Do Radio/T.V. Hosts make alot of $$$$$$ ?

Question

I really want to go into the whole Broadcasting stuff. Why? Well cause i really want to do it! BUT idk if they really make alot of money!? I mean i really want to do something i like, but i also want to make some cash. So if ya know, please let me know. Thanx for reading!

Answer 1

Radio, it beats working for a living.

But you really have to want to do it bad because you won't get rich. You will starve while you are getting started. You will need to work at least 2 jobs to make ends meet. 11 years ago, my first FT radio job paid $15,000. I ate hot dogs and Ramen Noodles for 2 years! And this was in a medium sized market of 400,000 people.

People never start out in the prime time shifts. It takes time to work up into that. You will be a putton pusher or getting the moring guy his coffee for a year or two before you get a shot at a FT gig.

To make it long term in the business you need to make as many contacts as possible. Networking is everything in this business. When you get fired (and all great radio people will be canned at least once) you will have to call on those connections for a reference or a job.

There are people make a lot of money in radio. But they work many years and know the right people who help get them there. You don't need to be Howard Stern or Imus to make a million. A top rated morning host in a top 20 market can pull down 7 figures.

When I asked my first Program Director about radio school, he said "You can't teach talent" meaning either you can do radio or you can't. So save your money and do not go to "radio school." Instead call up your favorite radio station in your city, ask for the Program Director and ask if they have any PT openings. Tell them you will do whatever just to get started. You won't be on the air right away but you will learn how radio works. If they offer you an unpaid internship, take it. The on the job training is more valueable than radio school. And if you get paid, then it's paid on the job training.

Radio today is facing tough competition from Ipods, satellite radio, internet stations, and just that people not listening as much anymore. Because of that radio companies aren't making the money they once did. And the first people to get let go for budget cuts is the airstaff.

The jobs that are advertised get over 200 DJs applying. I know because I've placed ads looking for DJs at my stations. Within the first day I get 50 responses. Within a week 200 out of work DJs have contacted me. Stations can pick and choose.

Are you sure you want to do this....lol??

Good luck and if you have any other questions, email me -- freaker1973 at yahoo dot com.

Answer 2

Your question depends on several things. The first (most important) thing that you have to realize is that radio/tv is a business, and a business first. It's all a business of ratings/advertising and then the "talent" comes in later on. Then, you have to look at what location you're in, and how big the market is, i.e., New York or Los Angeles are the major ones as opposed to somewhere like a small town, and those are the small markets of course. Also, programming is a big factor. That area of broadcasting focuses on what is being seen/heard at the stations. And that helps them decide the demographics (listening audience - age, sex, etc) so they'll get back to the business of selling whatever products those people are into buying. It's a whole lot of fun, but you have to decide for yourself where you want to start and if you're committed enough for relocation, etc. I highly recommend internships because not only do you gain experience but you also get to know the people "in the business" and sometimes that in itself can open doors for you and take you far. But, do be warned, as someone had previously mentioned - sometimes new owners buy a station, and poof! - everyone's fired, and they bring in folks from wherever they're from, believe it or not, it happens all of the time.

Answer 3

I also am a former radio personality and I agree with everythin stated in the previous radio persons post,I have lived every one of those scenarios, I have also been a radio program director and sale manager, you have to cut your teeth in the small markets and realize that 90% of the people in radio never make ti to the huge markets,and truthfully you will enjoy your career more in the small to medium markets as the politics in the large markets is brutal....lots of egos in radio and that can cause trouble,so stick with the smaller markets ,be prepared to move a lot at first and ,in those sized markets don't expect any more than 35 to 40k a year ...the smaller the market the smaller the pay.

Answer 4

Because the 2 have to battle so welfare and struggle can broaden - govt spending (it doesn't matter what its on) is essential to these men and women. Every host has a agreement, a few may also be kicked from the deal and fined their boost in the event that they dont are living as much as expectancies. There are only a couple conglomerates who possess all mainstream media - radio, television, and publishing. Again, discover that the battle is over who spends on what, and what kind of energy govt profits within the system....

Answer 5

The really good ones make money but if you cannot make it big time you are at the mercy of the management with continuous checks on your ratings and you must be prepared for this and rapid changes can take place~~

Answer 6

Try this link. It will give you everything you need for it. If you want the salary, scroll all the way to the bottom it will say "Wages & Employment Trends"

http://online.onetcenter.org/link/summary/27-3011.00

Answer 7

if you stick with it and work your way into one of the prime shifts (morning or afternoon drive) you can make decent money as long as you are in a major market.

Answer 8

Not unless you can do more than just talk will you get rich in radio.

Answer 9

Imus will, when the lawsuit is over.

Answer 10

Duuuuhhh. Why do you think so many people want to do it?