be a DJ because you get to slide the volume levers up and down. Fading in and out of songs or promos is a skill. Not everyone can do it and hit the button. It takes practice and a keen ear, but when done correctly the radio sounds great!
7. It is a great community. Especially at DePauw, the WGRE community is so friendly and helpful. There are usually people around the station ready to answer questions, and the DJ before and after you are fun to listen to. If you know a friend with a radio show and are awake and don't have class, you'll tune in. It makes for a nice friendly environment to play your show in.
Overall, radio is a very rewarding job. You should look into your local radio station and volunteering for it. It's fun, relaxing, and rewarding.
P.S. Listen to WGRE 91.5 or online at wgre.org Mondays 1-2 PM to hear me do my DJ shift!
