Be a DJ
(Were you interested in a staff postion or in being a member of the BOMB?)
Being a college radio DJ is very different from being a party DJ or a commercial radio DJ. Here you can find out what the job requires, how much time is needed from you, and what you can and can’t do.
When you have read the following, please apply here.
How much time does a DJ dedicate?
In the studio, we ask DJs to host a two-hour show, once a week. Outside of the studio, we ask DJs to dedicate two hours of volunteer service to the station per month. This can be posting flyers, editing music, doing sports broadcasts, sitting at tables, drawing logos, etc. So, we are only asking about 10 hours per month. Whether or not you dedicate more time outside of the studio to make your show better is up to you. Some people feel they need more time to fine tune, while others can just come in and get going.
How much do DJs get paid?
DJs are (and probably always will be) volunteers. Because we ask for so little time, and because there are so many volunteers, and because we have little funding to work with, DJs are volunteers.
Can DJs get University credit for DJing?
Not that we are aware of. We don’t give the credit; one would have to contact a professor to find out the possibility of receiving credit for radio work in a directed study environment.
Do DJs have to do music shows?
No. We take DJs for music, talk, educational, sports, and news shows. Or, if you have other ideas, let us know! We like to have the most creative program schedule possible.
Does URH have music we can play?
URH has a limited but growing music selection. Most DJs bring in their own music to play.
What can and can’t DJs play on the air?
As far as music selection goes, URH staff will not dictate what genres and specific songs can and cannot be played. This is, after all, what college radio is all about. We want to make sure that DJs are given complete freedom of expression within the extent of the applicable state and federal laws and rules of the University. That being said, between the hours of 10:30pm – 6:00am Hawaii Standard Time, we do allow DJs to play music which may not be suitable for young children. During normal broadcast hours, DJs are restricted from playing music with obscene language.
Can DJs have guests or take calls over the air?
URH policy allows each show to have 2 guests in the studio. If a DJ wishes to have more guests for a special reason, they must first obtain permission from the Program Director. Also, we do have the ability to take calls live on the air.
Can URH host live bands or other live events?
We do have that capability. If you are interested in being a DJ and having live music on your shows, please contact the General Manager after applying. URH is already planning to host and broadcast forums on a broad range of issues.
Do I have to stick to a format?
Nope. Your show is yours to do what you want – within the aforementioned rules.
How many people are listening?
We have implimented a beta listenership tracking program in the studio. DJs can monitor listenership during their show with this program.
When can I do my show?
DJs must schedule a timeslot with the Program Director. Almost all timeslots are 2 hours in length, although special shows can receive 1 or 3 hour timeslots. You can do your show anytime of the day. Our “normal” broadcast hours are from 8:00a – 12:00a. We have opened up late night slots for this semester, but those timeslots are reserved for returning DJs.
What equipment does URH have for DJs to use?
Currently, we have MP3 capabilities, DJ style CD players, tape decks, minidisc players, and turntables.
Job Description
- Accountable to GM, PD, and TD
- Does regular scheduled show, on time, and within format
- Does regular scheduled show with style, flair, and an ear to the alternative
- Writes one piece of monthly public service announcement (PSA)
- Reads PSAs, campus announcements, and news as directed by the Program Director
- Is entirely responsible for the Station while on the air. Must make sure anyone in the station is a URH staff Member. Know who is in the station and be sure you know who your friends are.
- After campus hours, is responsible for the premises of the station and surrounding area.
- Airs no obscenities or vile language
- Reads DJ notes and makes intelligent and professional contributions to it
- Attends staff meetings
- Files away music after using or at end of shift