It’s The Only Thing I Want To Do

Today is Disc Jockey Day. It’s on January 20th because one of the original disc jockeys died 57 years ago today. Alan Freed helped popularize the term “rock and roll” in the 1950s. And he was one of the first people inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.

My idol growing up was Casey Kasem. I loved listening to him, and it seemed like he had the coolest job in the world. Now, I have that job, and I’m here to tell you, it IS pretty cool.

I’ve gotten to meet singers and bands, flown to Chicago and Las Vegas for radio opportunities, and traveled to places like Nashville and Charlotte for festivals. I’ve interviewed WWE wrestlers, rock legends and “baby bands” that no one has heard of yet. And every year I do this, it just gets better and better. I love my job! I love coming to work and talking to my listeners. I love making connections with them and making their day with a request or a contest. I love running our social media platforms and the websites. I’m good at it, and I honestly don’t know what other job I would want to do besides work in radio. I have worked with so many amazing people, from fellow DJs to the sales staff, promotions crews, and everyone else behind the scenes. This job has given me more happiness in the last 9 years than any other job could.

Here are some things people may not know about being a DJ:

1. Most of us don’t just wing it. A recent poll found 95% of radio DJs spend at least an hour prepping for each show. Close to a third said three hours or more.

2. It’s one of the SEXIEST jobs in the world, and that’s not a joke. According to Tinder, “radio personality” is one of the most “right-swiped” jobs you can have. And if we’re single, you’ve got a shot . . . 39% have dated a listener before.

3. When DJs were asked WHY they do what they do, the #1 answer was, “It’s fun.” “Entertaining people” was next, followed by “it’s emotionally fulfilling.” That said, half also agreed with the statement, “It’s the ONLY thing I know how to do, or it’s what I do best.”

I hope radio is around for years to come. I want to do this job until I’m no longer able to. THANK YOU for listening to the radio so that I can do what I love doing. And THANK YOU to all of the DJs that gave me a chance and showed me the ropes … you know who you are and I sincerely appreciate you.