At the end of the radio programme, it’s just a voice talking; yet undeniably there is something intriguing about it that connects us to the rest of the world. It could be a wacky comment, a wild laugh, a weird accent, a wicked sense of humour or the music played. As radio listeners, we all have more than one reason to reckon that a radio jockey has most definitely become an integral part of our life.

At times when all of us are busy in our own world, here is a faceless friend who is available at any moment of the day, strikes conversations with celebrities and with equal compassion speaks to any of us as though he or she is our long time buddy. We realise then just how attached we get to a voice!

While the profession has acquired a cool-funky image, those involved in it say there is a lot than what meets the eye. Right from conducting chat shows, to getting listeners live on air or even updating listeners with weather reports or sports highlights; a radio jockey has to get everything right.

Commenting on how prepared he needs to get before going on air Rohit Barker of Radio City 91FM says, “I dig around for interesting stuff to put on my show. I don’t believe in writing scripts because it makes a radio show sound like a news program and very read out. I put down bullet points and take it from there.”

Yet, putting up a good show on air is not easy as it is a live medium. Whether it is handling the fancy equipment at the studio or keeping people informed on the latest happenings or filling specific blocks with commercial spots; a radio studio reveals that the pressure is definitely a lot. “It gives you one chance to get it right. There isn’t space for goof ups which makes it a challenge. I thrive on it,” says Rohit.

Facing more than music

According to Anjaan, RJ with FM Rainbow, 101.3MHz, “Every day at the studio means facing a lot of hurdles. But more than anything a radio jockey must know the music he or she wants to play and should be able to make an in-depth analysis as to what people want to listen.”

So what does it take to be an RJ? Says Darius Sunawala, radio jockey at Radio City 91 FM, “With more interactive and live radio shows becoming popular; spontaneity and a quick-wit are the trump cards that every RJ must hold. Also, they need to be completely at home with the technology in the studio so that their mind is free to focus on the listener and the show.”

He also stresses the fact that the quality of voice is not as important as quality of content. Knowledge of the music and the city or target listener-base is very important, but the most important skill according to him lies in combining these elements into an entertaining and informative package.

Though largely private stations cater to the young urban audiences, government run stations like FM Rainbow, 101.3MHz have their own audience. Catering to both urban and rural audiences radio jockeys of this channel have to be bi-lingual in their  ommunication. Says Prithvi Vishwanath, another RJ with FM Rainbow who hosts ‘Sakkath Sunday’ a popular program aired every Sunday morning, “Knowing the local language definitely gives an edge as you can reach out to more people. Even the celebrity shows that we have on this program are presented in this format.”

Connecting with the young

As listeners choices are getting more diversified, radio stations too have understood this need and today more than one station offer different genres of music to suit the tastes. With youth attracting the attention of most radio stations, radio jockeys need to speak on topics that connect with these youngsters. Also as the listener is getting more aware he expects the RJ to speak on diverse fields and not just focus on facts relating to films and film stars.

At regular intervals, surveys are conducted to know which program needs to be highlighted, who is the target base and as Darius points out, “A good station will constantly re-define itself to adapt itself to the required changes. For example, in Radio City we understood the need to have a show that talks about careers like the ‘Career how’ or about the companies, about home-making is a program titled ‘Under Construction’, to know the bosses in the city we have ‘Brunch with the Boss’ and so on. The listeners today expect much more than music from their favorite radio stations and a clever station will keep raising these expectations.”

Reinvention is key

So what is the future of RJing? Responding to this question says Anjaan, “Though RJing like many other entertainment professions has a shelf life, yet radio jocks can remain in the industry as long as they re-invent themselves.” Elaborating further on this point comments Fiona, a radio jock who hosts ‘Simply Adjust Madi’ on 91 FM, “An RJ with enough experience & qualification could actually run a station someday. A voice can never get old in radio, with time you learn the tricks of the trade and that’s what makes you a better jock.”

Further with more people open to the idea of taking it as either full-time or part-time careers and with the likelihood of more FM stations getting launched soon, looks like radio jockeying is here to stay for a long time.

Finally like one radio presenter winds up mentioning that though it is fun, funky and even cool to be on air and speak to lakhs of people; yet the challenge to hold on the medium through one’s voice and co-ordinate it with right kind of music is quite a task. Keeping listeners entertained and simultaneously informed on various aspects, a radio jockey has a lot more to do than just possess the gift of the gab.