Introducing the FM Experience
Reach OnAir has always stood by the philosophy that anyone should be
able to become a Radio DJ if they have the desire and passion to do so.
Our popular online radio station allows anyone, from anywhere, to
become an online Radio DJ for free from the comfort of their own home;
you do not have to have any previous experience or any additional
equipment to do so.
The FM Experience takes broadcasting with Reach OnAir to the next
level. This new service from Reach OnAir allows all Loyalty members* who
broadcast regularly on Reach OnAir to have the chance of becoming a DJ
on FM radio - just like those DJs your hear when you turn on your radio or
get in your car.
Reach OnAir has teamed up with TCR fm (106.8 FM in Tamworth) to bring
this exciting opportunity to life. TCR fm is a community radio station that can
Reach thousands of people on the FM frequency. When their studio DJs aren't
broadcasting, it is the turn of the Reach OnAir DJs to step in and give the
community a wide selection of quality live programming.
This concept has never been attempted before and it is thanks to the openvision of TCR fm that the FM Experience can become a reality.
Read on below to find out how simple the process is.
*must meet prerequisites listed below
1
The Journey to FM...
let yours start with Reach OnAir
Becoming a full time FM DJ with Reach OnAir is a simple process. The
technology works exactly the same as when you broadcast on Reach
OnAir already. When your show is due, simply log into AuDec Broadcaster
from your home computer and we’ll connect you up so you’ll go out live
on FM - easy.
Unlike the online station however, there are a few differences regarding
the process of being able to get to that stage. Hopefully the next few
pages will help you understand the process.
The Prerequisites
Before considering to apply to be an FM DJ you must meet
the following requirements:
1
2
You must have a fully paid & active Loyalty Account.
3
You must have been a regular (average of 1 - 2 hours a
week) broadcaster with Reach OnAir for at least 3
months
You must not have any current bans or flags on your
Reach OnAir broadcasting account.
Once you are happy with this, simply follow the steps:
2
The Application Process
FM radio is regulated by Ofcom to enforce the Broadcasting Code and
other regulations. It is not possible for us to enable a ‘first come first
served’ booking process as we have on the Internet station. As part of
your journey into the world of radio, we want to help you think more
about the presentation and publicity regarding your radio shows.
For this reason in order to broadcast on FM you must apply to do so. This
process enables us and TCR fm to ensure all applicants submit the
appropriate information.
The application process is fairly simple and can be found in your
members area, you will have to do the following:
A
B
C
Give us details of who you are and how we can
contact you (in addition to e-mail).
Package up your show. We need to be able to clearly
understand in a few paragraphs what we are going to
be hearing on your show. This does not relate to the
exact song choice, but looks at the style of show, what
type of music you play, do you run any regular
features, what publicity you do...etc.
Answer a few short questions provided by the FM
Station to get you thinking about FM radio.
us know what regular slots your could do on a
D Let
weekly basis. The FM station will provide details of the
times and days they have available to you.
E
F
Provide a demo of around 3-5 minutes of your DJing/
Presenting skills as well as show content.
Read and agree to the terms and conditions (from
Ofcom, Reach OnAir and the FM Station).
Find out what happens next:
3
After you have applied...
Step One
When you have submitted your application form it will be processed by
Reach OnAir before it is sent on. This process can take up to 10 days
(based on the volume of applications) and we will simply make sure you
have ‘ticked all the boxes’. We will not reject an application for its
content as long as the form is correctly filled in (unless of course there is
reason for concern).
If your form is rejected at this stage you will be given guidance on how to
change the application form to make sure it is filled in correctly. When
accepted it will be sent onto the FM Station.
Step Two
Once the form has been sent to the FM Station it is in their hands to
evaluate your application and make a decision. The decision process is
on-going and you can expect to hear back from them 4 - 6 weeks after
they receive your application.
*************************************************
During this time it is important you continue broadcasting regularly on
Reach OnAir. The FM Station will be given updates when your shows will
take place on Reach OnAir. This will enable them to tune in at any of
these times and preview your shows live! This means at any time after
you submit your application your next show could be your audition for
FM radio!
*********************************************
Step Three
Four to Six weeks after your application form is submitted to Reach OnAir
you will hear back from the FM station...
See the response...
4
Being Accepted / Turned - Down
“I have been turned down :-(“
If you hear back from the FM Station and you have been turned down
there may be many different reasons for it. You will be given some
guidance by the FM station so you know what to change for the future
- remember you can always apply again! Here are some example
reasons the FM station may give:
“A higher quality of presentation is needed“
Here the FM station may want you to practice your radio DJ’ing skills a
little more. Make use of Reach OnAir to its full potential and really
concentrate on your patter, seamless links and strengths of features.
“Show content too similar to another show we have“
If you submitted an idea for a chart show, it may be the best idea in
the world but the FM station may already have a regular chart show.
You may want to look at packaging up another show idea?
“Great DJ skills, but sadly the sound quality is not good enough“
Feedback like this will mean that you will need to look to see if you can
improve your sound quality. It might be that your music isn’t encoded
in a high enough quality or your microphone has too much hiss.
Hearing this great news about your DJ skills may want you to think
about investing in a better mic?
The main thing to remember if you do get turned down is not to be
too dismayed by the decision. It is important that both you and the
FM station are perfectly suited to each other. Remember, listen closely
to the feedback and see how you can act on it. It may simply be a
process of tweaking a few elements of your show.
“I have been accepted :-)“
Great news! You’re all but set to go live on FM.
Find out what happens next!!
5
Accepted & Going Live!
When accepted you’ll be offered a weekly two hour time
slot as a minimum, the agreement between you and the FM
station is renewable every 3 months. There is a chance the
FM Station will offer you more, however this is up to the
discretion of TCR fm. The time slot(s) will be based on the
available times you listed on your application form.
If you are happy with this you will be added into the schedule and updated
on their website. You will be integrated into the station. Broadcasting is as
simple as Reach OnAir, you will use AuDec broadcaster to connect to TCR fm
when your time is due.
Getting your FM-E Add-On
All DJs part of TCR fm pay an annual fee in order to be part of the station this goes towards the upkeep and support of the station. To broadcast for 3
months you will need to purchase an ‘FM Experience Add-On’. This money
will help cover the admin, set up and licence costs of broadcasting on the FM
Station. We have agreed a nominal fee of £8 per month for this opportunity.
The add-on is charged per quarter and is only valid with a Reach OnAir
Loyalty account.
Important things to remember when broadcasting.
- YOU MUST NOT REFER TO REACH ONAIR AT ALL WHILE ON FM. You
will be provided with all the correct imaging, just don’t go playing any Reach
OnAir Imaging or giving out our contact details!
- You will also be given a ‘Community Focus Pack’. This pack will provide
information let you know all about the latest events, on the station and the
local area.
- You must adhere to the rules and regulations of OfCom (which you agreed
to when you signed up) - this includes strict rules on language, and siding to
a certain political party.
- You may be given some advertising to play (like R-PRO), if asked to play it,
please make sure you play it!
- If ever in doubt about something, ask the station manager or contact
Reach OnAir!
A few more questions!
Who is my boss?
When broadcasting on FM you must listen to the Station
Manager (unless directed otherwise). You are part of their
station now and broadcasting on FM!
Do I still DJ on Reach OnAir?
Reach OnAir is all about helping people get into radio. As part
of the license we require you to broadcast at least 1-2 hours a
week still (although you can do as many as you like) to help
others learn from your skills. You may even want to try new
features out on Reach OnAir before using them on FM.
What happens after 3 months?
After 3 months you must apply again. The process may be shorter
second time around, however it enables both you and the FM station
to stay in control of your show and schedule respectively.
What if I miss a show?
It happens, even with the best DJs in the world - you might get stuck on a
train or attacked by a lion at the Zoo. Despite this however we do need to
be quite strict with our policy. If you give no notification and miss a show,
you will need to provide evidence of why - a link to the train schedule to
show it was canceled or CCTV footage of the lion attacking you (just
kidding). If you can’t supply sufficient proof it will be your final warning,
next time it happens that will be that. If you can provide, then we’ll all
understand and we’ll move on! If you need to cancel a show in advance
then as long as you give 1 weeks notice (as a minimum) this will be
acceptable!
7
FM Experience