I began my internship at 95.3 KQMG in the middle of March 2012. 95.3 KQMG is a very small, locallly run radio station in Independence, Iowa. When I started at the station there was a mere two employees and one volunteer; a traffic manager, an 8 to 12 DJ, and a volunteer DJ. I offer this information just so you can get an idea of the working environment and situation. There was no top dollar equipment or amenities to speak of; but it was a station, and a station that needed to be run, and we did the best that we could.
I have learned a lot since starting there, not only about being on-air or production work, but also in employee relationships. I also gained a lot of experience when the main DJ and my mentor unexpectedly left to pursue other endeavours at the end of May. All his responsiblities became my responsibilities. It was a little daunting at first, but after I adjusted I viewed it as an opportunity. I am a much more confident and easy-going on-air personality. My skills in production have also vastly increased with a bigger work load and having to figure out a lot of things on my own.
I have learned a lot since starting there, not only about being on-air or production work, but also in employee relationships. I also gained a lot of experience when the main DJ and my mentor unexpectedly left to pursue other endeavours at the end of May. All his responsiblities became my responsibilities. It was a little daunting at first, but after I adjusted I viewed it as an opportunity. I am a much more confident and easy-going on-air personality. My skills in production have also vastly increased with a bigger work load and having to figure out a lot of things on my own.
On-Air Personality
I hosted a daily show five days a week for four hours a day from March 2012 to the end of July 2012. I continued doing my show twice a week up until August of 2014. These were some of the responsibilities I undertook over the course of my show:
- Music Programmer
- On-air banter: introduction of songs, artist, call letters
- Daily sponsored weather reports
- Daily sponsored community calendar
- Contest, promotions, and give-aways
- Worked with Smarts System-transferring and running ads
- Researcher of content for show: news, artist information, fun facts, etc.
- Daily birthday list with facts and songs
- Transferred over 6,000 songs onto hard drive from CD
Commercial Production
Being a DJ at KQMG also meant you were responsible for all production of commercials and public service announcements.
- Provided vocal talent
- Edited using Adobe Audition, Cool Edit Pro, Audacity
- Background music selection
- Final mastering
- Script-writing
I worked at KQMG an average of 20 hours a week from March to August. I felt it was a great experience because I was just thrown into it. "You want to be a DJ?" Yeah, sure, why not? The first day I was there I recorded a commercial. I had the opportunity to host my own show. I had the artistic freedom to pick my own music and discuss the artists and issues I thought my audience would enjoy. I imagine interning at just about anywhere else I wouldn't have been given so many hands-on opportunities.
On top of trying to be creative and entertaining, there was a lot of work to do; commercials, give-aways, sponsor-ships, community commitments. I hadn't expected to be so involved in all the different aspects of the station. It could sometimes be overwhelming as a DJ because you are trying to do it all at once. With time I found you get into your groove, or routine if you prefer, and it gets a little easier, but never easy. I learned as a DJ you always have to be prepared for the worst and still know what is gonna happen next.
Following the conclusion of my internship in August I have continued doing my show once a week at KQMG to gain more experience and stay fresh on the air. I am more than willing to be there for more shows, but economic conditions don't allow me to drive there everyday, or them to be able to afford to pay me for my hours worked. I have been hired on by them for a few hours a week to do commercials and production work.
My experiences at KQMG have vastly improved my on-air and production talents. I pledge to continue to provide quality, diverse, interesting, fun programming and music as I continue on at KQMG and at any other stations or endeavors I encounter in the future.
On top of trying to be creative and entertaining, there was a lot of work to do; commercials, give-aways, sponsor-ships, community commitments. I hadn't expected to be so involved in all the different aspects of the station. It could sometimes be overwhelming as a DJ because you are trying to do it all at once. With time I found you get into your groove, or routine if you prefer, and it gets a little easier, but never easy. I learned as a DJ you always have to be prepared for the worst and still know what is gonna happen next.
Following the conclusion of my internship in August I have continued doing my show once a week at KQMG to gain more experience and stay fresh on the air. I am more than willing to be there for more shows, but economic conditions don't allow me to drive there everyday, or them to be able to afford to pay me for my hours worked. I have been hired on by them for a few hours a week to do commercials and production work.
My experiences at KQMG have vastly improved my on-air and production talents. I pledge to continue to provide quality, diverse, interesting, fun programming and music as I continue on at KQMG and at any other stations or endeavors I encounter in the future.
“My heart, which is so full to overflowing, has often been solaced and refreshed by music when sick and weary.” -Martin Luther