Being a radio RJ is a hectic job but it can also be a fun and very rewarding career. Unlike many other jobs, it is not hectic in terms of worrisome stress. Rather, a RJ has to be a master of multi-tasking and time management. There are many tasks to perform and processes to keep in mind while hosting a live show on-air. This guide will introduce you to some of the main responsibilities of a radio RJ during a show.

1. Radio Responsibilities:
Being an On-Air DJ

2. RADIO JOCKEY
• Being a radio RJ is a hectic job
but it can also be a fun and
very rewarding career. Unlike
many other jobs, it is not
hectic in terms of worrisome
stress. Rather, a RJ has to be a
master of multi-tasking and
time management.
• There are many tasks to
perform and processes to
keep in mind while hosting a
live show on-air. This guide
will introduce you to some of
the main responsibilities of a
radio RJ during a show.

3. Station Identification
• A station ID is an audio
snippet that lets listeners
know the call sign,
frequency and name of the
radio station they are
listening to. A station ID
typically uses the following
format: “Hi, this is Billy
Rockstar and you’re
listening to RKYM, 91.4 FM,
Rock Radio Station.” This is
helpful for people who are
just tuning in and also as a
way to make the station
stick in people's minds

4. RJ Vocal Characteristics
• Listeners respond well to a memorable voice,
especially since it is the only means of
communication via radio. For men and women,
this means that their voices should be free of
qualities that might irritate listeners.
• Most commercial stations prefer RJs with a
general non-regional accent so that listeners
across the country (and even internationally!)
can understand the voice. Diction is another
important quality. RJs should be able to speak
well, using measured tones and natural
language.

5. Transitioning Between
Songs
• When hosting a live show, it would sound very
choppy and jarring if listeners had to hear the end
of the song and then wait for the RJ to cue up the
next one. To ensure a smooth, continuous flow, RJs
have adopted the practice of cuing up the next song
into a second player while the first one is already
playing.
• When the first song comes to an end, the RJ
gradually reduces the volume while simultaneously
raising the volume on the second player. This effect
is known as cross-fading.
• If a RJ has to speak after a song, they simply fade it
out and then speak. To keep up the energy levels of
the show, it is common to have some instrumental
music playing in the background while the RJ speaks

6. A Rundown of the Playlist
• During any radio show, listeners need to know
what they have been listening to. There are
several ways for RJs to share that information.
On-air, they can let their audience know the
titles and artists of the songs that were recently
played as well as the next few songs that are
coming up.
• This also ensures that listeners learn about new
tracks released by record labels. Today, many RJs
also provide a full playlist on the radio station’s
website so that anyone can go back to it and
learn the artist and title of a particular song

7. PSAs
• A PSA is an abbreviation for Public Service
Announcement. A PSA is different from an
advertisement since it is non-commercial in nature.
Typically, PSAs offer short snippets of news, events or
promotions from non-profit groups that may be of
interest to the local community.
• RJs normally receive a list of PSAs in advance so they
are careful to allocate enough time in the show
schedule to incorporate these announcements. PSAs
are normally read out loud by the RJ, but sometimes
they are provided as a pre-recorded audio clip

8. Listener Requests
• Taking requests is one of the
primary interactions between
the RJ and listeners. It helps
build listener loyalty and adds
some spontaneity to the
show.
• While RJs traditionally take
requests over the phone,
today many radio stations also
allow fans to chat live with
the RJ through instant
messaging services and send
requests online. Some
stations also have a request
widget on their website for
listeners to send requests in
advance

9. Qualities of RJ
• RJ should be able to create bond
with the listener, should be
friendly, spontaneous, warm, and
have a good voice.
• He would be well read and
knowledgeable,
• Should be well acquainted with
current trends and fashion,
• Should know current who's who,
• Should have command over
spoken words and able to use
easy-to grasp language/dialect,
• Could chat with the guest in the
studio or audience over
telephone,
• Able to operate modern
electronic gadgets like editing
consoles and computer

10. Out Side Broadcast
• A broadcast not made from a studio. Radio programme
which is broadcast from a location away from the
normal studio setting. The location doesn't actually
have to be out-of-doors the "outside" simply means
"outside the studio".
• Events commonly covered by OB units include sports,
concerts, ceremonies, etc. OB units may specialize in a
particular area; for example, a motorsports OB unit
would carry specialized camera equipment for in-car
coverage and have staffs which know this particular
sport well