RJ attractive career option, says expert

Radio station Big 92.7 FM gave a complete makeover to its 12 radio jockeys

With 300 more radio stations to come into India, a life as a radio jockey (RJ) is a much sought-after career, claimed Subhojit Ganguly, programme head, Big 92.7 FM, Kolkata station.

At present, there are about 80 radio stations in India.

"What makes a radio station popular is the kind of music it airs as well as how well the radio Jockey (RJ) can communicate. Radio has become very interactive. So much of the station's popularity also depends on what kind of talk shows are aired and the topic chosen every day," Ganguly said.

He was speaking on the sidelines of a function here at which Radio station Big 92.7 FM, a part of Adlabs Films Ltd., along with designer Agnimitra Paul, gave a complete makeover to its 12 radio jockeys.

"The complete makeover is in terms of the outfits and hair-dos that the RJs would sport. Radio Jockeys are no longer people the listeners don't get to meet. Therefore the makeover was essential so that listeners can easily connect to the RJs once the face is known," said Sujoy Prasad Chatterjee, senior producer of Big 92.7 FM. The station would also have celebrity jockeys like Rakesh and Pragya.

Ganguly said popularity of a station depends on how well it can understand the pulse of the region and what makes the listeners comfortable.

For example, the shows that are popular in Delhi, may not be popular in Kolkata.

"In Delhi, people are yappier and wouldn't mind talking about a lot of in-the-face things. On the other hand, Kolkata is still conservative, so may take offence at certain things that other markets may be comfortable with," explained Ganguly.

Therefore, training is required for every RJ joining a station. "When you join a station, you actually join a city," said Ganguly.

An RJ has to be witty and interactive and bulk of his/her training is about how to handle a given situation. For example, it is important an RJ knows how to handle abusive callers. You can't abuse back nor can you simply cut him/her off.

Ability to mimic is an added advantage for an RJ.

An RJ's starting salary is usually Rs 15,000, informed Ganguly.

Asked if following the footsteps of Bollywood remakes, radio stations would also remake some of the popular radio shows like Mohishasur Mordini aired on every Mahalaya, etc., Ganguly said that trends and tastes have changed so much that it is difficult to remake something that was popular in the past.

"Even 10 years ago, radio was primarily music-based. Today, it is more talk-based. Therefore trends and tastes have changed. But we would keep our options open," said Ganguly.