Pros and Cons of Working in Radio

If you have plans of making radio your business, then you need to know that there are some significant pros and cons to working in the field. Most people think of broadcasters when they think of jobs at radio stations, but there are plenty of behind-the-scenes opportunities in radio. Consider these pros and cons of working in radio.

Marketing Jobs

If you have a marketing degree that you want to use, the radio business may be the right place for you. While digital marketing is all the rage right now, there is still room for marketing experts in the radio business. In 2021, about 71% of online marketers reported that their number one strategy was to use strategic keywords. However, the radio is still a great marketing tool that can reach a wide-sweeping audience. One of the pros of working in radio is that you get to really put your creativity to the test. One of the cons is that you really have to work hard to bring new clients in.

Radio Production Opportunities

Not everyone that goes into radio wants to be on air. Some people with engineering backgrounds find themselves at a control panel at the radio station. Radio production requires a specific skill set. The equipment that is used in today’s radio stations is high-tech and expensive. For example, the multiband processor alone can cost about $10,000. One of the pros of this position is that you will be able to work with state-of-the-art equipment. Of course, for every pro, there is a con, and the con, in this case, is you have to have the right background for this position. If you’re interested in this field, consider seeking out the proper training.

Broadcaster Positions

Becoming a radio broadcaster is a dream that many people share. In the broadcasting business, you don’t need an extensive amount of education, but you do need some education. Usually, a degree in journalism, radio broadcasting, or communications will get your foot in the door. Getting into the radio business as a broadcaster takes more than a formal degree. In most cases, there is an apprenticeship program in place that you also must participate in. The internship can usually be done while you are still in school and preparing to graduate. There are plenty of pros to being in the radio business as a broadcaster.

Most people listen to the radio as they drive. High-performance speakers are often installed in vehicles because they are the number one way to improve the sound in a stereo. That means that your voice can reach millions of listeners every day. If you are in the business of finding fame, the radio can get you there. Another big pro of being a radio broadcaster is that it can lead to other opportunities. As you become more popular on the radio, other earning opportunities can come along. Of course, it is not all good news about being a radio broadcaster.

There are several cons about working in the radio business as a broadcaster that you should know. First, getting air time as a broadcaster is a highly competitive field. There are a lot of people that want that job. Another con is that the starting pay for these positions is very low. You will not start making more money until you develop a following and show the radio station that you’re a fan favorite. One final con is that free radio is becoming less of a choice for many people. Listeners are choosing subscription radio which can make it more difficult to find entry-level broadcasting positions.

Before you decide that the radio business is for you, be sure to evaluate all your options. Speak to someone in the industry to get insider information. Learn more about breaking into the radio business.