An entry · Work · Life
Radio Host
A voice in the dark keeping a stranger company, live, at an hour no algorithm cares about.
From curious to committed
Your first steps.
A first visit can be enough. It can also be the beginning.
Meet the craft
Real hosts on a real station beat an algorithm at 2 a.m.
Explore experiences →Give it another afternoon
Notice what you want to come back to. Ask the teacher what regular practice would look like, and what support you would need.
Keep a note for next time →See the working day
The open door; most hosts started on a volunteer station.
Explore ways into the work →These are starting points. A workshop is not a professional qualification. Entry requirements and recognised training depend on the work and the country.
Before you walk in
A few things worth asking the host before you book.
- Is this session suitable for someone who has never tried it?
- What should I bring, wear or prepare?
- What is included, and are there any extra costs?
- Can you accommodate my access needs?
- What could I try next if I enjoy it?
Teach this craft? Share what beginners ask you →
Work it
Do the work.
Jobs, apprenticeships, and training that put a person in the room.
Ways in
- Route in
Community or student radio
The open door; most hosts started on a volunteer station.
- Course
Broadcasting course
Production, voice, and the desk, taught hands-on.
- Route in
Make a podcast
The modern proving ground for a voice and a point of view.
Ways in, gathered by hand.
Add yours to the atlasLive it
Live the hour.
Experiences, classes, and places where the presence is the whole point.
Places to begin
- Volunteer
KVMR Community Radio
Become a community radio broadcaster
Nevada City, CA
Train with the station and host your own show on independent, listener-supported public radio.
- Volunteer
WWOZ 90.7 FM
Become a volunteer show host
New Orleans
At this listener-supported jazz and heritage station every on-air host is a trained volunteer sharing music they love.
Ways in
- Visit
Tune in to local radio
Real hosts on a real station beat an algorithm at 2 a.m.
- Volunteer
Volunteer at community radio
Stations welcome new voices and will train you on air.
Ways in, gathered by hand.
Add yours to the atlasWhy the human is the point
A radio host is company for the commute, the night shift, the lonely kitchen: one human voice, live, talking to you as if you were the only listener, which in a way you are. They read the room they cannot see, pick the record for the mood of the hour, and keep a whole city gently accompanied. A stream serves you what you already like. A person on the air surprises you, sits with you, and reminds you someone is awake out there too.
Kept nearby
