Radio Personality: Types of DJ’s for Broadcasting

The Alternation; Do I need a radio personality?

As a student in the Alternation radio, it is up to you to decide whether you will use your real name, a nickname, or a completely different persona. The amazing thing about radio is that people use their ears rather than their eyes. You can decide to be a completely different person if you wish. The first step when deciding on a radio show is who you will be for the world to hear. And that starts with your radio personality. 

What is a Radio Personality?

A radio personality is a person who has an on-air position in radio broadcasting. A radio personality who hosts a radio show is also known as a host. Radio personalities who introduce and play music are known as disc jockeys or “DJs” for short. Broadcast radio personalities may include talk radio hosts, AM/FM radio show hosts, and satellite radio program hosts.

It can be someone who introduces and discusses genres of music; hosts a talk radio show that may take calls from listeners; interviews celebrities or guests; or gives news, weather, sports, or traffic information. The main job of someone having an on-air position in broadcasting is to get the information from the booth to the listener’s ears. There is something that a listener does not know and it’s the job of the DJ to bring it to air. 

Tips for Creating Your Radio Personality

When thinking of who you want to be on the air, it’s important to note that these tips will help develop your on-air personality. What do you want to talk about? Do you want to talk about celebrity or political news, a music show about the artist and music they play, or something that pertains to your interest? Whatever you want to do, here are some tips to think about.  

1. Good clear voice

Good mic technique is so crucial for radio. If you tend to laugh a lot, try to laugh across the mic instead of directly into it. This will prevent your listeners from turning you down or off. This is why radio prep is so crucial as well. You can be the most outgoing person, but once you sit in front of that mic, all the thoughts and words you were going to say can leave you. Radio prep so you will know what to say. Speak clearly, slowly, and remember to have fun! 

2. Great communication skills and creativity to interact with listeners

You want to be able to flow with your segment as much as possible. If something comes up unexpectedly, you have to be able to maneuver your words back to the topic of the interview. If you have to take a music break to break up the topic, that is something that will help your interview as well. Once you’re on break, talk to the guest and see what topic they want to bring up next. Make a quick outline and speak the topics back to the guest so that everyone is on the same thought process. 

3. Knowledgeable on current affairs, news issues, and social trends

It’s important to know of all the events happening, locally and worldwide. It’s your job as the host to give the information that comes up in the news to the listener. This is especially true if you are a news / talk-based show. By staying up on current events, listeners will be keener to accept what you are saying. 

4. Creative thinking, to be able to think of new ideas or topics for the show

As I said before, radio prep is the biggest thing to learn when creating a new radio show. If you don’t prep, your listener will hear it and will know you weren’t ready. You may go blank on your subject and if you don’t have a cohost to bring you back to the main subject, things can get worse. Write your notes, key subjects, etc, and when you feel yourself running out of words look down at your notes to get yourself back on track. 

5. Able to improvise and think “on the spot” 

You never know what a guest will say on-air, or not say sometimes. If things get out of hand you will have to figure out a way to get back on track. And that takes some improvisation. Sometimes you can have a guest that is a wildcard and can spring something completely out of the blue on you in the middle of the interview. When this happens, just go with the flow and say, “Let’s circle back to the original topic…” This can help bring things back into order. 

If you have someone who tends to answer in one-word sentences be prepared for follow-up questions that can draw the information out of the guest. 

6. Ability to develop their own personal style

Developing your own style of on-air broadcasting is something you have to decide. You can either choose to be yourself or push yourself out of your comfort zone to bring a new spin to your radio show. The good news is, you can be anyone!

7. A good sense of humor

Sometimes things happen and it’s just completely out of your control. While you don’t want to draw attention to any big mistakes, it’s okay to laugh at yourself if you trip over your words or say something funny. The listener can relate to these experiences so it makes you as the DJ feel more personable. 

Join The Alternation Today!

Each of these aspects can play a role in your life, even if you do not continue a broadcasting career. The skills and techniques learned from taking a radio class in The Alternation can be utilized throughout your time at Gulf Coast State College and into a career.  Also, this can be the best time to have fun and be someone else on the air. Perfecting your radio personality is only the beginning!

If you are interested in joining the Alternation radio station, contact Dr. Goines and she will be able to get you signed up and ready to jump on the airwaves. The website, thealternationradio.com also has more information on the student station, the jocks that are on air right now, and our HD3 player to listen live.

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