DJ Information – Studio Training Reminders
1. The Board
- Levels
- You want the needle to peak right before the red bar. Seeing the red light is bad, it doesn’t mean your music is louder it means that the quality of your sound is going out the window.
- On the main board, to hear sound, you must put the levels up to hear sound. Most of the time in between -5 and +5 is where you want to be, gauge it by the level meter.
- Main Board Controls
- MIC 1
- MIC 2
- CD Players
- Top one is CD 1, and the bottom is CD 2.
- To play the CD players, all you have to do is press the “on” button on the board, and it will play whatever track is queued up.
- Automation
- Runs to the automation computer.
- To play a song just play it through iTunes.
- Also plays liners in iTunes.
- Be careful not to accidentally leave it on.
- Make sure you put the automation on before you leave the studio!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Turntables
- Use like the CD Players, Let the exec. board know if you are going to be playing vinyl. (We want to make sure you know what you are doing)
- AUX IN
- The cord coming out to the right of the silver monitor is the AUX cable. This is where you plug in your iPod or laptop.
- Normally the levels need to be slightly higher than the rest of the channels.
- Phone
- If the phone rings you will see a bright blinking light indicating that you have a caller.
- Please screen these callers if you have a co-dj.
- If they would like to be on air: Adjust the level of the phone to an audible level. Then press the on button and you can talk through the microphones and listen through the headphones to the caller. This is another reason why it imperative to bring your own headphones.
- Cue
- If you press cue, which is located on the top of the board, this will direct that channel to “cue,” and that channel will not go over the air. On the bottom right of the board is a volume knob marked cue. Think of this as a preview channel.
- You can use this to either bleep out swears, or preview a track on the CD player. Do not forget to turn it back on other wise you will have dead air.
2. Music Library
- Top 30 Rack
- You must play at least 1 song an hour from the top 30 rack.
- Explain that this is because: We need to get more music from the record labels; therefore we need to play the music that they give us. And it’s only one song…so do it.
- The Wall
- The wall is all of the music…on the big wall.
- The Automation Computer
- There is a giant music library on the computer. It’s not just the automation. So look around on it.
- There is also liners and advertisements in iTunes on this compueter.
- Re-stock Shelf
- Please put all music you take out back onto the re-stock shelf after you are done with your show.
- Please put the music in the right rack on the re-stock shelf.
- Rules on File-sharing Programs and Ripping Music
- All music played on-air on The Edge must be legally-obtained, either as part of the station library or part of the DJ’s personal library. Personal library music must be purchased either as a legitimate CD release or downloaded via a pay-per-track legitimate service like iTunes. It may also be public-domain or freely-distributed works. The use of any peer-to-peer software to obtain music for on-air use is strictly prohibited. The use of such music could jeopardize the station’s very existence on campus. DJ’s using illegally-obtained content on-air will be immediately terminated.
The Edge’s internal music library is the legal property of The Edge. The physical discs as well as electronic audio files are not to be copied for any reason. DJ’s violating this policy will be given one warning. A second offense warrants termination.
3. DJ Manual
- Go over the points in the DJ Manual.
- The DJ Manual is in the station by the Top 30 rack.
4. Basic On-air Conduct/Tips
- Make the most of your time on the air.
- Be creative; Play music, but when you talk give your audience relevant information, Song name, artist, album, when it came out.
- Come up with segments for your show, parts that listeners can look forward to every week. (Contests, Bits, etc.)
- This is your outlet for creative expression, don’t make it boring.
- Always be smart. Don’t talk about politics if you’re going to just spout off liberal or conservative rhetoric. If you want to have smart discussion on politics, that have different viewpoints, etc, go for it.
- Always use your best judgment, if you think you might be crossing the line, you probably are.
- Transitions
- Make your transitions smooth; you’ll get better at this the more you practice.
- Listen to other radio stations to hear how they transition in between songs/liners/talk.
5. Practice
6. DJ Contract/Collect Fees/etc
- Exactly what it sounds like.
- You receive the code to the studio once you pay your DJ fees, sign your DJ contract, and have been properly trained.
General Information about The Edge
1. Telephone Numbers
The Executive Office: 309 677-3309
Studio Request Line: 309 677-3456
2. Location
Executive Office: 307 Sission Hall
Studio: 305 Sission Hall
Production: 303 Sission Hall
Mailing address: The Edge, Student Radio
303 Sission Hall
Bradley University
Peoria, IL 61625
The Edge Student Radio is owned and operated by the students of Bradley. The Station will abide by all FCC rules and regulations, regardless of its present or future licensed standing.
3. Purpose
The purpose of The Edge is to provide Bradley Students and the surrounding community with alternative radio programming including, but not limited to: Community Affairs, news, sports, minority programming, specialty shows, and non-mainstream college music. The Edge’s obligation encompasses program quality, diversity of entertainment and news, along with providing the opportunity for student involvement without regard to race, color, creed, or national origin.
Important Rules in the Studio of The Edge
1. Members of The Edge and their guests are expected to behave in an orderly and responsible manner at all times.
2. NEVER consume food or drinks in the studio. If you must have food, keep it in the hallway. The Edge’s equipment is very expensive. Failure to abide by this rule will result in a suspension of one show.
3. NO Smoking in any of The Edge’s rooms. Smoking in the office, studio and hallway is grounds for dismissal.
4. On-Air Music: All music played on-air on The Edge must be legally-obtained, either as part of the station library or part of the DJ’s personal library. Personal library music must be purchased either as a legitimate CD release or downloaded via a pay-per-track legitimate service like iTunes. It may also be public-domain or freely-distributed works. The use of any peer-to-peer software to obtain music for on-air use is strictly prohibited. The use of such music could jeopardize the station’s very existence on campus. DJ’s using illegally-obtained content on-air will be immediately terminated.
The Edge’s internal music library is the legal property of The Edge. The physical discs as well as electronic audio files are not to be copied for any reason. DJ’s violating this policy will be given one warning. A second offense warrants termination.
5. Music Storage: Put things back where they belong and keep all materials together. Remember, all DJ’s share our music library.
6. Phone: Screen all calls. Putting callers on air is encouraged as long as they are worthwhile. You have to decide if your audience would find them interesting. If they misbehave, end the call and say: “The opinion expressed by the caller is not the opinion of The Edge.” If the caller has nothing to say end the call.
7. Watch the Meters! Along our audio chain we have what is called a limiter/compressor. This will adjust the volume. Do not try to make something louder by putting the needle in the red. This will only distort the signal.
8. Always use headphones. It is important to be able to be able to hear yourself and the station when you use a microphone. By using the headphones you will assure that you have the proper mix and that nothing is accidentally playing and drowning your voice out. Due to the abuse of station supplied headphones, EACH DJ IS REQUIRED TO SUPPLY THEIR OWN HEADPHONES
9. Respect for Others: Remember there are other people using the offices on the third floor of sission. So, keep the noise down. Also, this will ensure a longer life for our studio monitors.
10. ALL ALBUMS AND CDS IN THE EDGE’S MUSIC LIBRARY ARE CONSIDERED BRADLEY UNIVERSITY PROPERTY! Borrowing The Edge’s albums or CD’s is NOT allowed! Anyone, caught doing so, will be immediately suspended pending further investigation by the Executive Board. Also, criminal charges may be filed.
11. Respect The Equipment! The Edge has a lot of expensive equipment. Do not try to fix equipment. Please report any technical problems to either the Engineer or The Station Manager.
12. You must put the CD’s you play from the wall onto the appropriate shelf of re-stock shelf. CD’s from the new rack go onto the top shelf, and CD’s from the wall go onto the bottom shelves.
13. When scheduled to do so, you must read the on-air spot for whatever spot you are assigned. The list is on the promotions board for the week. If there is a spot scheduled for your show, you must read it on the air. All spots are located on the edge computer in the On-Air Spots folder, under the name that you see on the schedule. Failure to do this will result in you paying for the on-air spot.
13. Guests in the studio are limited to a maximum of two (2) persons. (Certain instances can merit more studio guests with prior exec board approval) All guests MUST be approved by the exec board. If you want to have a guest, contact either the Programming Director or Traffic Manager. All of the studio equipment is for the use of authorized personnel only. This includes The Edge DJs who have signed a copy of the DJ contract, the Exec Board members, and authorized engineering assistants. If a guest becomes more than a guest, that is they come to more than four(4) shows a semester, they will be expected to be interviewed, pay the DJ fee, and become a full DJ/CO-DJ.
14. Security: Make sure the door is locked when you leave the studio. If you see any unusual characters hanging out in the hallway or have any other problems, do not be afraid to contact security. (X2000)
General Guidelines
All members of The Edge are responsible for knowing the station policy and seeing that their guests abide by them. The items listed below are useful guidelines of day-to-day life at The Edge.1. All of The Edge DJs are required to attend DJ meetings. Meetings contain important information that DJ’s need to know. These meetings are scheduled at the Executive Board’s discretion. Failure to attend a meeting will result in suspension of the DJ for one week. DJs who cannot attend a meeting should contact the Programming Director in advance.
2. Non-business calls are to be kept to a minimum. Collect calls are not to be accepted.
3. Upon entering the station, take a moment to read any announcements posted on the studio walls or bulletin board. Make it your business to be informed.
4. When answering the telephone, remember where you are: “Hello, The Edge.” Is a preferable greeting to “Whadaya want?” Always offer to take a message if the desired party is not around.
5. Once an hour, the FCC requires each station to give its call letters and city of origin. Give the ID live. The proper live legal ID is: “The Edge, Bradley Student Radio, Peoria.” Play the pre-produced liners every three or four songs. This is so the listener knows whom they are listening to. Get our name out.
6. Clean up after yourself. Put everything back where it belongs, put CD’s on the re-stock shelf.
7. Always have your audience in mind. Always ask yourself: “Am I doing anything interesting?” Too many DJs like the sound of their voice. Impersonations are a risk unless they are really good. Especially avoid people that are easy targets.
8. On-Air courtesy: Saying obscenities on air is NOT TOLERATED!! This is, first and foremost, unprofessional. Secondly, it alienates listeners. DON’T DO IT!!
-We operate under the FCC’s obscenity, indecency, and slander policy. We operate under this policy 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Failure to abide by regulations will result in a fine of $25 per complaint.
-A complaint consists of any a single report of obscenity, indecency, or slander, by any member of the public or The Edge.
-1 complaint = $25
-2 complaint = $25
-3 complaints during 1 semester = $25 + suspension for 3 shows.
-4 complaint = Dismissal from The Edge.
*Until your fine is paid you will not be allowed to go on the air.
Complaints are reviewed by the Executive board, where a decision will be reached. If you believe we are wrong in our decision, you are allowed 1 appeal at the weekly Executive Board meeting, where you can state your case.
9. Flyers (slides) for channel 3 are mandatory. You will not be allowed to go on to the air until your flyer turned in to the Promotions Director. Specifications for the flyer are as follows:
-Brief Copy (allow for aprox. 4 seconds of airtime each slide, a sentence or two.)
-Clear Large Text / Font
-Dark Background/Light text
-640x480 or 800x600 Resolution
-Compact File Size (a few MBs)
-.jpeg file type
-Think like TV commercials.
-Include: Show Name, Time
10. Missing a Show: If you need to miss a show, first try to find a replacement DJ from the list of DJs we provided you with. If you cannot find a replacement, contact the Programming Director or Traffic Manager at least two days in advance (more if possible). Failure to do so will result in a one-week suspension. IF YOU MISS THREE SHOWS WITHOUT CONTACTING THE EXECUTIVE BOARD AS TO THE CAUSE OF YOUR ABSENCE PRIOR TO THE ABSENCE, YOU WILL BE RELIEVED OF YOUR DUTY AS DJ FOR A PERIOD OF ONE SEMESTER. After that you can re-apply.
General On-Air Conduct Made Simple
1. Say The Edge ID within 5 minutes of the top of each hour.
2. Try not to repeat material on adjacent shows.
3. Monitor yourself, especially during transitions. Use headphones, watch the levels and listen to balances between sources.
4. Do not alienate your audience by talking about something they could not possibly know anything about: i.e.: inside jokes or personal stuff. Never swear on-air.
5. Keep name-dropping and clique-oriented dedications to a minimum. Discussion must be interesting, if it is not, then go to a song.
6. DO NOT DEMEAN THE STATION, ITS MEMBERS, OR ITS PROGRAM CONTENT. Support The Edge as far as listenership is aware, bring your concerns to the Executive Board. We want to hear your concerns.
7. Always clean up after yourself.
8. Always plug the next program/DJ and others where possible. Make transitions between shows smooth.
9. It’s not required, but strongly encouraged that DJs play PSA commercials found on the Automation computer during shows.