GETTING INTO RADIO!


www.kerrangradio.co.uk/emma

So many people ask me so many times a day "how did you get into radio?" and also "How can I get into radio?" so I thought it'd be handy to put a section on the website dedicated to this subject!

There is no ONE answer, and most presenters have a different story to tell.

My own story started when I was 15. I couldn't decide what I wanted to do after school - I knew I couldn't stay on at shcool, so I had to get a job! I really wanted to go into the police force, but knew that I had to be 18 for that. So, what could I do for 2 years, whilst waiting to apply for the police? A 2 year training course in radio I thought!! So I did!

I got lucky. My local radio station at that time (Chiltern Radio in Bedford) took me on as they knew I would be great for making tea, opening post, sending out prizes, doing the sandwich run, giving out car stickers.... all that lovely stuff! I did all these things in my first 2 years in radio, as well as admin, helping out the newsroom and helping the presenters with filing records (yes, we only had vinyl back then!) On that Training Scheme, the wages were pretty non existent (£29.50 a week) but they sent me to college too. I did A level Communications and City and Guilds Media Studies.

On top of all this, I used to stay behind after work, and do dummy runs of "make believe" radio shows. Of course, I didn't think I could ever get on air. I never intended to get on air actually. My voice wasn't very good back then, and at 16, I certainly had nothing to offer the listener!!

I got kept on after my 2 year training course, and loved my job, so I forgot about joining the police force, and got my head down with hard graft for another couple of years.

After 4 and a half years at Chiltern Radio, and many, many hours staying late at work making up demo's, my voice had improved, and I had a little bit more between the ears. I eventually got on air! Doing travel news, and God, I was awful! The boss knew I had something though, so credit always goes out to Clive Dickens, for giving me the chance to get off the travel news, and onto a proper show! About this time, my confidence grew, and I started co presenting with Kym Harper (much respect to Kym as well!) at Community Radio Milton Keynes. I wasn't great, but after a few months, I got to present my own weekly show. It gave me a chance to make up demo's, which I used to give to my boss every week!

Eventually, the boss got fed up with the demo's, so he gave me my big break in 1992 on the overnight show on the Chiltern Radio Network. I did that for a few weeks, and then got offered a position at Chiltern's sister station (back then) Galaxy Radio in Bristol. So I packed up my belongings, and left home. I've been moving around the country ever since! From Galaxy, back to The Chiltern Network, from there back to the now regional Galaxy 101, then onto Metro FM in Newcastle, then Hallam FM in Sheffield, then down South, to Juice in Brighton, after that it was along the South Coast to Power FM, and after 3 years there, I started doing one day a week at Kerrang. I had to do a 20 hour day on a Sunday, but my sacrifice paid off when I got offered the best job in UK Radio, the drive time show at Kerrang.

I have been at Kerrang nearly  three   years, and I love it! I still get a buzz after 1 9  years in the job, and meeting bands and going to gigs still thrills me. I'm enjoying hosting the Live at Kerrang sessions, as well as my own RAW nights. I don't think i'll ever get bored of this job. How is it possible??

Of course, there are downsides to any job, and at the end of the day, this is still a job, with a boss to answer to, and targets to hit...but the negatives are far out weighed by the positives!

So, my advice on getting into radio?

Do your own research, the internet is a wonderful tool! If you're still at school, try to get some work experience at your local radio station. Befriend a DJ, ask questions.  Kerrang does some work experience, but remember, we are based in Birmingham, and we get booked up VERY quickly. Contact 0845 053 1052 to find out more.

Get involved in hospital radio, community radio, internet radio, RSL's, uni radio etc. If these aren't available in your area, travel or move house! You can even make up demo's at home if you have the right equipment. Send these out to radio stations, lots of radio stations, someone will have a spare night shift, up for grabs.  It  may take a while, but it'll be worth it in the end!   

Remember, if you want it enough, you will get it! Don't give up!