Want to be a DJ?
Thank you for your interest in KSU's OWL Radio! OWL Radio is a newcomer to KSU's student media (part of KSU Student Media and under the umbrella of the Student Media Board) and will celebrate its first year on the air July 9, 2008! The station will require hard work and flexibility - and we need you to be patient with us!
If you would like to be notified when we are accepting applications and to stay up to date with OWL Radio happenings, please join the station's facebook group at http://kennesaw.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2337436317. Note: this facebook group, "KSU OWL Radio", NOT "Owl Radio", is the official group and the only one updated by radio staff.
This is our On-Air or DJ Application. Use the emails below if you are interested in Off-Air positions.
• If you are interested in joining our Production Team, email david@ksuradio.com (Adobe Audion experience necessary)
• Sports Team: ashlyn@ksuradio.com
• Promotions Team: dani@ksuradio.com
• News Team: rachel@ksuradio.com
• Music Library Team: jaime@ksuradio.com
(Please read before applying)
What kind of station is OWL Radio?
At least for now, OWL Radio is an Internet-only streaming radio station. We use a service called Live365 to broadcast. Their site attracts 4 million plus listeners every month, and being listed in their directory provides exposure in and of itself. Also, their expanding distribution network includes TiVo, Philips Streamium, D-Link, Windows Media Player, Windows Media Center, iTunes, and others. Live365 is an end to end solution with broadcasting software, bandwidth, tracking, reporting, licensing, customization, and support.
There is no FCC governance over internet radio. However, as part of its mission and for educational purposes, KSU OWL Radio will follow regular FCC policy. For complete details on broadcasting rules, click here.
Please note: The Digital Millennium Copyright Act ("DMCA") was passed by Congress and details the rules regarding Internet broadcasts that are eligible for compulsory licenses. There is an excellent section on the wiki devoted to this: http://wiki.live365.com/pmwiki.php?n=Broadcasting.DMCA
To listen do I have to use the Live365 Player Window?
No. OWL Radio is available for launching in iTunes, WinAmp, Real Player, Windows Media Player, and just about any MP3 player. Also, we are integrating the service directly into our website via our own custom player. More information is on the main website.
What kind of format will OWL Radio be? What kind of music will we hear?
The station's format - the kind of music that will be played, etc. - is a work in progess, as it is determined by the students that become part of OWL Radio. The licenses ASCAP/BMI/SESAC have been paid for, so the sky is the limit. However, other factors will also contribute to final format: the mission statement, desires & tastes of listeners, the station's staff, and even the ability to generate revenue from advertisers or sponsors. All this is a round-about way of saying that you decide on the format.
Can OWL Radio broadcast live?
Yes. The station has the necessary high speed internet connection (DSL, Cable, etc). and other equipment (telephones and sufficient inputs) to do so.
How much time does a DJ dedicate?
In the Studio, we ask DJs to host a two-hour show, once a week. Outside of the Studio, we ask DJs to dedicate three hours of volunteer service to the station per month. This can be posting flyers, editing music, doing sports broadcasts, sitting at tables, etc. So, we are only asking about 7-11 hours per month. Whether or not you dedicate more time outside of the Studio to make your show better is up to you. Some people feel they need more time to fine tune, while others can just come in and get going.
Will DJs be trained?
Yes! Before you go on the air, you will need to go through a training program consisting of both broadcast and production labs, and shadow or assist a more experienced DJ or senior staff member. A DJ position, like any member of a KSU student organization, must be enrolled at KSU - at least six degree credit semester hours. Additionally, top editors/managers of KSU Student Media must must be full time (12 credit hours/semester) and maintain at least a 2.5 adjusted GPA. DJs must also have read & understand the OWL Radio Manual.
How much do DJs get paid?
DJs are volunteers. Because there are so many volunteers, and because we have little funding to work with, DJs are not paid. As the station grows, we may be able to pay our DJs in the future - but for now, please do not apply if you need payment.
Can DJs get University credit for DJing?
Perhaps. We don’t give the credit; one would have to contact a professor to find out the possibility of receiving credit for radio work in an internship or directed study environment. The instructor would assign academic credit, OWL Radio would act as the employer (as we currently do with our other media groups, The Sentinel, Share and Talon magazine).
Do DJs have to do music shows?
No. We take DJs for music, talk, educational, sports, and news shows. Or, if you have other ideas, let us know. We like creative people!
Does OWL Radio have music we can play?
OWL Radio has a limited but growing music selection of almost 20,000 songs. If you have music you would like to donate (must be original CDs, not burned copies), contact the station's adviser.
What can and can’t DJs play on the air?
As far as show topics and music selection goes, OWL Radio staff (yes, you get a vote), the station's mission statement, listeners and FCC guidelines determine show types, genres and even specific songs that may be played. However, we want to make sure that DJs are given as much freedom of expression and creative license within the extent of the applicable state and federal laws and rules of the University. This is, after all, what college radio is all about. For specifics, contact the General Manager or Program Director.
Can DJs have guests or take calls over the air?
If a DJ wishes to have a guest or guests (for their show or related to it), they must first obtain permission from the Program Director. Also, we do have the ability to take calls live on the air.
Can OWL Radio host live bands or other live events?
We do have that capability. If you are interested in being a DJ and having live music on your shows, please contact the General Manager or Program Director after your training. KSU OWL Radio is already planning to host and broadcast forums on a broad range of issues, lectures, speeches, graduations, athletic events, student created radio shows, live and remote events, alumni events, local bands, podcasts - there are lots of exciting possibilities!
How many people are listening?
Right now, not many (on average, 180 "streams" or listeners per day. We hope you will change that. We utilize Live365's Professional Broadcasting Services (PRO) to broadcast audio via the Internet. Their services include a listenership tracking program; DJs can monitor listenership during their show with this program.
When can I do my show?
DJs must schedule a timeslot with the Program Director. Almost all timeslots are 2 hours in length, although special shows can receive 1 or 3 hour timeslots. Specific timeslots are under discussion and will be determined by a combination of factors: availability, staff needs, popularity and seniority, to name a few.
What equipment does OWL Radio have for DJs to use?
Currently, we have MP3 capabilities, DJ style CD players, tape decks, minidisc players, and turntables. We have a broadcast area and a production area. We have portable equipment for live remotes. Our equipment is top of the line and completely digital.
I've submitted an application. When will I hear back?
We try and reply to all applicants, but a lot has to do with how many open slots we have, specific programming needs, and even time restrictions on OWL Radio staff. We try to respond to each and every applicant via email, but sometimes we make mistakes. Just in case, also join the station's Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2337436317. Note: "KSU OWL Radio", NOT "Owl Radio", is the official group and the only one updated by radio staff.
Have a question not answered above? Let us know - but please, be patient with us.
DJ Job Description
- Accountable to GM, PD, and TD
- Does regular scheduled show, on time, and within format
- Shows up at Studio at least 10 minutes before the start of show and does not leave until 10 minutes after
- Dedicate three hours of volunteer service to the station per month
- Attends all training
- Reads PSAs, campus announcements, and news as directed by the Program Director
- Is entirely responsible for the Station while on the air. Must make sure anyone in the station is a OWL Radio staff member
- Airs no obscenities or vile language
- Abides by the OWL Radio Manual and the included DJ Contract
- Reads DJ notes and makes intelligent and professional contributions to it
- Attends staff meetings
- Files away music after using or at end of shift; keeps Studio clean & organized
- Must be enrolled at KSU - at least six degree credit semester hours
- Other duties as assigned
This On Air application must be filled out by all interested parties. Have co-hosts also fill out a separate application. To reduce spam, most fields in this form are required. |
