A radio DJ’s job entails playing music on the air and discussing various topics in between sets of songs. The DJ usually determines the format of a radio show, which can vary depending on the station, the time of day, and the type of radio the DJ is listening to. A.M. radio DJs are more likely to talk than F.M. radio DJs, and some new radio formats will encourage more DJ talking than others. A radio show may also have a specific theme, in which case the DJ will be in charge of facilitating conversations around that theme.
Some radio shows have a call-in feature, which allows listeners to call in and speak directly with the radio DJ. This allows for a broader discussion of the topic at hand, as well as making the radio show more interesting and less predictable. Other radio show formats require multiple DJs to discuss a topic or a series of topics over the course of the show. Call-in guests may or may not be permitted on such shows. Such shows are typically broadcast in the morning or late at night, though they may be broadcast throughout the day on AM radio stations.
A radio DJ may simply queue up music and play it at the appropriate time, speaking only briefly between songs or sets of songs. This DJ’s repertoire may be limited to weather or news reports, contest announcements, and brief banter with in-studio or call-in guests. The radio DJ may also host contests on the air, awarding various prizes to contestants. A radio DJ may occasionally do an in-person event, in which he or she broadcasts the show from a location other than the studio.
A DJ will plan ahead of time for the show, even going so far as to figure out which songs will be played and when. Many radio stations have rules about how many times a song must be played throughout the day, so the DJ may be given a playlist to follow. The songs played the DJ are determined the type of radio station, current hits, and the type of radio show, among other factors. In most cases, the DJ will also schedule breaks in between songs and determine which advertisements will be broadcast during his or her shift.