When many people think about radio, their mind goes back to the “good old days,” when radio shows were played on long road trips or out of the clunky stereo system at home. While there’s plenty of nostalgia in those old-fashioned images of radio, there’s no doubt that they seem pretty out of place in today’s age of smartphones, streaming media, and online content. After all, why would you listen to the radio when you can create a streaming playlist of all your favorites on iTunes, Spotify, or Pandora?

When you think of radio in this way, you might not be surprised that some people say it’s an outdated, soon-to-be-extinct part of the media industry. However, what many people fail to consider is that radio isn’t dying out – it’s simply changing with the times.

Modern Radio: A New Frontier

If you’ve always envisioned yourself with a career in radio, but have heard that the radio industry is on the decline, don’t give up on your dreams just yet – the downfall of radio is actually a complete myth. While it’s true that radio in its original format – e.g. with listeners tuning in on their car or home stereo – might be somewhat less popular, radio has also branched out and taken advantage of new technologies to adapt to the times.

One of the best examples of the new formats of radio is iHeartRadio, a free Internet-based radio platform that allows listeners to stream thousands of live radio stations directly to their smartphone or desktop. No longer do you need to have an actual radio on hand to tune into your favorite morning show or catch up with well-known radio hosts; now, you can simply open up a smartphone app and be listening within seconds.

Another interesting way that radio has changed is with podcasts, which have reached near-unbelievable popularity and become a regular part of many people’s daily routines. Instead of only having a job as a radio personality to consider, those interested in radio jobs can now start their own podcast and build a career based on their personal interests and passions. Recent market data counts the number of active podcasts to be somewhere around 700,000, meaning there truly is something for every interest.

What does this mean for your professional future in radio? It’s absolutely there and ready for you to make the first move – so what are you waiting for?

How to Start a Career in Radio

So, you know you want to explore a career in radio, but how do you get started in the media industry? Breaking into such a competitive field might seem like a daunting task, but with the right approach and a willingness to work hard, it’s possible to achieve your career goals.

First, think about the type of radio career you’re most interested in. Generally, most radio jobs fall into one of two main types or categories:

• The creative side of radio is probably the best-known radio career track, because it is these roles that listeners and fans are typically most familiar with. Creative radio jobs include radio presenters, DJs, and even show producers, encompassing everyone that’s involved in designing and delivering the creative portion of the content. If you’re hoping to be the voice of a popular radio station or in charge of planning the upcoming content, the creative radio job track might be right for you.
• Radio’s technical side is powered by people with the skills and knowledge to ensure that every show and segment runs as smoothly as possible, taking care of the behind-the-scenes necessities. These roles include audio engineers, who manage the recording control panel, perfecting the sound and minimizing any potential technical issues.

Once you have a good idea of what area of radio you’re most interested in, it’s time to dive in. A solid, media-focused education is key in setting yourself apart and preparing yourself with the skills you need to make it in radio. Ideally, you’ll want to enroll in a program that combines course content with hands-on experiences, even connecting you with industry internship opportunities where you can get your foot in the professional door.

After graduating, it’s important that you show you’re ready to work hard and earn your dream radio job. Don’t expect to start out at the top – after all, most of the world’s most beloved DJs spent time working their way up and learning the ropes before making it big. Be open to taking on a variety of roles and learning new skills, because you never know when a professional connection or job position will be the next step towards your career goals.

With the right attitude, a great educational foundation, and a passion for the industry, you can find your way to a radio job you truly love.

Is a Career in Radio Right for Me?

Despite what some naysayers may argue, it’s clear that radio isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. In fact, the radio of years past has grown and evolved into an entirely new entity, keeping up with modern times and technology in the form of streaming services like Spotify and Pandora, as well as the flourishing podcast industry. If you’re interested in a career in radio, you aren’t facing a shrinking pool of opportunity – actually, your career options are more diverse and plentiful than ever before.

With radio expanding into exciting new territory, it’s not surprising that the competition for your dream job might be pretty intense. After all, there are now many different ways to make it in radio, and the thrilling potential attracts plenty of talented people who want to make their dreams come true. Luckily, you don’t have to face the job market unarmed: a top-quality education from a reputable media school can be your secret key to success.

Jumpstart Your Career in Radio with an Education from the Media Schools, located in Ohio, Colorado, Illinois, and Miami

At the Media Schools, located in Ohio, Colorado, Illinois, and Miami, we provide our students with the opportunity to build their knowledge and skills in radio broadcasting, offering a balance of high-quality classroom instruction and hands-on experiences. Our multimedia programs make it possible to immerse yourself in the fast-paced world of radio broadcasting, even choosing a specialized study track like sports broadcasting or Hispanic media broadcasting to suit your interests.

With an education from the Media Schools, located in Ohio, Colorado, Illinois, and Miami, you can start your career on the right foot and embark on a promising future in the media industry. Don’t wait any longer to pursue the career you’ve always wanted; complete your online application for the Media Schools, located in Ohio, Colorado, Illinois, and Miami today and take the first step towards your radio dreams.