True, I do a morning show that airs from 6 – 10 a.m. but that isn’t full total of time I put in each day. Far from it.
Granted, some DJs on music-intensive formats may very well be able to walk in right before their air shift and walk right out again. And to them I say congratulations for living the American Dream! But, most radio people have additional responsibilities including production (creating recorded commercials and other audio elements for the station) or may wear a second or even third hat at their radio station like being Music, Promotion, or Program Director. In most cases that is the norm.
In my case, my on-air partner and I are only responsible for our show. We seldom have to do station production but I do quite a bit for our own program. Thankfully, because of my PC, I can do this production at home using professional software called Adobe Audition.
Even 10 years ago the results I can achieve at home were not remotely possible. But, aside from that I’ve always done at home a substantial amount of preparation prior to arriving at the station.
So, that “4 hours-a-day” of work perception is just not so! When it’s all counted up, I probably put in over 50 hours each week not counting appearances.
The Real Radio Workday
Here’s how that “4 hour day” shapes up:
I rise at 2 a.m., grab a quick shower and sit down at my computer. I gather show prep and update our show’s website until 4:30 a.m.
