Is College Radio on the Internet the Next Big Thing?

If you want to learn how to DJ, you may find in your travels around the World Wide Web that there are many colleges and universities that have their radio stations available on the Internet.  This is a HUGE marketplace, and could propel you into DJ stardom.

To begin with, college radio on the Internet is a terrific way for you to test your DJ skills and acquire a new audience.  What many novice DJs don’t realize is that if you’re online, anyone anywhere in the world can listen to you!  Therefore, if your college radio on the Internet gains a following, you can get terrific buzz… all the while doing what you love!

Of course, you’ll have to have a stellar product in order for your college radio on the Internet to go viral.  Therefore, you may want to consider one or more of these ways to ensure that you and your fellow radio disc jockeys get the right kind of attention:

• Twitter before, during and after your radio broadcasts. 
• If you’re a talk radio DJ, add streaming video to your radio show.  People like to watch via webcam when their favorite DJs are discussing topical subjects.
• Take emails during the time your college radio on the Internet is in session.  Respond live.  (This will help you see how many people are listening and from where they hail.)
• Have guests on your college radio show.  Interesting interviews can really bring in an audience.

So… do you think college radio on the Internet is the next big thing in broadcasting?  Tell us what’s on your mind today!

Tips on How to Be a Karaoke DJ

Have you ever wondered how to be a karaoke DJ?  It’s not as difficult as you might imagine, though it does require more than a bit of salesmanship on your part! 

Below, we’ll give you some hints on how to be a karaoke DJ who brings in crowds, drives traffic to venues and, most of all, makes good money doing a fun job!

1.  Shadow a Working Karaoke DJ

If you’ve never DJ’d karaoke-style before, you’ll need to make certain that you understand the ins and outs of the profession.  Find a current DJ to “shadow” (or assist) and he or she can teach you how to DJ for this type of environment.

2.  Invest in Karaoke Equipment

After you’ve finished shadowing someone, you may want to consider investing in your own karaoke equipment.  This will give you a greater chance of being able to encourage venues to hire you (especially restaurants and lounges who do not have their own karaoke machines or set-ups.)  One caveat to this is that you’ll have to put forth money — and that’s always a risk.  Still, if you want to have a disc jockey career, it’s worth the investment.

3.  Get on the Telephone!

Now, it’s time to do what some DJs find the most difficult of all — SELL YOURSELF!  This is the element of how to be a karaoke DJ that usually causes a modicum of concern in would-be DJs.  However, you don’t have to be pushy!  If you know of eateries that could use your services, give them a buzz and ask if they would be open to a karaoke night.  (This is where having your own equipment comes in handy!)  If they say “no”, move on to your next prospect.  

Just don’t give up!  It usually takes about 15-20 “no” answers before you’ll get a “yes” one.  (Don’t forget that you’ll need to have a fee structure in mind before making your calls — ask your karaoke DJ friends for advice on how to price your services.)

4.  Market Your Karaoke Night

Even if the venue you’ve chosen for your karaoke gig promises to advertise your special night, don’t assume they will.  Make your own flyers and promote, promote, promote!  (Really, if you are just learning how to DJ, it’s a good idea to work on self-promotion anyway!)

5.  Be Energetic and Explosive!

At every karaoke gig, really give it your all!  Be fun, be excited, be enthusiastic, be supportive!  Laugh and the room will laugh with you!  The more you can get the crowd involved, the better for them… and you!

Hablas Espanol? Spanish Radio Could Be For You!

According to a recent USA Today article, more Americans are speaking Spanish at home than ever before. And that means if you’re bilingual and considering careers in radio, Spanish broadcasting could be the ticket for you.

Of course, it takes more than a passing knowledge of the language in order to become a big hit on Spanish radio. If you’ve only had a year or two of high school Spanish, you’re probably not quite ready to tackle the airwaves, especially if your listeners are native-speakers from places like Mexico, Puerta Rico or Cuba. However, if you understand the nuances and colloquialisms of the Spanish language, you could be very valuable to Spanish radio stations across the country.

Just make sure that, no matter what, you highlight your talents in this area on your resume (or curriculum vita) when applying for Spanish radio jobs. Of course, you’ll want to send potential employers an audio clip, too, but many hiring managers will look at your resume first. Additionally, you may want to actually send two resumes – one in English and the other in perfect Spanish. (Have someone edit both before they reach their destinations!)

Remember that the Spanish market is huge! So careers in Spanish broadcasting are only likely to increase in the coming years.

Buena suerte!