Your career in radio can begin right at your own local radio station
Here’s a quick summary of what’s on this page:
- The two things you need to break into Miami/South Florida radio.
- How, under BMG’s unique mentor-apprentice program, you are trained by a working broadcaster in an actual radio station in your local area.
- Why BMG’s program is superior to brick and mortar broadcasting schools in Miami.
- Why BMG costs so much less than traditional schools.
- How to get a free radio career consultation, with no obligation.
If you’ve decided to look for a broadcasting school to train you for a radio career in Miami, you’ve picked one of the most exciting radio markets anywhere. Miami, often called the “Magic City,” is covered by 31 stations, including several broadcasting in the Spanish language. Other South Florida communities offer dozens of other stations that might hire you
Two Things You Need to Succeed in Miami Radio
In whatever station you apply to in the Miami market, station management is likely to look for two things in your background before hiring you:
- Radio skills. These include professional vocal and presentation abilities, and knowledge of station rules and equipment.
- Insider contacts. These are people already in the business who know you and are willing to recommend you for the job.
Two Very Different Programs to Learn Radio Skills
Radio skills training is easily found in the Miami area. You can learn them through two kinds of programs:
1) Brick and mortar broadcasting schools. There are several of these in South Florida. They are housed in their own buildings, sometimes as part of a college campus, such as the programs offered by the University of Miami or Lynn University in Palm Beach County. You learn in the traditional way, by attending classes, taking notes and passing tests. You practice broadcasting, but it may be in a simulated studio not really on the air. Your instructors may be retired broadcasters or former radio business managers.
Be aware that these schools are often in downtown locations, so you may have to commute through Miami’s infamous traffic jams to attend. And since they likely have rigid class schedules, you may have to quit a present job or otherwise change your routines. Finally, because buildings and full-time staff are major costs, tuition and fees can be up to $50,000, if set up as a college degree program.
2) Radio apprenticeship programs, such as those offered by Broadcasters Mentoring Group BMG.). Apprenticeship is a time-honored way to learn a trade, in which a working professional teaches you, one-on-one, right in the workplace. BMG has adapted this format to radio training.
Here’s a Brief Look at How the BMG Program Works
- When you apply, you are linked with a working broadcaster in a radio station you select right in your area. No need to travel or relocate.
- The broadcaster is in your chosen specialty: DJ, sportscaster, newscaster or talk show host.
- You meet with your mentor weekly, on a schedule that fits your availability. No need to quit a present job while you learn. And you can start the program whenever you wish. There are no set semesters.
- Your meetings are right in the real radio station, and you practice on the same equipment the broadcasters there use every day.
- Over time, with your mentor’s feedback and encouragement, your skills grow and grow.
- You can choose either a three month or six month program. At completion, BMG certifies you as being ready to go on-air. And that’s supported by a lifetime job placement program designed to continue long after your training is done.
Contacts: The Make or Break Factor for Breaking In to Miami Radio
Miami’s traffic is nothing compared to what goes on when there’s a job opening in radio. Dozens or more may apply. Why should a hiring manager choose you over others?
Often, it’s because you have the recommendation of someone already in radio…an insider contact. But how do you make such contacts?
Apprenticeships Build Contacts Automatically
As you train in a working radio station, the professionals there get to know you. Better than that, they get to watch your skills grow. Do well in your training and they become willing to help you advance in the business. Then, when they hear of an opening (often through their own contacts,) they’ll tell you before any outsider, and recommend you for the job, or even hire you themselves. When you’re hired, they feel your success is their success.
Brick and mortar schools, which exist separate from day to day radio, can’t begin to build contacts for you in the same way.
That’s a big reason California radio host Jona Denz Hamilton says, “Mentoring will put you on the fast track,” into radio. She might have added that it’s also the inside track.
Works Best, Costs Less
Apprenticeship has another major advantage over brick and mortar schooling. BMG doesn’t pay for buildings or full time staff, so we can pass major savings to you. BMG programs cost up to 20 times less than traditional broadcasting training, when part of a college degree program.
Take the First Step … Free
None of these advantages will work for you unless you take the first step. It won’t cost you a dime.
Read the rest of this website and especially the FAQ page. Or even easier, click on the radio specialty that interests you below or fill out the contact form on this page. Or simply call BMG at (818) 879-0858.
Any of these actions will get you a free career consultation on the best way to kick start your career in radio. There’s never any cost or obligation to learn more.
Make some career magic happen for you in the Magic City of Miami. Contact BMG today!