Become a Broadcaster Through the
Broadcasters Mentoring Group
Radio Training School - FAQ

• “How can I become a broadcaster?”
• “What exactly does BMG do?”
• “What exactly is a “Broadcasting Apprenticeship?”
• “Aren’t Apprenticeships really just Internships?”
• “Do you have a broadcasting apprenticeship ‘school’ nearby me?”
• “Which radio stations do you work with in my area?”
• “How often will I meet with my mentor and go into the radio station?”
• “How does BMG’s Job Placement compare with the others?”
• "How do your costs compare with other broadcasting schools?"
• “How much does it cost?”
• “Do you offer financial aid or financing?”
• “How long will my apprenticeship take?”
• “Is there a ‘best time’ to get started?”
• “How do I get started?”

Just as there are many ways you can travel cross country, so too are there various ways to become a broadcaster. Some choices you have will lead you to your destination quicker than others, however. The name of the game is to get your foot in the door. From there, you’ll get to know other broadcasters and important contacts. Equally important is that other people in the broadcasting industry are getting to know you. BMG will get your foot in the door to make this possible from day one.

BMG pairs aspiring radio broadcasters with working broadcasters for training. The primary difference in our training programs is length of training. The “Supreme Insider” students will be paired with a local broadcaster in their radio station, or with a team announcer, for a three month training program, while “Ultra Insider” students will be paired with a local broadcaster for a six month training program.

You choose the specific radio station or team in your area you’d like to train at - and hopefully work one day. BMG then sets up your initial placement interview. If accepted for training by your Broadcasting-mentor, their station is where a major portion of your training occurs. After being placed, BMG provides you with all the training materials you’ll need, as well as providing you with ongoing support and oversight of your training program. We serve as the overseer of your training throughout the entire time.

Think of a regular apprenticeship. You sit at the foot of the master and directly learn their skills through observation, hands-on training, and discussion - all while under their watchful eye and supervision. It’s the same thing with a Broadcasting apprenticeship. A skilled radio broadcaster will train and guide you, either in his or her radio station or through the team they announce for - depending upon your training preferences.

No, they’re very different. Typically, internships are only available to currently enrolled college students. In exchange for free labor, radio stations will give college credits to student interns. Radio stations will usually assign interns where the need is greatest - which could be anything from performing administrative duties, to handing out tee-shirts or bumper stickers through their promotions department, or working as the station go-fer.

At no point in time does radio station management imply, state, or promise that interns will be trained specifically for eventual on-air broadcasting jobs. As a BMG apprentice, you’re being specifically by a broadcaster to become an on-air personality or production whiz.

It depends! Do you have any radio stations nearby? Though many people think of us as a radio broadcasting school, the only ‘classroom’ BMG students ever see is the inside of a radio station. The only ‘professor’ you’ll ever have is a working broadcaster from that station or local team.

BMG works with broadcasters throughout the US and Canada. The key to your success lies in the quality of your mentor, and not necessarily in which station you train. BMG will place you with an experienced broadcaster who is well connected to the local broadcasting community.

A few things to consider:

1. Every radio station with a broadcaster is a candidate to work with you
2. You’ll submit 4-6 station preferences as to where you’d like to train 
3. You choose the days and times you’d like to train
4. We’ll set up an interview for you with a prospective mentor from one of your station preferences. If accepted after your interview, this is who you’ll train with, and the station where your training will take place.

The beauty of the apprenticeship model is the training flexibility it offers you, based upon your individual schedule and availability. Most students will typically go into the station once or twice a week - sometimes more - schedule permitting. All students will also host their own internet radio show while training, which is a part of what mentors are evaluating when meeting.

First off, the vast majority of broadcasting schools only talk about having a job placement program. Few, if any, can actually show you what their job placement entails...because they don’t have a comprehensive plan for placing you in a broadcasting job.

BMG’s comprehensive and strategic four step approach to job placement is what separates us from ANY other radio broadcasting school or college program out there. No brag, just fact. We invite you – and even encourage you - to compare and see for yourself.

Economic times are tough. We understand that, which is why we’re the only broadcasting school or apprenticeship program that offers one training program under $3000. Realizing your dream of becoming a broadcaster shouldn’t have to put you in debt for years.

Equally important to cost, first compare the value and volume of services that BMG offers over any other radio broadcasting school. You’ll discover that “less expensive” doesn’t mean “lower quality”. Given that, BMG’s radio broadcasting apprenticeships are still $4000-$8000 less expensive than the average broadcasting school and a few thousand dollars less than other apprenticeship programs.

This is possible because you’re not paying for the cost of running a facility, or the salary and health benefits for a large faculty.

It depends upon which training program is a better fit for your needs and budget. Your three month “Supreme Insider” training program currently cost $2997, while your six month “Ultra Insider” training program currently costs $4997. Financing is available for both training programs, which will slightly increase the costs.

Most “Ultra Insider” students complete their in-station apprenticeships within 6 months, while “Supreme Insider” students will be expected to complete their training within 3 months. However, another major benefit BMG provides its “Ultra Insider” students is the flexibility offered in the amount of time your training requires.

Since no two people grasp this information at the same pace, if it takes you longer to complete your course...so be it. Unlike other radio broadcasting schools or University programs that generally have a set start and completion date, BMG allows you the freedom to progress at your own pace. We’re more rigid with the three month training time for the “Supreme Insider” students, however.

BMG DOES offer financing, but does NOT offer financial aid. We are certified to work through various states Department of Education, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, as well. If enrolled in one of these programs, please contact us for further details. BMG offers other flexible financing options you may want to inquire about, as well.

The ‘best time’ to get started is when you're finally ready to take action to become a radio broadcaster. Since BMG doesn’t operate on a semester or college-quarter basis, it's best to begin when you’re ready to make a commitment to your broadcasting future. Remember, you have one chance to make a first impression. It’s important to be fully committed to learning, once you do make the decision to begin.

You can either fill out the Question-contact form found on any page within this site, or call us directly. We promise you’ll speak to a real person who won’t pressure you into make a decision you’re not ready to make. We’re simply available to answer any questions you may still have.