Breaking into any type of radio job as a personality has never been an especially easy task.
It typically requires study, interning, and auditioning, with few opportunities to get a foot in the door. However, there is another approach, made possible by the internet, which is starting your own kind of online talk radio station.
Looking at a few of the devices and tools you’ll need, we’ll explore how you can get started in building experience towards a full career. It’s easier than you might think, it looks good on a CV, and it could be the boost you need towards a future career in traditional broadcast radio.
Tools and Tech
The tools and technology you’ll need to get started with your own talk radio station are surprisingly cheap, far removed from the expensive modern professional setups. All you’ll need is a quality microphone, a good headset, a device to stream on, and an online service that can host you.
For your microphone, you don’t need to jump in with anything top of the line or too expensive. Instead, many mid-range streaming microphones like those covered at Tech Radar can be perfect fits. These deliver high audio quality, which, when paired with noise-cancelling headphones, can provide a high-quality experience. You might also want to invest in a similarly mid-range camera if you’re interested in adding a visual component.
For streaming services, you again have a myriad of choices of where you might be hosted. Supreme Tech covers many of the main options here, though you might seek ones that are more radio-oriented. You’ll also need the right software to connect to these services. OBS Studio is a strong choice here, as an option embraced by many professionals in the streaming space.
Choosing Your Direction
Every talk radio show centres on specific ideas and topics, and this is going to be the basis on which you build. This gives you a chance to find your voice, communicate with people from very different walks of life, and figure out what works and what doesn’t.
The best starting position is through talking about your passions and hobbies, which provides a comfortable launching pad. If you’re a fan of online casino titles like the Rainbow Riches bingo game, for example, you could talk about these with other players to discuss their favourite titles. If you choose to use a program like Twitch, you could even stream video as you play on mobile or a computer, which might help if you’re trying to learn better multitasking.
The final component you’ll need to work on can be the most challenging – developing your online personality. We’re all familiar with radio personas and how outrageous they can be, and while you don’t have to be over-the-top for the sake of it, you do need to find the best position between being entertaining and being your natural self. Too simple, and you might not draw an audience; too extravagant, and you might burn out. Refining this balance takes time, and it will play a core part in your future success.
From here, all you’ll need is experience and the ability to introspect. What works, what doesn’t, what can you change, and what always needs to be the core of what you deliver? Think on all these aspects as you develop, and you’ll be in a better place if and when you take to more traditional radio broadcasting methods.