VIDEO JOCKEY

With the existence of various music channels on TV, Video jockeying is becoming an exciting career option for the music crazy generation. The main job of the VJ is to introduce most of the music videos and host music related shows on Television. But as competition increases all the music channels are on the trend of incorporating many diverse shows to attract the public, especially the youth. So the VJ's area of work which usually involves apart from introducing videos; hosting game to travel shows to youth forums, chatting with the public, doing interviews with artists and music celebrities etc. In short, they usually act as intermediary figures between the audience and the musicians or music videos.

. It may also involve off- camera work like deciding on the theme and choosing the songs to suit the theme of the show, participating in promotional like road shows, attending theme parties and with experience, even writing script for the show at times. MTV's Malaika Arora, Nikhil Chinappa, Cyrus Broacha, Cyrus Sahukar, or Channel V's Purab Kohli, Yudi, Susma Reddy, Gaurav... The advent of music channels (MTV, Channel V, B4U) has not only ushered in a new genre of entertainment, but has also created a new breed of stars video jockeys or VJs as they are popularly called.




VJs must always have track record and have to constantly keep knowledge on the latest trends in music, all the latest videos and information about music stars and other celebrities. In that sense, they take upon a more journalistic role. They also should have a well-rounded knowledge of all most of all the types of music and also should be informed about a bit of everything from films to politics to travel whatever the theme the show demands. Some of them specialize in a particular area or genre of music.

They must be able to answer any queries about music and must fulfill their roles as experts. Vj's interact with the viewers through telephone, e-mail or fax.Jockeying generally involves three areas and as such Jockeys are called a Video Jockey (VJ), Radio Jockey (RJ) and Disc Jockey (DJ). They all deal with music but while VJ's present shows on TV, RJ's do it on Radio and DJ's in live shows in clubs, restaurants, Music stores etc. An exciting profession, veejaying mainly involves anchoring music shows, interacting with live audiences and doing celebrity interviews all of which require a fair amount of talking, adlibbing. The gift of the gab is an essential in this job. The more talkative and interesting you are, the better.



No specific educational background or formal training is required to be a VJ, except some personal attributes. However a background in mass communication, visual communication or the performing arts comes in handy. An interest and love for music is an essential aspect. Along with that, excellent body language and dress sense, a pleasant voice, good command over the required language depending on the medium, presence of mind and a good knowledge of music anyone can aspire to be a VJ. One has to get to know about the various styles of music, musicians and albums. With the changing trends one also needs to be well informed generally on topics like politics, travel and what is new.

Command over language is important as video jockey needs to talk a lot. Some amount of voice training would definitely help as VJs need a voice that's clear, pleasant and strong. He should be able to take split second decisions, answer promptly, be energetic and have a wonderful sense of humour to make the show interesting. He may also need to work erratic hours and travel extensively.



VJs are mainly employed by Music channels, Producers of music shows and film based programmes. Besides popular prospective employers like MTV, Channel V, B4U music, MCM Asia etc, there are many number of channels including regional ones who are in demand of VJ's. But it is not easy to get a break in the field. You may be employed on a contract basis per show or on a full time basis. There will be paper adds calling VJ's or VJ hunts advertised on TV.The selection will be tough, which may include a test on paper, on voice modulation or facing the camera. Your screen presence, physique and voice, and ability to stand out in the crowd will go a long way in being selected.

Once you are selected, there is no such thing as hierarchy in this profession. Beginners with talent may get to handle their own shows within the first 6 months. It mainly depends on your ability. Besides the excellent pay, you get to host shows in the country or abroad, meet celebrities, and be on the glam walk of life. Keeping up the popularity for long is not easy and as such this profession is a short lived one. The rule is make hay while it lasts. But the profession gives you ample scope to diversify to various fields such as Modeling, Theatre (direction/acting), Film (acting), Music videos (directing/acting/choreography), Anchoring,News casting, PR etc. that generally VJ's do. The more popular you get through veejaying the more the choices you may have.



There is a great scope for the profession with the explosion of satellite channels and more and more music channels being launched. The perks that come with the job are tremendous: look up to VJs as icons and trend-setters), plenty of travel (including to exotic locales), meeting interesting people and the best part of it all is that you are paid to do it. And handsomely, at that. They pay packed at start can be anywhere in the region of Rs. 60,000-100,000 p.m. And there is no upper ceiling to what you can earn with time and experience.success of the music show depends entirely on the VJ's ability to connect with the audience and make them come back for more. Although this is a short lived career, within that short time span, a successful VJ can earn between 10,000 to 25000, running up to lakhs depending upon the popularity of the show. Apart from the earnings, the glamour and popularity associated with the profession attracts youngsters to the field.



Although no formal training is required to be a VJ, those with a background in journalism mass communication, acting, radio and the performing arts enjoy a head start. So how does a VJ-hopeful make the first move? You have to groom yourself on your own. watch all the TV shows, work at improving your diction and body language. Grab every opportunity to emceeing college and local musical and entertainment events to overcome stage fright. Even try your hand at radio jockeying if you get a change. The more you get to practice, the better.

When you are ready, approach a channel with your portfolio and sign up for an audition. If you are smart, young and witty with a distinctive sense of style and decent general knowledge, you could be in the running. Besides a charismatic personality and a freaky sense of humour you must be interested in all genre of music. In addition, if you are good looking, that is a definite advantage

• Course in Acting & Camera


• Course in TV Reporting, Presentation & Production


• BA with Journalism


• BS Communication


• Diploma in Media Communication


• MA Mass Communication


• MA Mass Communication and Journalism


• Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism/ Mass Communication


• PG Programme in communication


• BS Communication


• BA with Journalism


• Postgraduate Courses


• MA in Media Communication and Management


• Master of Communication Studies


• MA Mass Communication


• Diploma in Communication and Media Development


• Diploma in Fundamental and Audiovisual Education


• Course in TV Reporting, Presentation and Production

There are certain private schools mostly in Metros run by former jockeys, which give training in Jockeying. But they are limited in number. Besides short term Courses in public speaking designed to improve the pitch, intonation and modulation of voice, a background in mass communication, visual communication or the performing arts helps in breaking and being successful in the field.

Video Jockey Bangalore University, Gnana Bharati, Bangalore 560 056 University of Calcutta, Senate House Calcutta 700 087 Stella Maris College, Cathedral Road, Chennai 600 086 MA Mass Communication and Journalism University of Calcutta, Senate House Calcutta 700 087 Mangalore University, Mangalore 574 194 University of Madras, Chennai 600 005 BKodaikanal Christian College, Paradise Hill, Kodaikanal 624 104 University of Pune, Department of Communication Studies, Pune 411 007 Manipal institute of Communication, Manipal Manipal institute of Communication, Manipal Mudra Institute of Communication, Shela, Ahmedabad SNDT Women's University, Nathibai Thackersey Road, Mumbai 400 0220. Asian Academy of Film and Television, Sector 16A Noida (UP) Dr.Harisingh Gour Viswavidyalaya, Gour Nagar, Sagar 470 003 (MP) Indian Television Training Institute, C 41 Gulmohar Park, New Delhi 110 049

Besides popular prospective employers like MTV, Channel V, B4U music, MCM Asia etc, there are many number of channels including regional ones who are in demand of VJ�s. But it is not easy to get a break in the field. You may be employed on a contract basis per show or on a full time basis. There will be paper adds calling VJ�s or VJ hunts advertised on TV. The selection will be tough, which may include a test on paper, on voice modulation or facing the camera. Your screen presence, physique and voice, and ability to stand out in the crowd will go a long way in being selected.