Updated: May 2022

Thanks to the advent of digital radio, it’s never been a more exciting time to start a career in radio. Whether you’re dreaming of being the star behind the mic or want to be a master of the control board, radio has a wide range of career paths to offer. People everywhere will be able to flip on the radio in their home or car, or even using one of the many online radio programs and apps and listen to your work on a daily basis – paving the way for a truly rewarding, enjoyable career.

What Kinds of Career Options Does the Radio Industry Offer?

Digital radio has truly opened the door for a massive expansion in the world of radio, allowing for the development of a huge variety of industry genres and specialties. Radio stations run the gamut from independent to commercial, with content that covers topics including music, sports, news, entertainment, political debate, and more. Whatever your interests may be, odds are that you’ll be able to find a radio show to match.

When you choose a career in radio, there are three main paths you can choose between: creative, technical, or management. Each of these areas offers great promise for career growth and development along the way.

• For people interested in the creative side of the radio, job prospects can include roles such as presenters, DJs, and even radio producers. In these radio-centered jobs, you can be the voice of your own radio program or co-host with another DJ, chatting about a variety of topics and interacting with guests and callers. You might be responsible for introducing the latest music hits or leading special segments on a regular basis. If producing is more your style, becoming a radio producer could be a great option. As a producer, you’re responsible for creating the show content, including setting up special features, interviews, and even playlists. You’ll also probably be the middleman between the station and its sponsors.
• People that work on the radio’s technical side are there to make sure everything runs smoothly, with as few technical hiccups as possible. You might be in charge of the control panel, filling the incredibly important role of an audio engineer. This role requires a well-rounded knowledge of sound engineering and a problem-solver attitude.
• Interested in the management side of radio? In these roles, you’ll be leading the way for the station by managing the full team of DJs, producers, and sound engineers. A station manager often wears many different hats, primarily serving as the glue that holds everything together.

What Do I Need to Start a Career in Radio?

For most radio careers, you’ll need some level of special training or certification. The type of training you’ll need depends largely on the career path you want to pursue. For example, a technical career in radio requires experience and education in audio and sound engineering, while a future DJ would be better off enrolling in a radio broadcasting education program. A good media school will combine classroom education with hands-on training to properly prepare you to enter the industry as a candidate with a competitive edge.

In addition to the proper education and certification, you’ll also need a few other key ingredients: a passion for your field of choice, dedication, and the willingness to learn and work hard. Working in radio can be an exciting, lucrative career path, particularly if you are prepared to do what it takes to stand out from the crowd.

Learn More About a Career in Radio from The Media Schools Today!

Ready to pursue your dream of a career in radio? Take the first step towards your exciting future by applying online for your spot at The Media Schools in Colorado, Ohio, Illinois, and Miami today.