Posted by mullet days on November 16, 2009 at 19:36:19:
In Reply to: Re: Tips for getting into radio posted by in the know on November 16, 2009 at 19:31:28:
Your points are mainly correct. Unfortunately times are changing. The ability to get internships or shadow at stations without being able to get college credit is becoming more and more rare. Most stations have become locked down in regards to this. Because of that lockdown, you almost DO need to get a radio education in school. However, in some smaller than Chicago size markets you probably still can find a PD, jock, or manager who will go out on a limb if he sees the passion in you.
I prefer the route of getting a college degree in something completely unrelated to radio, and getting into radio through side channels. This way you can pursue radio, yes, and possibly excel at it, but if it doesn't work out at some point you have that degree to fall back on.
: I am not aware of any Chicago radio stations that would currently accept an intern NOT in college. That is a requirement for every station in this market (I have done business with pretty much every one in town). It's likely a requirement for most if not all stations, as it's in their best interest to have someone with a career in mind rather than someone "sampling radio" as a career. Usually internship programs are pretty organized, at least in big markets - they are not looking for fly by night people who aren't serious about working long hours for no money, they want students earning credit who will be much more motivated.
: I also do not agree with "learning radio on the side" statement. Unless, that is, you only want radio as a side job. If you want radio a career then you need an education in marketing, advertising and yes radio. You need to be serious about it, not treat it as a "side job". That can mean hands on experience at a college station and/or class time. And an internship is absolutely necessary - but as mentioned, remember that you need to be a college student to apply for an internship.