Dreaming Of Radio

[George70]

A number of years ago, when I had graduated high school, I wanted to make it big in radio, as a nice guy on night time radio, so I studied for it at a trade school, and received an FCC license.

Unfortunately, I was unable to find work in radio for a number of years, mostly due to family problems, but also to poverty.

I still dream of having a radio show from time to time, but in particular I dream of satellite radio, mostly because so much of "free" radio has deteriorated over the past few years.

I welcome your comments and suggestions, as I hope this is not a subject which will get me in serious dutch here.

[theFRANCHISE]

Internet radio is definitely something you'll want to look into. All it takes is a computer microphone, a computer, and an account with a host (there's plenty of free services that you can find on Google), and you're all set. The only drawback is that you cannot play music that you do not hold the copyright to (which is the majority of popular and recorded music available on the market today), but if you're looking to do a talk show, it's definitely something to look into.

Alternately, if there's a nearby college, you should see if they have a college radio station. Here at the University of Delaware, we welcome community members to fill those hours that students cannot fill due to an FCC stipulation that requires continuous programming (even automated) during all hours. See if you can get in touch with your nearest college radio station's program director or station manager and go from there.

[T-ray]

Good luck in achieving your dream. I hope you take the steps to becoming a radio show host, as it will pay off, not only in money, but also in happiness and contentment. Good luck!!!

[K-Dog]

radio is a TOUGH market. I tried quite a few years ago my self. Its a scratch and claw your way to the the top indistry. There are only so many stations to go around and only so many on-air positions to be taken. Add to that 1,000's upon thousands of well qualified and talented individuals all seeking the same job. Add to that tight wad stations willing to go to the next cheapest kid to fill a slot.

The best advice I can give you is the advice given me.

#1, have a fall back career.

#2 dont pigeon hole your self. Dont say I only want to do rock radio, or a morning show, or a sports talk show or what have you. Get your foot in the door any way you can at any station you can, with any format you can. (ie intern) and what ever task you are given, give that task 110%. Do such an excelent job that people take notice. Always work well above your pay rate (which isnt too hard considering)

Good luck. Hard work pays off.

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='K-Dog' date='16 May 2010 - 08:58 PM' timestamp='1274057918' post='410657']
radio is a TOUGH market. I tried quite a few years ago my self. Its a scratch and claw your way to the the top indistry. There are only so many stations to go around and only so many on-air positions to be taken.
[/quote]
From what I've seen, even in just doing college radio here at WVUD, it [i]is[/i] a tough industry. There's only so much you can do to distinguish yourself from the next DJ, and if you're in commercial FM radio and doing a music show, it's even tougher to separate yourself from the crowd. I'm just fortunate that I have enough personal contacts I've made in the past couple of years here at the station, in addition to having what I've been told is a "marketable" personality. I can do the shock jock thing, or I can just be a niche personality, similar to what the sports talk guys do. Either way, I'm not as bland as the next guy, so I have that going for me at the very least.

Worst case scenario, I'll just go into voiceover work.

[AwakenTheDemon]

Radio is something I thought about doing a while back as well. However, it's especially a difficult market in my area. Local stations are packed as it is, and colleges are quite the drive from my area. Doesn't leave very many opportunities, honestly. It's still something I wouldn't mind doing, but I've stopped trying to pursue it.

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' date='16 May 2010 - 08:22 PM' timestamp='1274059357' post='410680']
Worst case scenario, I'll just go into voiceover work.
[/quote]

Seeing as you're a gamer yourself, I know you won't just speak your lines like you're reading off the pages (like alot of voice over actors do lately). There's only a handful of great VO actors in the industry, and it needs some more lol.

[Michael]

If you know anything about the O's I'm looking for another member for my blogs podcast.

[FlaccoFlicker]

[quote name='Michael' date='16 May 2010 - 10:14 PM' timestamp='1274062470' post='410702']
If you know anything about the O's I'm looking for another member for my blogs podcast.
[/quote]
i couldnt figure out what to do over there if you help me out I can help if you need it

[George70]

Well, everyone, today I walked (as I don't own a car) to the local radio station here in Clinton, and offered my services as an unpaid intern, because I draw disability every month.

The person in charge told me that there were enough people there at the moment, and then next possibility to try would be during August, as that's when the high school football season starts here in Tennessee.

I will try again during that time, as I will never know unless I try.

[K-Dog]

[quote name='George70' date='18 May 2010 - 05:28 PM' timestamp='1274218080' post='411521']
as I will never know unless I try.
[/quote]


great philosophy

[George70]

Earlier today, I learned that I couldn't work without salary, due to regulations.

Still, I will keep trying. I even called a friend of mine who serves as manager of the college radio station where I volunteered back in 2007, and asked if he knew of anything. No luck.

However, there's always hope.

[Michael]

[quote name='George70' date='19 May 2010 - 08:45 PM' timestamp='1274316358' post='412125']
Earlier today, I learned that I couldn't work without salary, due to regulations.

Still, I will keep trying. I even called a friend of mine who serves as manager of the college radio station where I volunteered back in 2007, and asked if he knew of anything. No luck.

However, there's always hope.
[/quote]

Why not just like start a podcast or start your own online radio show. After a while and self promotion and create your own website and be consistent and advertise you may get discovered.

[George70]

[quote name='Michael' date='19 May 2010 - 11:36 PM' timestamp='1274330217' post='412244']
Why not just like start a podcast or start your own online radio show. After a while and self promotion and create your own website and be consistent and advertise you may get discovered.
[/quote]

I never really considered that, Michael, but I don't know if i could do that, mostly because the management of the apartment building where I live may not allow it.

However, this does intrigue me, and I will ask about this tomorrow, as well as check to see if I still have my computer mike.

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='Michael' date='20 May 2010 - 12:36 AM' timestamp='1274330217' post='412244']
Why not just like start a podcast or start your own online radio show. After a while and self promotion and create your own website and be consistent and advertise you may get discovered.
[/quote]
The only problem with podcasting and online radio is the licensing issue in regards to music; broadcasting music that you do not own the copyright to without a license is illegal. Radio stations pay licensing fees to cover almost every song possible with all of the major labels and publishing companies.

The only way you could do a legal podcast or online radio show is to do a talk show OR to play music that you made yourself (or music that you have the permission to play from the copyright holders, i.e. friends in bands, etc.)

[Michael]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' date='20 May 2010 - 08:27 PM' timestamp='1274401645' post='412607']
The only problem with podcasting and online radio is the licensing issue in regards to music; broadcasting music that you do not own the copyright to without a license is illegal. Radio stations pay licensing fees to cover almost every song possible with all of the major labels and publishing companies.

The only way you could do a legal podcast or online radio show is to do a talk show OR to play music that you made yourself (or music that you have the permission to play from the copyright holders, i.e. friends in bands, etc.)
[/quote]

That is not entirley true, because he can use sources such as these that give you licensing rights to some songs ([url="http://radio.about.com/od/createinternetradio/a/How-to-Create-Your-Own-Internet-Radio-Station_3.htm"]link[/url]). If he wanted to do talking podcast via funny, politics or sports he can easily make his own website for it. Heck, I could even show him how to do a podcast for free where callers can call into the show, which I use for my O's site. I agree with you though, doing music would make it a lot harder.

[George70]

I checked with the management of the apartment building where I live today, and the word is that I could do an internet radio show from my apartment.

There wouldn't be any music, but I could envision it as my just talking for an hour, possibly an hour a day or, if too hectic, an hour a week, speaking my mind on whatever subject comes up - even which board game I've been playing this time around.

I will check with some free sites on the 'net, and I'll be sure to let all of you know how this works out, my friends.

[Michael]

[quote name='George70' date='21 May 2010 - 08:19 PM' timestamp='1274487549' post='412983']
I checked with the management of the apartment building where I live today, and the word is that I could do an internet radio show from my apartment.

There wouldn't be any music, but I could envision it as my just talking for an hour, possibly an hour a day or, if too hectic, an hour a week, speaking my mind on whatever subject comes up - even which board game I've been playing this time around.

I will check with some free sites on the 'net, and I'll be sure to let all of you know how this works out, my friends.
[/quote]

I use talkshoe.com because you can do it live and you get a number for listeners to call into. You have to promote, create a website for it etc for it to succeed. Also, don't get down on yourself if not a lot of people listen at first, it takes time. A set time would be good too, like every Tuesday at 9:00pm. If you need help or some just PM me.

[George70]

I've been in contact with some host sites, including Talkshoe, and Talkshoe has said that the ISDN is already functioning. Also,, all I have to do with their service is to register and log on, so I can use it.

Just as Michael has stated, there will be a number to call, and i will have to check to see if I can get an actual phone to use, as I'm down to a Safelink cell with only a few minutes on it.

I'll be sure to keep all of you posted.

[Michael]

[quote name='George70' date='24 May 2010 - 09:30 AM' timestamp='1274707844' post='413697']
I've been in contact with some host sites, including Talkshoe, and Talkshoe has said that the ISDN is already functioning. Also,, all I have to do with their service is to register and log on, so I can use it.

Just as Michael has stated, there will be a number to call, and i will have to check to see if I can get an actual phone to use, as I'm down to a Safelink cell with only a few minutes on it.

I'll be sure to keep all of you posted.
[/quote]

Now just create a website which is free to do and advertise. Also, you use Skype for phone use, very cheap.......

[George70]

In addition to Talkshoe, I have been checking with two other sites for just such a show - Blogtalkradio and Shoutcast.

I hope to hear from the both of them very soon, and will try to get it started - hopefully, during the month of June.

[Michael]

[quote name='George70' date='25 May 2010 - 12:39 PM' timestamp='1274805594' post='414151']
In addition to Talkshoe, I have been checking with two other sites for just such a show - Blogtalkradio and Shoutcast.

I hope to hear from the both of them very soon, and will try to get it started - hopefully, during the month of June.
[/quote]

fyi you don't need to contact them to start an online radio telecast. It's kind of the point of their services.

[George70]

Tomorrow, should all go well, I will contact Shoutcast and - hopefully - get the show started in June.

Hopefully, I will do a Sunday night show.

[George70]

Tonight, I did my best to download Winamp, which should help as far as signing up for Shoutcast.

I will try to get the rest of the stuff done as soon as possible.

[George70]

Lately, I have learned that I will need a server to use Shoutcast, so this puts my hopes for an internet radio show in doubt.

I will try to check for a server as soon as possible, and I will try to get back with all of you here.

[BuckWilds]

[quote name='George70' date='30 May 2010 - 06:38 PM' timestamp='1275259123' post='416003']
Lately, I have learned that I will need a server to use Shoutcast, so this puts my hopes for an internet radio show in doubt.

I will try to check for a server as soon as possible, and I will try to get back with all of you here.
[/quote]

I recommend you do take Franchise's advice or at the very least look into what he said for research purposes. Not all college radio stations are like Delaware's where you can get community and student broadcasters in the same group (as I recall places like Temple were all-student), but you can get some invaluable interaction with the management, engineers, other personalities... so much you'll never get from home studios.

Heck, you even get some time doing PSA's will help you find your on-air voice. I remember this 'Au Pair' PSA I had to do at Delaware... ugh. But you learn how to use the MAC software, and if you're lucky you might get a chance splicing tape. Look into it if only for research. It's not just putting a voice on tape that makes a well-received production.

[George70]

[quote name='Zhamtao' date='01 June 2010 - 09:12 PM' timestamp='1275444779' post='416715']
I recommend you do take Franchise's advice or at the very least look into what he said for research purposes. Not all college radio stations are like Delaware's where you can get community and student broadcasters in the same group (as I recall places like Temple were all-student), but you can get some invaluable interaction with the management, engineers, other personalities... so much you'll never get from home studios.

Heck, you even get some time doing PSA's will help you find your on-air voice. I remember this 'Au Pair' PSA I had to do at Delaware... ugh. But you learn how to use the MAC software, and if you're lucky you might get a chance splicing tape. Look into it if only for research. It's not just putting a voice on tape that makes a well-received production.
[/quote]

Zhamtao, I will be sure to check back in with a friend of mine who is the director over at the college station at the University of Tennessee, where I may still be a student, to see if he needs any help on-air.

On another front connected to this thread, I have not been able to download the particular software with which to do a show, mostly because I have a difficult time keeping track of what I have downloaded to my computer, as there are only two "buttons" for such media on my computer.

I shall also check back with the local station here in Clinton from time to time to see if there is anything available.

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='Zhamtao' date='01 June 2010 - 10:12 PM' timestamp='1275444779' post='416715']
Heck, you even get some time doing PSA's will help you find your on-air voice. I remember this 'Au Pair' PSA I had to do at Delaware... ugh. But you learn how to use the MAC software, and if you're lucky you might get a chance splicing tape. Look into it if only for research. It's not just putting a voice on tape that makes a well-received production.
[/quote]
I can't stress enough how important it is to get experience in the studio, whether it's doing a PSA or a promo or a news report or whatever voiceover work you can get your hands on. When I listen to my old shows, I cringe because I had no command of my voice whatsoever and I wasn't truly comfortable. Now, I've found my on-air voice (which is my speaking voice but amplified and with extra emphasis) and I have the utmost confidence in my abilities behind the microphone.

On-air experience in a studio setting also helps with your extemporaneous speaking skills, which is key for any DJ if they're to be respectable. The comfort of home cannot replace the pressure of speaking with other people around you in a studio, and even a small physical audience like that can make you nervous -- but developing your improvisation skills can help you get over those nerves, and the only way to do that is to be around people when you're broadcasting.

Furthermore, being in an actual station is also helpful because you start to form relationships with different personalities, and those relationships will be key in your development as a broadcaster since you can't be expected to learn everything on your own.

[George70]

I know it's been a number of months since I last posted in this thread, but I was wondering if one of the sites mentioned earlier in this thread had software to download, and as such, would it take up too much room on the drive - not to mention if there were a cost for the software.

I welcome your comments, and I hope to try my chances this time.