Definition of a Good Radio DJ

Dan Mason, the president and CEO of CBS Radio said some things in a recent interview that ALL radio should hear.

The New York Daily News picked up on the story and had this to offer:

A good DJ is someone who’s sharing this music with you, letting you know someone else likes it the same way you do.  He or she talks about things you’re likely to find interesting, about the music or something in the news or the culture.

It’s a connection, the same way it’s a connection if a friend sends you a link to a download or video you might like.

Pop culture isn’t 300 million isolated vacuums.  It’s connections, and on the radio the DJ has always been the living, real-time human link in that connection.

If you’re on the air, take this to heart.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

5 thoughts on “Definition of a Good Radio DJ

  • April 3, 2012 at 6:51 pm
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    Thanks for posting this, Alan. A great reminder of what we should be doing on the air every day.

    Reply
  • April 4, 2012 at 12:59 am
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    Why would anyone be surprised by this? Everything we do that interacts with others is based on trust. If you trust the source, then you stick around. It doesn't matter if it's radio, newspapers, books or the green grocer. You trust and then invest using their opinions.

    And that is why radio is going bust. Stupidity in the form of "consultants", pushing "formulas" and surveys which means no one is listening or actually putting an opinion out there for an audience. It all becomes background pablum that's easily ignored. The only way that will change is through proper ownership.

    Down with the media corp!

    Reply
  • April 9, 2012 at 4:01 am
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    Bring back Bill Carroll. R.I.P. John Peel.

    Reply
  • April 16, 2012 at 7:20 am
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    The New York Daily News picked up on the story and had this to offer:

    Reply
  • May 17, 2012 at 6:08 am
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    Pop culture isn’t 300 million isolated vacuums. It’s connections, and on the radio the DJ has always been the living, real-time human link in that connection.

    Reply

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