A career in radio can be an exciting professional path with nearly limitless possibilities, opening the door to shape a job that suits your interests and passions. Whether you’re delivering the local news, recapping the big game, chatting about fun celebrity gossip, or discussing current politics, every day is something new when you’re a radio host. You’ll be able to use your creativity and personality to engage listeners, interview guests, and even host special events.

But before you can start your professional journey in radio broadcasting, you’ll need to become a qualified candidate. Here’s everything you need to know about how to work in radio broadcasting:  

What Qualifications Do You Need to Be a Radio Host?

A good radio host needs excellent communication skills, a people-oriented personality, and the ability to adapt to the fast-paced nature of live broadcasting. However, even with those personal qualities, you still need a solid educational background. Most radio stations expect applicants to have attended a radio broadcasting program at a reputable media school, where they have completed a series of courses that build the necessary skills and knowledge.

You’ll also need to understand the technical aspects of radio broadcasting, such as working with various software programs and equipment components. The right broadcasting school will teach you this information, and you’ll need to work to keep your skills up to par with the latest technology. Finally, a highly qualified candidate typically has internship experience. An internship allows you to work in a “real life” role under an experienced supervisor, giving you the opportunity to utilize the skills you learned in school in a monitored environment with constructive feedback.

How to Become a Radio Host

If you’re interested in becoming a radio host, you’ll first need to attend a media school and complete a radio broadcasting program. These programs generally cover topics such as software and equipment, broadcasting techniques, programming, and more.

Then, you should choose an internship that suits your interests. Ideally, your internship will let you gain valuable experience as you work alongside experienced staff. If possible, intern at a station that meshes with your professional goals, whether that be sports, politics, music, or another focus area.

Once your education and internship are complete, you will be ready to start in an entry-level position in the industry. Be prepared to fulfill a variety of roles and work your way up to the position you want. Joining a professional organization can help you forge valuable professional connections and access networking opportunities, education, and more.

How to Choose a Good Radio Broadcasting School

When you’re considering your options for an audio production school, there are a few things to keep in mind. The best media schools provide a good balance of classroom content and hands-on experience, giving you the opportunity to build new skills and put them into practice. Look for a radio broadcasting program that prepares you with a well-rounded foundation of knowledge, including topics such as how to create a program log, legal requirements, programming formats, and more. With a solid understanding of the industry and radio broadcasting techniques, you’ll have a competitive edge.

Start Your Radio Career at Be On Air Media Schools, located in Ohio, Colorado, Illinois, and Miami.

If you’re looking for the best way to start a career in radio broadcasting, our school is a smart first step. Here, you can gain the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in the field, learning through a valuable combination of expertly-designed course content, hands-on experience in a real studio, and professional internships. As a graduate of our radio broadcasting program, you’ll be ready to dive into the industry and start pursuing your career goals.

Ready to take the first step towards the radio career you’ve always wanted? Contact a Be On Air Network school in Miami, Colorado, Illinois or Ohio to learn more about enrolling in our industry-leading media program today.