I have no experience in broadcasting but am interested in a career in radio. What can I do to get the ball rolling?
Hospital Radio is an excellent way to get the training you need and is where many professional radio presenters started their radio careers. Try contacting the nearest hospital to you that has a radio station and explain your ambition to them. It would be volunteer work but it is well worth it.

You may also like to contact some local radio stations and ask if you could go and have a look around. Ask as many questions as you can and you will be surprised what you are able to pick up from these visits. They may even be able to offer you some work at entry level that can lead to bigger and better things.

 

I have some experience as a volunteer at Hospital and Student Radio stations and would like to get into professional radio. What should I do?
If you feel that you are ready to present on a professional station, then it's time to record that demo! Before putting your best stuff onto tape, we would strongly recommend you get some professional advice. "What should I include?", "How long should my demo be?", "Should I record several demos, each specific to the station I send it to?" These questions are just a few of the questions you're probably asking yourself.

On-a-Hi 24/7 can help. Our Demo Critique service, Demo Production service and Intro Service are all designed to help you make the right impression. Investing in your career at an early stage gives you the professional edge over your competition. These services are very competitively priced and will help you focus your objectives.

You should also consider giving yourself an online presence. If you do not currently have a web page that highlights your broadcasting skills, our Presenting Talent Online section will be of interest to you.

 

I'd like to send a demo to my local radio station. Is a recording of one of my shows on Hospital Radio sufficient for this?
Depending on the format of show you present at Hospital Radio, it may not be sufficient. It's worth considering that a Programme Controller needs to hear that you can present a show suitable for the masses. Is your Hospital Radio Show suitable for this purpose?

We would recommend that you record a demo based roughly on the format your target station uses. Your demo should reflect what you would do if you were given a show on the station you are sending your demo to.

For professional assistance with your demo, read about out Demo Critique and Demo Production services.

 

I'd like to work in professional radio. What training is available to me?
Due to popular demand, On-a-Hi 24/7 is currently setting up a number of training opportunities. However, this may take some time. In the meantime, you may wish to contact the training establishments and individuals we have listed in our Links Directory.

 

I'd love to be a professional radio presenter. I have some amateur experience but I understand I still have some way to go. While still gaining more amateur experience, I would like to get involved with my local radio station. How can I do this?
To gain some experience at a professional station, it may be worth you enquiring about any tech-op vacancies at some local stations. This is an excellent way of gaining live studio experience in a professional environment and is paid work. It involves driving the desk, handling computer output, coordinating the studio during live outside broadcasts etc. They may also be able to offer you some promotional work. Another way of gaining some more experience is to ask for a work experience placement.

 

I recently sent a demo to my local radio station but have not heard anything back. What should I do?
Programme Controllers are very busy people and often receive presenter demos on a daily basis. Don't be discouraged if you do not hear back from them immediately. Some will make a point of responding to every demo they receive, others will only contact you if they are interested.

However, the feedback Programme Controllers can provide you on your demo is invaluable. If you have not heard from them within two weeks of sending your demo, try emailng them in the first instance to ask for their thoughts on your presenting style. If your emails go unanswered, try calling the station and ask to be put through to the Programme Controller. Be prepared to be told "he's in a meeting" several times but perseverance usually pays off.

The process can be somewhat daunting at times. We have therefore set up the On-a-Hi 24/7 Intro Service to help you get the most out of your demo.

 

I'm still at school and would like to start a career in radio presenting when I leave. What can I do while still at school?
Some Hospital Radio stations are willing to take on younger volunteers, initially for off-air work but this is your opportunity to demonstrate reliability, receive training and eventually a show of your own.

You could apply to your local radio station for a work experience placement and offer your services as a volunteer at weekends and during school holidays. Your responsibilities may include making the tea but you will gain experience in a professional environment and become a familiar face with the staff. Many professional radio presenters landed their first gig by simply being in the right place at the right time.