Hi! Thanks for dropping in on my blog!

We love the interest we get from you about our jobs and the work we do. I thought I’d take a sec to answer some of the most-asked questions from listeners…

Hands down, this is the number one thing I get asked:
Q. Do you get to pick the music you play?
A. We do not. At one time it was the norm for announcers to “pull” their own music, as they called it. Deejays would come in before their shifts and go through rows and rows of albums and singles, selecting their own material for their own shows.

These days, radio stations have program director/music directors on staff who decide what will be played. “Playlists” they are called, must contain, by law, 35% Canadian Content. Good thing we have so many great Canadian artists. When we come into the studio to do our shows, the music is already selected and loaded in the computer ready to play.

This is an example of a record library.  Back in the days of albums and singles jocks would come and “pull” their music from shelves and shelves of records.

A couple of others:
Q. How did you get started?
A. As a kid, I was often asked to read out loud n class.  In grade school, I was involved in public speaking contests (I loved these). I’ve always had an interest in current events and pop culture and music. By the time it was time to decide about college/university, I chose broadcasting.

Q. Are you also a singer?
A. Nope. Nope.  I wish!  The two are mutually exclusive. Which isn’t to say there aren’t radio announcers who can sing. I just don’t happen to be one of them. Besides, someone has to be a listener ! 😉

 

That’s a few questions, anyway. If you have any, leave a comment on Facebook or drop me a line at Cathy@Easy1013.ca
Thanks!
Cath

Filed under: radio announcer questions