Disc Jockeys

Work in radio stations is usually very pleasant. Almost all stations are housed in modern facilities. Temperature and dust control are important factors in the proper maintenance of technical electronic equipment, and people who work around such machinery benefit from the precautions taken to preserve it.

The work can be demanding. It requires that every activity or comment on the air begin and end exactly on time. This can be difficult, especially when the disc jockey has to handle news, commercials, music, weather, and guests within a certain time frame. It takes a lot of skill to work the controls, watch the clock, select music, talk with a caller or guest, read reports, and entertain the audience; often several of these tasks must be performed simultaneously. A DJ must be able to plan ahead and stay alert so that when one song ends he or she is ready with the next song or with a scheduled commercial.

Because radio audiences listen to DJs who play the music they like and talk about the things that interest them, DJs must always be aware of pleasing their audience. If listeners begin switching stations, ratings go down and disc jockeys can lose their jobs.

Disc jockeys do not always have job security; if the owner or manager of a radio station changes, the DJ may lose his or her job. The consolidation of radio stations to form larger, cost-efficient stations has caused some employees to lose their jobs.

DJs may work irregular hours. They may have to report for work at a very early hour in the morning. Sometimes they will be free during the daytime hours, but will have to work late into the night. Many radio stations operate on a 24-hour basis. All-night announcers may be alone in the station during their working hours.

The disc jockey who stays with a station for a period of time becomes a well-known personality in the community. Such celebrities are sought after as participants in community activities and may be recognized on the street.

DJs who work at parties and other events work in a variety of settings. They generally have more freedom to choose music selections but little opportunity to ad-lib. Their work is primarily on evenings and weekends.