Disc Jockey

Disc jockeys announce music selections and may decide what music to play. While on the air, they comment on the music, weather and traffic. They may take requests from listeners, interview guests and manage contests.

DJs are often well-known to radio audiences and may make promotional appearances and remote broadcasts for their stations.

Disc jockeys also announce and play music at clubs, dances, restaurants and weddings. Some disc jockeys specialize in only one kind of music.

SKILLS

DJs generally need a pleasant and well-controlled voice, good timing, excellent pronunciation and must know correct grammar usage.
Computer literacy is an important skill to have, because programming is created and edited by computer.
Additionally, disc jockeys should be able to ad-lib all or part of a show and to work under tight deadlines. The most successful announcers attract a large audience by combining a pleasing personality and voice with an appealing style.

EDUCATION

Formal training in broadcasting from a college or technical school is valuable.
High school and college courses in English, public speaking, drama, foreign languages and computer science are helpful, and hobbies such as sports and music are additional assets. Students may gain valuable experience at campus radio or TV facilities and by interning at commercial stations. Internships provide students with hands-on training and the chance to establish industry contacts.

OUTLOOK

Competition for jobs as disc jockeys will be stiff, because the broadcasting field attracts many more job seekers than there are jobs. Small radio stations are more inclined to hire beginners, but the pay is low.
Employment is expected to decline slightly, by 1 percent or more, through 2008 due to the lack of growth of new radio and television stations.
Employment in this occupation is not significantly affected by downturns in the economy. If recessions cause advertising revenues to fall, stations tend to cut behind-the-scenes workers rather than disc jockeys.

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