Your guide to become an Radio Presenter in Malaysia

Average Salary
2,800 - 3,500

Job Demand

Who is an Radio Presenter

A Radio Presenter or more commonly known as a DJ, is the voice behind the radio station to entertain the audience.

Their job includes reading announcements, advertisements, reports, talk shows, broadcast music, interviews, conduct contests and other activities to engage with their audience. Choosing the right content to air is not as simple as it sounds. Whatever that is aired must be targeted specifically to their audiences in order to attract more of those in the same demographic and retain existing ones. They’re also tasked to plan the overall direction and schedule of the radio programme.

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The pros and cons of being an Radio Presenter

Pros

The job requires minimal education requirements
Opportunity to interview celebrities and high profile people
High chances of being popular

Cons

Radio stations operate 24 hours a day so you could work nights, weekends, or early mornings
A Radio Presenter’s salary is modest but will receive other benefits by clients and sponsors
One radio station only needs a few radio presenters so competition may be high

What are all the responsibilities of an Radio Presenter ?

Research for interesting topics that you will have to talk about
Conduct rehearsals for your show
Memorise scripts
Interview guests
Read reports
Read from script or improvise
Be aware of current trends in music and other aspects
Able to speak impromptu
Plan slots for advertisements, announcements, news, reports, music, etc.
Engage with the audience and get them to participate as well

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What skills do you need to become an Radio Presenter?

Excellent communication skills

Radio Presenters have to keep the conversation going for long periods of time. If you are the only presenter at that time, you will have to find interesting topics to talk about. To be a good presenter, you must have excellent communication skills and that includes delivering the message in a precise, creative, interesting and original manner. Radio presenters are not allowed to stutter or have a mind blank.

Understand the proper procedure for copyright licences

Everytime the DJ plays recorded music on the radio station, they are required to gain permission with the recording company first. This requires knowledge in the legal industry so you know what are the sort of things you need to gain approval to avoid copyright infringements and other legal issues.

Knowledge in a wide variety of subjects

Being a radio presenter can be scary at times because you are considered the spokesperson of the station. One mistake can cost you your career and post a crisis to your company because it will be broadcasted live. You will also have to talk a lot during your slot. Hence, it helps to be knowledgeable in every subject matter, especially in the entertainment industry so you never run out of things to say.

What field(s) of study should you choose to become an Radio Presenter?

Broadcasting
Communications
Journalism
Marketing
Media Studies

What are the requirements to be an Radio Presenter?

Generally, a radio presenter do not need very high qualification. A Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcasting, Communications or Journalism would be best but a degree in any field is possible. The most important aspect employers look for is good presentation and communication skills to be able to ‘sell’ the image of the company. Experience and exposure in this field greatly increases your chance of working in a radio station.

What are the working hours of an Radio Presenter

Radio Presenters work in shifts and work hours vary depending on how long the station divides the slot. There is rarely any set time for a radio host. You will often need to work more than 8 hours a day, clock in before your slot begins for preparation and stay back after it ends to plan for the next day. Radio presenters also need to travel as they might be required to appear at charitable events, public functions or roadshows to promote products and services, create awareness and increase exposure for your radio station.

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