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BECOMING A PROGRAM HOST
To become a program host (dj) you must first become a member which you can do online simply by clicking here or by sending an email to feedback@blacksheepradio.org or write to Membership WOOL PO Box 110 Bellows Falls, VT 05101.
Please make your intention to have a show known to membership and they will make the appropriate contact with the training committee. Someone from the training committee will then contact you to confirm a schedule that works for both you and our trainers. WOOL is a volunteer-run organization and we ask for your patience. Nevertheless, if you do not hear from the training committee, please feel free to contact membership once again and remind them of your desire to be trained and have a show.
You can also phone the station at 802-460-9665 to inquire.
Once again, to schedule your training you must first become a member which you can do online simply by clicking here or by sending an email tofeedback@blacksheepradio.org
WHAT IS A PROGRAM HOST?
"Program Host" is the name WOOL gives to the group of people that includes DJs as well as talk show hosts, sportscasters, and other presenters of live and pre-recorded programs. All Program Hosts at WOOL have to be certified by the station's training committee to be eligible as a program host on WOOL-lp by demonstration of an understanding of the rules, regulations and policies for broadcast and station operation, and to use the equipment WOOL makes available.
HOW DO I APPLY?
After becoming a member, you can apply to become a Program Host on WOOL by scheduling your training. You'll be asked to complete a Program Host Application which will request certain information from you including your name, address, phone number, the type of show you want to have and the times during which you might be able to come to the station for your show. WOOL will do its best to accommodate your schedule but already many timeslots are spoken for. You can view the Programming Schedule and the available timeslots by pointing your browser here.
WHAT IS COVERED IN THE ORIENTATION/TRAINING SERIES?
There are three two hour sessions. Most of the information is covered in the Training Manual which is required reading for the trainings. The manual is available online and may be downloaded by clicking here or picked-up at the station for a $5 fee.
Session One is an orientation to the organization, broadcast regulations, station rules and policies. Planning your program, how to get it on the air, and a brief introduction to the equipment is also included. All the necessary forms must be completed and handed in by the end of this session.
Session Two is a hands-on lesson in using the equipment which will include the source equipment available at the station: CD players, cassette players, microphones, the turntable, auxillary inputs for use with alternative sources, and the broadcast console.
Session Three is a hands-on and written review for certification as a Program Host. If the review doesn't go as well as the station would like, trainees may continue to work with the training committee until the committee feels they are ready to become a Program Host.
WHY SO MUCH TRAINING?
It's WOOL's goal that the Program Hosts are comfortable on the air and know well the rules which govern the station. Some of these rules were enacted by the station. Some are imposed on the station by the Federal Communications Commission or our Federal, State, and local governments. WOOL's compliance with all these rules is essential to the maintenance of our broadcasting license.
YOUR AGREEMENT WITH THE STATION
Before becoming a Program Host, all applicants will need to complete a Station Indemnification Form which is a written agreement between the Hosts and the station to honor the rules and regulations we have outlined in the manual and attached documents from the FCC. To see this agreement you can click here. Before you are given your on-air timeslot you will need to pay an annual $25.00 "Host Fee." This decision was made at the 2008 Annual Meeting of Members and all the hosts agreed unanimously that this is a reasonable fee. Payment is made to the membership coordinator who logs the date. As with memberships, the Host Fee will follow the calendar year.
WHAT ABOUT PEOPLE UNDER 18 YEARS OLD?
If the Program Host is under the age of 18, he or she will need to have a Parental Authorization Form completed by a parent or legal guardian prior to the commencement of training. This form conveys the obligations of the Program Host to a responsible party who will also be liable for damages, penalties, and fines imposed by the FCC upon WOOL as a result of the Program Host's violation of the rules and regulations that he or she has agreed to obey. You can see the Parental Authorization Form by clicking here.