Radio DJs And Record Sales

From the music that we hear on our radios to the music that we download on iTunes, there is one constant: the radio DJ. At least, this is what you would believe. The truth of the matter is that most radio DJs do not have any control over what they play, how often they play it, or how long it will stay in the rotation. Especially today, radio DJs are merely puppets to their bosses. The real people behind what we hear everyday are the program directors.

A radio station program director may also have a show on the air or act as a producer to on air talent. These people are sent various promotional items all the time. These items may be singles, PR packets from industry contacts, or even promotional records from bands themselves. If a program director is interested in the music, they might be able to put it on the air or even get some of the songs into heavy rotation.

Radio is basically a racket. Everything from the heads of the parent companies to the local program directors to the account executives that sell advertising is a big sham. DJs may be the most diminished part of this parasitic world because they just follow orders. DJs get on the air and entertain people through their morning drive, their lunch breaks or on their drive home. They are there to make jokes and take requests. Because of this, DJs don’t really have any power over the music industry. The parent companies are the ones who take all of the power.

Let’s say that a parent company owns a record label and owns a couple of radio stations across the country. Who do you think is going to get their records played on those stations? It’s going to be the bands and singers that the parent company has signed. The thing about radio stations are that they get paid to promote certain bands from record labels. So even if the station isn’t owned by a parent company that also owns their station, the record labels with the most money get their bands on the air. So, as you can see, the DJs have nothing to do with this.

Of course in today’s world, the music industry is a lot different than it was twenty or even ten years ago. The Internet has changed the format forever. Things like iPods and iTunes have sent some labels into the red while others are flourishing with even bigger profits. Unless you work in an office that allows a radio station to be played through inner office speakers or you work in radio, the chances that you’re actually listening to the radio are pretty slim. Morning talk shows and some late night formats can draw in big listeners, but for the most part, radio is dying. People listen to iPods in their cars, while they are grocery shopping and while they work out. Radio is a format that is ten years past it’s prime.

If you’re looking to become a DJ so you can change the way that songs are played on the radio, you might want to think again. Everything is moving to an online format. Become a record executive or a program director if you have a passion for music. These jobs will give you the outlet you’re looking for.