This page originally appeared on my website probably 10 years ago and is still as valid today.
Like most industries radio is a tough place at the moment, but the rewards are still good if you’re prepared to make some effort and the odd sacrifice.
My top ten tips on how to get into radio:
10. Be Flexible: That initial break will come when you least expect it
9. Right Place at the Right Time: Not every opening is advertised, start sending emails and calling PC’s (radio station bosses) to find out what’s going on
8. Foot in the Door: I started making tea at Beacon Radio in Wolverhampton
7. Unpaid Work: It is all about getting into the station, be it doing promo work or even cleaning out a store cupboard
6. Travel: If you can travel outside of your home town or city your options are far greater
5. Hospital Radio: Learn the ropes and make mistakes. I started out doing a Friday night show at Sandwell Hospital Radio which proved to be a great training ground
4. Tech Op: I did this at Beacon whilst presenting on Hospital Radio; it gave me a chance to use professional gear and get a real insight into the workings of a proper radio station.
3. Ask Questions: Once you get into a station, ask plenty of questions and listen to the answers; you’ll be surprised what you can learn
2. Listen to the Radio: I was a sales rep before landing a full time gig which gave me the chance to travel the country and listen to many different stations. It is much easier to do this today with the internet
1. Keep Trying: It took me about two years from starting out at Beacon to actually getting my first on-air shift. If you get knocked back, try again and again. You won’t land Radio 1 breakfast with 6 months experience but with a few years under your belt you might.
Email any other questions and I wish you the best of luck.
