What is Radio Jockeying? How to become an RJ, Eligibility, Courses, Certifications and more
Radio jockeying is a dynamic profession that keeps evolving with the trends of content creation. Find out where you can study to become an RJ, what the eligibility requirements are and more about the trade on this page.
What is Radio Jockeying? - Radio Jockeying is a profession among Mass Communication and Media graduates that deals with on-air events on the radio on various topics, across the world. An individual hosting a radio show is known as a Radio Jockey or an RJ. RJs are responsible for various broadcast activities on the radio, like chat, music, and news shows, to name a few. Radio Jockeying is one of the most creative, exciting, and dynamic careers that students can choose. It often attracts students who are inclined towards creative writing and public speaking with a unique style of self-expression. The popularity of this profession can be gauged from the fact that popular radio jockeys enjoy celebrity status in society. In this article, we will discuss some courses that students can take for radio jockeying, the institutes that offer them, the eligibility criteria to get into these courses, the skills required to be a radio jockey, etc. Read on to learn more.
Also Read: Career As a Radio Jockey
- Radio Jockeying Courses 2025
- Radio Jockeying Eligibility Criteria
- Radio Jockeying Skills
- Radio Jockeying Syllabus
- Radio Jockey Job Options and Recruiters
- Radio Jockeying Popular Colleges
- Radio Jockeying Career Options
Radio Jockeying Courses 2025
There are various certificates and diploma courses available to become a radio jockey. These courses can be anywhere between 6 months to a year long. The lists of these certificate and diploma courses in radio jockeying are provided in the table below.
| Radio Jockeying Certificate Course |
Radio Jockeying Diploma Courses |
|---|---|
| Certificate in Announcing, Broadcasting, Compering and Dubbing |
Diploma in Electronic Media (RJ/VJ) |
| Certificate Course in Radio Jockeying |
PG Diploma in Television and Radio Journalism/ Production |
| Certificate in Community Radio |
Diploma in Professional RJ & Radio Management |
| Certificate in Radio Jockeying Essentials |
Diploma in Radio Programming & Broadcast Management |
| Certificate in Radio Programming |
Diploma in Radio Production & Radio Jockeying |
There is no one fixed eligibility academic requirements to become a radio jockey. However, a degree or Diploma in mass communication, journalism, or media helps become a radio jockey. Many RJs also take short-term certification courses in voice training, anchoring, or radio production to land a job quickly.
Apart from these requirements, having a practice experience in the field often matters more than formal education.
Radio Jockeying can be a fullt-time or a part-time job. Full-time RJs usually work with popular FM stations and host daily shows. However, part-time RJs or freelance RJs may work only on specific time slots, host weekend shows, or perform on internet radio platforms. Some part-time radio jockey jobs also include podcasting and event hosting.
Radio Jockeying Eligibility Criteria
The basic eligibility requirements for the Certificate and Diploma in radio jockey courses are listed below:
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For Diploma: Passed class 12th exam from a recognised board/ university
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For PG Diploma: A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in any subject from a recognised institute/ university
-
For Certificate: Passed 12th exam or equivalent in any stream from a recognised board/ university
Note: Those who hold some media internships stand a better chance of securing an entry-level Radio Jockey position.
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Radio Jockeying Skills
Since radio is all about voice and words, a Radio Jockey must have a charming, lively, and engaging personality. Apart from that, there are a few more skills needed to be a competent radio jockey. Some of them are listed below.
| Radio Jockeying Skills Required |
|
|---|---|
| Voice Modulation |
Up-to-date with What's New |
| Good Sense of Humour |
Spontaneous |
| Clarity of Speech |
Correct Pronunciation |
| Being Expressive and Creative |
Basic Technical knowledge to handle equipment |
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Radio Jockeying Syllabus
Tabulated below are some common topics covered under the Radio Jockeying courses:
| Radio Jockeying Syllabus |
|
|---|---|
| Voice Technique |
Voice Modulation |
| Production (Pre and Post) |
Communication |
| Music Programming |
Transmission System |
| Learning Media Tools |
Radio Journalism |
| TV Journalism |
Fundamentals of Radio Jockeying |
Note: Other than the topics mentioned above, the institutes also conduct various live projects to expose students to their future in this field. Practical knowledge helps students prepare better for the job.
Radio Jockey Job Options and Recruiters
Radio jockeying is the best job choice for those who enjoy talking, creating, and expressing themselves. Listed below are the popular job types that one can opt for with a degree in Radio Jockeying:
- Announcer: This is one of the most basic radio stations' positions. An announcer is someone who reads commercials and is in charge of introducing stuff on the radio. This is the first position one holds before being promoted to higher levels.
- FM/AM Radio Jockeys: FM/AM radio jockeys interact with the listener via playing music, talking, or both. Normally, they work for public radio stations.
- Talk Radio Jockeys: Talk radio jockeys' only job is to talk for the duration of the show and to address various social and political problems. They also interact with the show's audience and viewers.
- Sports Talk Radio Jockeys: They have to communicate with listeners and discuss various sports news and events. These jockeys are usually a former athlete, a television anchor, or a columnist.
- Music Director: They are solely responsible for managing and dealing with how a radio station's music library is kept and how music is played when it is requested during a show. This individual is in charge of the music we hear on the radio.
Other than the roles given above, other job roles that an RJ can go for are News Reader, On-air Personalities, Production Director, Station Manager and many more.
Radio Jockeying Popular Recruiters
There are two sectors in which a Radio Jockey can pursue their career:
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Government Sector: AIR (All India Radio), Radio Mid-day, and State radio stations
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Private Sector: Big F.M 92.7, Radio Mirchi 98.3, Radio Mango 91.9, Red FM 93.5, 104 Fever, and several other independent radio channels.
Radio Jockeying Popular Colleges
Some of the top and popular colleges are:
Radio Jockeying Career Options
An RJ is not limited to radio stations; they have the following career opportunities after their radio jockeying course:
| Career Options for an RJ | |
|---|---|
| Traditional Radio (AM/FM) | Scriptwriter/ Content Creator |
| Voice-over Artist | Digital Marketing Specialist |
| TV Anchor/ Host | Social Media Influencer |
| Actor/ Performer | Podcasting |
| Program Producer | Event Compere |
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Radio Journalism and Podcasting
A radio jockey hosts radio shows and entertains his/her listeners by playing music, discussing trending topics, and sharing stories. Besides these, radio jockeys also take live calls, answer listener queries, and play quizes. They build their unique on-air personality.
Some RJs are even involved in scripting, editing, and coordinating with their programming team. Simply put, a radio jockey keeps the audience engaged and coming back to the show.