Love RJing? Do it. Here’s How.

Recently, we had a query from a reader about RJing and found Aditi Rindani, who helped us find out more about the field. The opportunities are coming. Are you ready to grab them? So, without much ado, we go to the interview to get more information.

First of all, tell us more about yourself.

I am a Media and Communications professional with over 8 years of professional experience spanning radio, print, television and theater mediums. I have worked as an RJ with Radio Mirchi Baroda for almost four and a half years. During this time, I have hosted shows like Cassette Classics, Ishq Dopahri, 90s Not Out and Meethi Mirchi to my credit.

Currently, I am working as a consultant with Radio Nazariya, the only community radio station of Ahmedabad. I have been mentoring students interested in the field of radio for over 5 years now.

What criteria are taken into consideration while recruiting RJs?

RJing is all about voice. The major criterion that is focused on is the quality of voice along with the ability to modulate it as per the need. What follows is clear diction, proper pronunciations, command over the local language and fluency while speaking. An RJ should be in total control of the pitch, tone, speed and base of the voice. Apart from these qualities related to voice, an RJ should be creative and quick-witted. They are expected to be well read and updated with abundant knowledge. They should be able to coordinate with the pulse of the city since radio is a local medium. At the end of the day, it’s all about entertainment – an RJ should know how to entertain people. RJs are generally enthusiastic and very friendly!

What kind of education is expected from them?

RJing is all about talent and rarely about educational background. However, a basic graduation/post-graduation is generally expected. It is pertinent to note that as times have changed and the broadcasting medium has bounced back to be a popular and important tool for mass communications, there are many courses available in the field. It is always helpful to understand the medium and its nuances to make a career in the field. However, that it is not the criteria to judge a candidate for the post of an RJ.

Are there any RJ courses available in India?

Educational qualification is not really counted, passion for radio is! However, one can check out courses like these offered by various institutes:

• Certificate Course in Announcing, Broadcasting, Comparing and Dubbing (ABCD)
• Certificate Course in Radio Jockeying (CRJ)
• Certificate Course in Radio Production Programme
• Diploma in Radio Jockeying (DRJ)
• Diploma in Radio Management
• Diploma in Radio Programming and Management (DRPM)
• Diploma in Radio Station Operations and Management
• Post Graduate Diploma in Radio Programming and Management (PGDRM)

Would you like to add anything about RJing, which you have not mentioned above and which can be interesting to the readers?

Radio is a beautiful medium. It is the only live and local medium and hence has an edge over other forms of communication. Along with this, Internet Radio is also fast catching up. The possibilities are endless and the excitement levels of being an RJ are limitless. Focus on the skills and go for it!

If you have further queries, you could write to me at aditi.rindani@gmail.com.