Getting into Radio

Dr.Strangelov3

Hi folks,

Jumping right in here, I've been thinking about a career in radio for some time now. I'm not 100% sure on whether I'd prefer to DJ or host a show of some description in the long run, but I was wondering if there's anyone on here who's in the industry and who could give some advice on relevant methods of getting into the field. Any research I've done has revealed a very sparse selection of courses that touch on radio and even fewer that do so in detail. Then among these I don't know which ones someone already in the industry would even view as being worth anything. So is it worth my while looking into a course, or should I be looking at approaching stations about internships? Or is there a better option I've not thought of? Any help that could be provided at all would be much appreciated

Dr.Strangelov3

Belated bump for knowledge!

connundrum

Ballyfermot College - industry recognised and specific to radio. LINK

DCU - there are 3 courses (multimedia, journalism and communications) which would have bits to do with radio. - LINK

Best advice, look at this list of local community stations - http://www.bai.ie/?page_id=975 - ask if you can come in and have a look around and/or contribute to one or more programs, and just see if it is actually for you.

For whats its worth, I did the radio diploma in BCFE and now manage a security company :P

catch--22

Ballyfermot College - go do the radio course (2 Years) and then hang on for a third year and you'll have a degree (via DCU).

I can't recommend Ballyfermot enough tbh. You'll learn all the practical stuff and get a chance to figure out what you actually like doing in radio (presenting/producing/tech etc).

But the main thing to be doing now is looking for experience. Try the local stations and community radio. Ask can you just help out with research and work your way up from there. You'll learn loads and make connections - both very important if you want to make a career in broadcasting.

Good luck!

PS - you'll need to be applying for Ballyfermot about now to get in for September.

smallfridge

Also check out http://www.csn.ie/site/html/bus/c-bus-rad-br.htm they've some great success at having past students working in the industry incuding Ethan O Leary the young lad who just filled in on BBC Radio 1.

DEFTLEFTHAND

Griffith College could also be an option to look into. Many courses can be done part time.

Btr

Dr.Strangelov3 wrote: »

Hi folks,

Jumping right in here, I've been thinking about a career in radio for some time now. I'm not 100% sure on whether I'd prefer to DJ or host a show of some description in the long run, but I was wondering if there's anyone on here who's in the industry and who could give some advice on relevant methods of getting into the field. Any research I've done has revealed a very sparse selection of courses that touch on radio and even fewer that do so in detail. Then among these I don't know which ones someone already in the industry would even view as being worth anything. So is it worth my while looking into a course, or should I be looking at approaching stations about internships? Or is there a better option I've not thought of? Any help that could be provided at all would be much appreciated

I wouldn't disagree with any of the advice here but in my experience you need to approach stations and be prepared for some rejection. Get inside a station and see if you actually like it and if the idea of sitting in something the size of an average bathroom appeals to you. From the outside radio can look like fun and it can be but it's also a job which is generally not terribly well paid and the hours can be very unsociable. If still interested pick up a phone and ask can you visit and maybe have a word with a PD. despite opinions to the contrary, some are nearly human. Good luck

Jimmy Bottlehead

I think the best route would be the Ballyfermot course, and try to get into community radio on the side. From there, you can work towards commercial radio and if you have the talent / luck, it might work out.

Best of luck

Oasis_Dublin

It's a painful, drawn out process. Best place to start is community radio, if you can get in

Dr.Strangelov3

Thanks a mil for the suggestions folks! Turns out the Ballyfermot course stopped taking applications early in March which is something of a letdown considering the praise it's been getting here. Fingers crossed there's a place open in the next round of interviews. I've been looking at the Dún Laoghaire course (Radio Broadcasting RB5), it's very far out from me as I live in Dublin city centre so I wasn't considering it initially, but has anyone had any experience with it? On paper it looks pretty good.

catch--22

Dr.Strangelov3 wrote: »

Thanks a mil for the suggestions folks! Turns out the Ballyfermot course stopped taking applications early in March which is something of a letdown considering the praise it's been getting here. Fingers crossed there's a place open in the next round of interviews. I've been looking at the Dún Laoghaire course (Radio Broadcasting RB5), it's very far out from me as I live in Dublin city centre so I wasn't considering it initially, but has anyone had any experience with it? On paper it looks pretty good.

Hold out for Ballyfermot....I missed the deadline when I applied but they had a free space and ended up getting an interview (and place) during the summer. Get in touch...ask to visit with one of the lecturers....look eager and you should be fine. They are always looking for people with a genuine interest in radio!

RockLady

catch--22 wrote: »

Hold out for Ballyfermot....I missed the deadline when I applied but they had a free space and ended up getting an interview (and place) during the summer. Get in touch...ask to visit with one of the lecturers....look eager and you should be fine. They are always looking for people with a genuine interest in radio!

Ditto for me, I got in by the skin of my teeth, a week before the course was due to start!

The HND gives you a great base to build from. The degree year is worth doing, but it's hard core and the constant warnings about the workload that you get from lecturers aren't enough to prepare you for just how much work is involved. However, you'll have an Honours degree in three years so it's worth it.
Bernard Evans is the course co-ordinator of the Radio HND. He's worked for RTE and the BBC and knows his stuff. Ignore the cigarette, coffee and Red Bull addictions

Chris 80

Dr.Strangelov3 wrote: »

Hi folks,

Jumping right in here, I've been thinking about a career in radio for some time now. I'm not 100% sure on whether I'd prefer to DJ or host a show of some description in the long run, but I was wondering if there's anyone on here who's in the industry and who could give some advice on relevant methods of getting into the field. Any research I've done has revealed a very sparse selection of courses that touch on radio and even fewer that do so in detail. Then among these I don't know which ones someone already in the industry would even view as being worth anything. So is it worth my while looking into a course, or should I be looking at approaching stations about internships? Or is there a better option I've not thought of? Any help that could be provided at all would be much appreciated

Don't.

heybaby

If you are looking to be either a dj by which I presume you mean club dj or a radio presenter I wouldnt recommend doing a long drawn out course of study. Your best bet is to do an introductory course through Learning waves which Kevin Brannigan runs or some alternative to give you a taster. Club dj'ing is totally different from radio presenting for obvious reasons you need to acquire some equipment, music and the ability to read a crowd and mix music. Radio presenting is a skill that even at its most basic level in community radio requires time and an ability to observe and articulate. A course will teach you the fundamentals in presenting but the very best way to learn is get on air at a local / hospital radio station and throw yourself in at the deep end. Be aware though with the competitive nature of the radio market here if you have aspirations of being a radio presenter particularly full time prepare to work hard as its a long road. Good luck with it.