Radio Broadcasting | Broadcasting Now

How Can I Get a Job on the Radio?

The radio industry is a fascinating place to work with there being many career opportunities. Besides being a disc jockey there are other positions looking to be filled. If you have always loved the idea of getting a job on the radio or in the radio industry but are not sure how to get started here are some tips.

Getting an education is one of the most important steps you will take to getting a job on the radio. Look into local colleges and universities to see what sort of classes they offer to help you get on your way to getting a job on the radio. You can look into taking broadcasting classes or even classes an aspiring journalist would take since talking about the news is an important part of being on the radio. Looking to join in on the business part of the radio industry? Consider taking some business classes or accounting classes. All of this will really help increase your ability to get hired on.

Another key step to getting a job in the radio industry is to try taking an internship. Many radio stations regularly take on interns. It can be hard work at first but it truly is a fantastic way to get your foot in the door and it can lead to a lot of job opportunities.

Lastly, apply for a number of jobs. Even if you just start out as a radio operator you will still open yourself up to the possibility of moving up in the company. Many companies advance their current employees first before trying to get new ones. Not only will it get you inside the company but it will let you experience the atmosphere as well.

Filed Under: General, Radio Broadcasting Tagged With: Global Radio, Radio Broadcasting, Radio industry

Understanding Satellite Radio

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While traditional radio has been around for many years satellite radio is the new upcoming way to listen to music. In the past few years it has become increasingly popular with many listeners opting to switch over to using it. For those who are not familiar with satellite radio, here is a look at what it is and how it differs from the radio most of us are used to using.

Regular radio stations that we have been using work by using very large antennas. Although these antennas work well, with some being able to cover areas up to a hundred miles from where they originate from, most only cover an area within 35 miles or so.

Satellite radios differ in the fact that as their name suggests they work by using satellites to distribute music and talk shows not just to one spot or one immediate area but over many, many miles. People who are traveling by car across state lines are able to hear their favorite music and shows without worrying about them being filled with static or having to change channels just to hear music. The radio signals can be found all over so it really opens up a broad listening area. In addition to covering a larger area satellite radio is also a higher quality radio. Since it comes in a form that is digital the sounds come in much stronger and clearer with no static.

While traditional radio is free, satellite radio is paid for by listeners so it is usually commercial free which is also appealing to many listeners.

Filed Under: Audio, Radio Broadcasting Tagged With: Antenna (radio), Satellite Radio

Is Satellite Radio Right for Me?

With many music lovers deciding to make the switch over to satellite radio it is has many people questioning if they should spend the extra money and make the switch for themselves. If you are considering getting satellite radio but are not sure if it is right for you or if it is something you want to invest in here is a look at what it is, as well as some positives and negatives about satellite radio.

Satellite radio is different from regular radio in the fact that it covers a huge area by using satellites. While with traditional radio stations you may be able to listen to your favorite stations a few towns away with satellite radio you are able to listen to your favorite music a few states away. If you spend a great deal of time in your car traveling or commuting back and forth to work, you may find you enjoy this.

Another positive about satellite radio is that you will experience a cleaner sound. Since it is in a digital form the music comes through a lot clearer with no static. Most people who first experience satellite radio are amazed at the difference it makes.

If you enjoy a lot of variety in your music listening experience you will also enjoy satellite radio. Satellite radio offers lots of music categories to choose from. Whether you are a classic rock fan or someone who likes to keep up with all the latest in the hip-hop industry there are many channels to choose from.

The downside to satellite radio is the fact that you have to pay for it. Some people may find this to be a burden to them financially but many find that with all the extras they get it is worth the extra cost.

Filed Under: Audio, Radio Broadcasting Tagged With: Arts, Internet radio, Satellite Radio

Asian Radio

If a person from Asia relocates to another country, such as North America, it can be difficult for that individual to get news and informational updates about the current events in their homeland. Some Asian markets and other similar shops broadcast Asian radio for customers, but some people will also want to be able to listen at home or in the car. There are several options to making sure that news can be heard at all times of the day.

Those wanting to find out what channels in their region broadcast Asian music, sports, news, and more can contact broadcasting companies by utilizing the internet or phone. Great options for search engines are Canada 411 and Google. Another option is to purchase a subscription to satellite radio, which can be played at home, in the car, or on the go when using a portable device, so Asians can be constantly plugged into the current events.

ATN-Asian Radio is one example of a satellite channel available through XM Satellite. It provides streaming programming for the Asian community who currently are residing in North America. The channel is produced by Asian Television Network, broadcasts primarily in English, and includes music, current affairs, phone-in and talk shows, news about events taking place in South Asia, and even live sporting event commentary. This will be especially exciting for those wanting to hear updates during the World Cup, since many of the games are not broadcast on standard American television channels. Since its launch in 2007, more and more programming has been offered in other Asian languages. This is considered to be the most extensive channel that caters specifically to the Asian community, as it provides news and information 24 hours a day, with the exception of the occasional Indian soccer match, which is also broadcast on the ATN-Asian Radio channel.

Filed Under: Audio, Radio Broadcasting Tagged With: Asia, Asian Television Network, Race and ethnicity in the United States Census

Buying a Radio Online

There are many excellent deals on radios to be found online for those who are looking for ways to save money and still get a quality radio. Here are some tips for buying a radio online to ensure you get the best deal on a radio for the least amount of money.

Some people are apprehensive about buying electronics online since they do not get to try the products out beforehand. Luckily with these tips you can have an easier time buying a radio on the internet. The first thing you want to do when you are looking to buy a radio online is to pick a reputable website to buy it from. Most stores have their own websites now with many of them offering special deals online they do not offer in store. Try visiting a few of your favorite electronics stores and see what kind of discounts they are offering on their radios. Other sites that are good to look at are online stores that buy other stores excess items and sell them for a discounted price. You can still get a brand new item this way but at a big discount.

Another good tip to follow is to always look for a radio that comes with some type of warranty. This way when the radio gets to you if there is a problem you can send it back to be replaced. When buying from an online store read carefully through their return policies and see what steps you would have to take to return the item if there is a problem.

Lastly always research each website and see what other buyers have to say about the online store. Reading others testimonies can really save you from a bad experience.

Filed Under: Audio, Radio Broadcasting Tagged With: Online shopping, Radio broadcasting, Two-Way Radio

Satellite Radio: The Perfect Gift

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Looking for the perfect gift for a true music lover? Consider giving someone the gift of satellite radio! People from everywhere are enjoying all the benefits that come with having satellite radio. Here is a look at why satellite radio makes the perfect gift even for the pickiest person.

The biggest reason one would love to have satellite radio as a gift is because of all the different varieties of music they will get to enjoy. Whether they get it for their home or in the car they will love that they have the ability to choose from many different types of music. For example if they are a country fan they will have several country channels to choose from instead of just a couple.

Another thing people will enjoy when they get satellite radio as a gift is the fact they no longer have to listen to commercials. Since satellite radio is paid for by those listening to it and not companies needing advertising listeners do not have to sit and listen to a bunch of commercials or browse through several channels just to hear some music.

The quality of the sound is also a big plus when it comes to satellite radio. Instead of having to listen to channels full of static or channels that will not even come in now listeners get clear sound all the time even if they are traveling. This makes it a perfect gift choice for someone who is always traveling in their car for business.

Filed Under: Audio, Radio Broadcasting Tagged With: Satellite Radio, Sirius XM Radio, XM Satellite Radio

Is a Job on the Radio Right for You?

Have you always wondered if a job on the radio is right for you? Like any career there are certain things you must possess in order to have a radio career. Here is a look at some of the qualities you should have if you are considering a job on the radio.

Most radio stations require their radio personalities to have some type of degree particularly in broadcasting. Several colleges offer all the necessary classes needed to get this degree. Having it will really prepare you for a career on the radio and really increase your chances of getting hired.

A strong voice is also needed for a radio job. Radio stations like their dj’s to have a clear voice that is easy to understand. You have to have a good amount of enthusiasm when you speak. You need vocal skills that are very strong and the ability to express yourself clearly. There are several types of communication classes you can take if you have any issues such as a thick accent or some type of impediment.

In addition to needing a strong, clear voice you also need to know how to engage your listening audience. In between songs you will need to talk about interesting topics or even just give out useful little bits of information that listeners may enjoy hearing. This requires a good amount of time doing research so you will need to enjoy doing this as well.

Working on the radio you will also need to be willing to work odd hours. This is not a job where you work a set schedule like you would in an office. You may start out working nights or early mornings and you must be willing to fill in when necessary.

Filed Under: Audio, Radio Broadcasting Tagged With: Radio broadcasting, Satellite Radio

Getting a Good Deal on a Radio: Helpful Tips

Looking to buy a new radio but not wanting to spend a fortune in the process? There are many helpful tips you can follow that will help you in getting a good deal on a radio. Here is a glance at some of those tips.

When you decide to purchase your radio can have a big effect on what sort of deal you can get. There are different times of the year when electronics stores will put their merchandise on sale. After Christmas is a good time to look as well as in the middle of summer. Many stores will put huge discounts on their radios to try and cut down on their inventory which will save you money.

If you are familiar with online auction sites consider trying to buy a radio from one of these. Online auctions are a good place to look for radios that sell for cheap. While there are some new models for sale online there are also plenty of gently used or refurbished radios for sale as well. Just be sure to read through the seller

Filed Under: Audio, Radio Broadcasting Tagged With: Antiques, Radio broadcasting, Shopping

Radio Joins the Streaming Party

Radio is not going away, but it does face a new challenge—a connected and converged world. Connectivity brings real opportunities to broadcasters when they join the internet streaming party, but will this ever come close to replacing AM/FM’s over-the-air listenership or revenue?

As computer technology is embedded into connected devices in cars, homes and phones it provides radio with the back channel it always needed. Digital broadcast technology and smart applications development pair the low cost reach of the broadcast radio with the one-to-one responsiveness of the internet.

Imagine, the automobile is started and the touch screen automatically “boots up”. Similar to the desktop screen on a computer, the driver touches the screen to choose the information he wants displayed: GPS, to map his route and alert him of any traffic delays; iTunes, fed from his docked iPod; Radio, for a new screen with his preferred stations pre-programmed. He touches his favorite music station and hears a new song and likes it enough to buy it. He touches the screen where the album cover is displayed and through iTunes Tagging he sends automatically stored information which appears the next time he logs on to his iTunes account and the album is instantly downloaded to the iPod docked next to the radio on the dashboard. Within nanoseconds iTunes charges the appropriate account, and notes the station that played the song just purchased.

Not only are the call letters captured, the station is paid a finder’s fee.

This is just the beginning. With touch screen technology, the consumer can purchase concert tickets, sign up for contests, participate in a simple survey, friend the station on Facebook or donate to a favorite charity. Furthermore, when voice activated it maximizes ease of use and minimizes driver distraction. Want more information or a special coupon offered on a product or service featured on a broadcast advert? Touch or say “email”. It will be at the destination computer before the consumer gets there.

Filed Under: Radio Broadcasting

DAB Radio – is that on the dial?

Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) who ever heard of such a thing? The typical radio listener basically wants good clear sound. No crackling while driving under or near power lines. No fading when driving through a valley or forest. The ability to program favorite stations for push button ease of selection is an absolute must.

Now there is even talk of the digital or HD car radio being: Connected to the home computer, interfaced with an iPod, partnered with a cell phone, offering purchase power as never before, even while driving. The consumer can expect his new DAB or HD radio to be voice activiated, email connected, pause-able and recordable (think TiVo for radio).

While the rest of the population is hardly giving any of this much thought some of the brightest brains on the planet are obsessed with developing this incredible technology. When digital technology is married with radio the potential skyrockets. Does the consumer understand or even care how this remarkable technology developed this far? Probably not. Mr. Radio Listener will ask only a few questions: How hard it is to operate? Will it be a driving distraction? Will I have to pay for features I’ll never learn to use or need? How much more will this radio cost than the current AM/FM model I currently own?

Those whose very existence depends on vibrations that would register 7.7 on the Richter scale will even ask, “how far up can I ramp the bass without blowing out some expensive speaker or nearly irreplaceable component?”

Digital Audio Broadcasting is here. With every option it potentially offers, will there still be the option to just listen to the radio? Can anyone offer the assurance that News Radio, Talk Radio, Country Music, Golden Oldies, Alternative and Hard Rock stations will still know how to find us? One can only hope.

Filed Under: Broadcasting Networks, Radio Broadcasting