Airshifter Training: FAQ
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The Airshifter Training Committee is a sub-committee of the Programming Commitee (is that 'nuff committees, or what?) and is responsible for training new members who would like to be behind the mic (or just want to learn more about community broadcasting!). Below are some answers to questions you might have about the training process.
How do I get on the air at WEFT?
First, you become an eligible WEFT Airshifter by:
- Becoming a WEFT member ($40/year)
- Completing the training course, and
- Doing volunteer work for the station on a regular basis.
Second, if you want a regular show, you will need to submit a proposal form with a demo of your show to WEFT's Programming Committee. Return to top When is the next WEFT airshifter training course?
Training sessions are held each Spring and Fall, the month following the pledge drives. Additional training maybe be offered to meed demand. Upcoming trainings will be announced on this website and on-air, so stay tuned to 90.1 FM to hear when registration for the next course is announced.
What does a WEFT airshifter actually do on a show?
Everything. You engineer the board, and for the most part you decide what to play and what to say, and when. You do have to read at least a few announcements each hour, and some daytime shows include short features that you play at specified times. During some shifts, the airshifter must also record programs received from the satellite network (we would train you how). Otherwise, you do all the "production" and planning. If you do a music show, there are no playlists of required songs at WEFT, although you are expected to stick within the broad bounds of the show's format, and to play a certain amount of music from new releases that we have received at the station. That means that you need to spend time picking out all your music.
What will the WEFT airshifter training course teach me?
How to run our studio board, and the basic rules and laws of broadcasting. The course does not teach radio production or voice technique extensively. You will, however, receive a handbook of compiled wisdom where you can read additional information on your own.
What does the training course consist of?
To become eligible to be an airshifter, you must complete:
| Class/Studio Session | Topic |
|---|---|
| Class I | Orientation to WEFT |
| Studio I | Introduction to the broadcast studio |
| Studio II | You operate the studio for most of a show under the host's direction. |
| Class II | Broadcast rules and WEFT station policies,and how to propose your own show on WEFT. |
| Studio III | You substitute a WEFT music show, live, on your own. |
We hold this training "cycle" 4-6 times per year. The orientation will be one set date that we announce on air a couple weeks in advance. The second class lecture session is usually presented twice, a couple weeks following the orientation session.The studio sessions are more typically one-on-one training, with WEFT hosts who are approved trainers. Various times are available for your studio training sessions in the 3-4 weeks following the orientation. Some training courses may be held only for trainees who are available to fill specific times that we need hosts. These will also be announced.
How do I sign up for the training course?
You MUST call the Airshifter Training hotline to reserve your place, after the announcement for the next course starts to run on air. The registration phone number -- which is not the station phone number! -- will be given in the announcement at that time.
NO WALK-INS WILL BE ADMITTED TO AIRSHIFTER TRAINING. WE WILL TURN YOU AWAY.
Email reservations are not accepted for registration. Calls to the general station number are not accepted for registration.
But someone told me I could just show up to the "training class".
"They were wrong. You must call the hotline to register, and only after the next class is announced on air. Also, take note: the "class" is five sessions, each of which takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
Can't I just train with a friend of mine who is already on WEFT?
Maybe, for part of it. Trainers must be approved. WEFT relies on its more experienced hosts to train, using a consistent training format. You can hang out on your friend's show but you cannot become an eligible airshifter (or operate the board) until you complete the training with official trainers.
How come I have to do so much training?
WEFT has certain minimum obligations to maintain its station license -- and to maintain its listeners! We have continued to streamline the training material to the bare minimum of what you need to know to operate the radio station -- our collective radio station -- responsibly. We want everyone on the air on WEFT to have a sound foundation to work from; even with all our diversity, we do have an overall style and philosophy to make WEFT distinct from mainstream radio. Which is why we're here. By the way, you will quickly find that hosting a show takes considerable personal commitment. This commitment needs to start with training.
Is there anything else I am required to do?
Yes. All WEFT airshifters are required to assist on-air or answering phones during our semiannual fundraising Pledge Drives. Before your first Pledge Drive, you must attend a Pledge Drive orientation session. This session is usually repeated a couple times before each pledge drive.Airshifters must also attend at least two quarterly station meetings per year, maintain their volunteer commitment, and renew their membership each year.
Is it hard to learn to work the studio board?
Not really. It may seem overwhelming the first couple times you see it, but most shows involve only a few regular steps that quickly become second nature!Also, completely unlike most radio stations, WEFT doesn't have much programming that is tied to the clock down to the second. Therefore, you can learn as you go without a lot of stress, and with a fair amount of flexibility. If you want to learn commercial radio skills, WEFT is not the training ground for you. For the rest of us, it can be a great opportunity.
Is the WEFT studio digital?
Mostly no. The current studio board is an analog mixer connected to audio components, not a hard drive. Operating the WEFT studio is kind of like driving a stick-shift, but it's a heckuva lot easier to restart if you stalled because you popped the clutch too fast. So, don't be skittish. Give it a shot. You'll catch on fast.
Can I take the training course without intending to be on the air?
Sure. That's why we offer training as a membership benefit. But beware -- many folks who had no intention of being on the air got the bug and now they host all the time and love it!
How would I make an audition tape for a show proposal?
Usually you can simply record yourself while subbing a show, using material similar to what you want to propose.
Are there additional training opportunities?
Instruction on these topics, and maybe others, will be offered occasionally as needed:
- Satellite recording: If you will host or sub a slot during which we record syndicated programs (like Free Speech Radio News), the Programming Committee will train you to tune and record from the satellite receivers.
- Minidisk editing: If you want to airshift during certain pre-recorded public affairs programs, you may have the obligation of editing some of the recorded satellite programs that were recorded earlier in the week. (We record these on "minidisks," which are essentially an audio version of a floppy disk.) You can also learn minidisk editing for general interest.
- Phone interface: For those who wish to take live calls on the air, this training will teach you how to use our phone interface, and the rules for utilizing it.
- Back studio: Operating WEFT's second studio, for production, broadcast, or previewing music.
How can I be on the air but not have to do my own show myself (or all the time)?
Substitute. WEFT airshifters who have weekly shows have to be out every now and then, and may post a call for a "sub." There are often opportunities in many genres to just sub a show on your own, once you have completed training.If you want more airtime than that, but less than weekly, you may be able to find (or bring) a cohost to propose with. In fact, certain shows operate as "collectives" -- that is, with several cohosts who take turns hosting from week to week. All cohosts and collective hosts also need to complete the training.If you want to produce special shows, you can also propose single shows (or series) to the WEFT Programming Committee. During breaks in the academic year especially, the Programming Committee invites such programs to fill certain public affairs slots. You can produce single shows without being an airshifter as long as the content meets WEFT's rules generally, and a WEFT airshifter agrees to operate the board when it airs. Finally, short "drop-in" features are also encouraged if you can commit to produce them on a regular basis. If you have an expertise -- or a thick rolodex -- this might be a good opportunity to try something creative!
Is there a fee to take the training course?
The course fee is $40 -- your membership fee. There is no charge to current WEFT members. But you must register to attend.
Can I train sooner if I pay more?
No.
Can't I just leave a message with somebody now to get in the next course?
No. WEFT's staff resources are extremely limited. To coordinate fairly, we have chosen a single centralized process for registration.
What is the Airshifter Training Hotline number to register?
The answering machine is set up only when registration is open for the next orientation. The phone number will be announced on air at that time.
Where else can I get audio training besides WEFT?
Parkland College, Champaign's community college, offers broadcasting courses and also operates a radio station. In addition, Pogo Studio hosts a recording studio course (also through Parkland College). The Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center has offered digital production instruction geared toward reporting and documentary editing.
