I need a new job!
 

I have been a network admin/help desk/computer guy since I joined the Air Force back in 1999

I don't want to do that any longer. The pay is nice, the hours are okay, but the job satisfaction is not there. I really don't want to help people with simple computer problems any more. I don't care if your PC is broken, I don't care that you lost connection to the exchange server, and I really don't care that you deleted a file and now you want it back. I don't care.

I though the computer/IT field would be a good career, I was good with computers, I was good at explaining problems to people, I was good at customer service. Now, I hate it with a fiery burning passion.

I want to be a radio DJ.

Seriously. There is a school in Cincinnati (close to me) that has programs available for people that want to be on the air. http://www.beonair.com/ They also have programs for people that want to work "Behind the scenes" as well, which also wouldn't be bad. I filled out their on-line application, and hopefull Monday (17 March) I can speak to someone about attending.

Has anyone here ever worked in this field, or know anyone that has?

I have always been told that I had a voice for radio, (or a fase depending on who you ask...) This feels like it might be my "true calling" sort a speak...

Thoughts/Ideas?

I applied for a digital cable TV license with the CRTC, and it was approved last year! I can now legally launch my channel!

What's the procedure for obtaining an on-air FM radio license from the FCC? Find out. Do some research. Get cost estimates.

Your computer skills will definitely come in handy. Radio and TV stations are already computer automated, so you'll fit right in.

How are you at talking? Can you ramble on but still sound interesting? Do you know a lot about the genre you're going to pursue?

My advice: fire off an email to your local station manager and/or your favourite on-air personality. Explain your interest in the field and ask for advice on how to get started in the industry. Expect the advice to amount to 'start at the bottom.' Thank them for their time and do not ask for a job.

You can try snail mail if you prefer, but either way this would be the approach I'd use. Find someone who's successful at what you want to do and try to emulate them. Ask for advice.

Be aware that the radio industry is changing along with the rest of the entertainment industry at the moment. With the advent of ipods and thousands of songs fitting in a pocket, there are less listeners and satellite radio is taking a chunk of the remaining market away from traditional over-the-air radio. Adaptability is probably going to be a huge asset in the future; fortunately, a lot of adaptability comes simply from being comfortable with technology. In terms of the specific dynamics of the industry or advice on how to get started I can't really help you, since most of my knowledge regarding radio is limited to how it relates to artists.

Be aware that there are many rip off artists running "broadcasting schools" out there. They will take your money and teach you things but the piece of paper you end up with at the end is a joke. The Toronto equivalent of this is: http://www.nibtv.com/default.php

I have spoken to many radio personalities and they have all pointed out that this place is a joke. Many of the people I know in radio received their start working in campus/community radio. Others went to community college or University to study journalism/broadcasting.

I would take Martian's advice and call the local station and have a chat. By the end of that chat get them to give you some other names of people with whom they think you should speak and carry on from there until you either learn how to get in by understanding the business or are offered a job.

I don't have personal experience with it, but I've also heard some of the things people here are saying about 'broadcasting' schools, and that almost everyone gets their start in the business by convincing some small community/college radio station to put them on the air. One other option is The Internets. In particular, this radio station use to let pretty much anyone be a DJ: www.eggradio.com - they went under awhile back, and then resurfaced, and don't do the guest DJ thing right now. But, something to consider.

There are a lot of unpaid internships in radio; that is where you should start. Community colleges have a lot of technical education programs; investigate the offerings at your local CC and area CCs to see which one has the program for you. Here in Oregon most radio personalities seem to come out of the program at Mount Hood Community College: http://www.mhcc.edu/pages/2796.asp They work directly with Portland-area radio stations to get students into internships and on-air.

Unless you are earning at least an associate's degree through a program, I would be hesitant about signing up for anything.

And, now that I think of it, all modern radio stations use a lot of those computerey things that you're so good at - helping with the computers at the radio station might get your foot in the door.