Volunteer Opportunities at WTJU
91.1 WTJU, broadcasting since April 1, 1957, is a listener-supported public radio station located on the 2nd Floor of Lambeth Commons on the Grounds of the University of Virginia. WTJU recruits from the faculty and student body of the University and from the Central Virginia community. WTJU does not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on age, disability, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or veteran status. Announcers must be 16 years or older to host a show solo. Charlottesville has many very good radio stations, each serving a different listening audience. WTJU operates 24 hours a day year-round and is a multi-format radio station with diverse programming typical of University radio stations. We invite you to sample our programming. Questions or further information? Call 434-924-0885 or email wtju@virginia.edu.
On-Air Music Announcer (limited availability)
WTJU encourages applicants whose tastes in music are not main stream. WTJU does not play commercial or commercial-alternative. We encourage students to get involved with our jazz, classical, and folk/Americana programming in addition to our indie rock shows. Some of the many musical categories at WTJU are Indie-rock, Classical, Jazz, Blues, Folk, Worldbeat, International, Reggae, Electronica, Hip-hop, Bluegrass, Celtic and Avant-garde.Important Note! If you want to be an announcer, one step in the application process is to list approximately 25 or more songs or recordings that will provide an overview of your musical tastes or interests (Classical music applicants may submit a list of composers, performances, or compositions). You may include separate lists for the various genres that interest you. Save the list(s) to your computer prior to filling out the application form and then paste the list into the application form when requested.
I've compiled my playlist(s). Take me to the Volunteer Application Form
News & Community Affairs
If you're curious about the community and world around you, find out more. And then fill out the Volunteer Application Form!
Behind-the-Scenes Opportunities
If you are interested in one of the positions listed below please submit a volunteer application to WTJU. Except where noted, basic training is provided, though certain skill sets, knowledge or abilities may be required for some positions.
- Help Answer Phones during our Fund Drives
WTJU presents four 7-day on-air fund drives annually. Show hosts need people to answer phones and enter pledge information into a computer form (training provided). Fund drive phone-answerers must be at least 18 years old and have reliable typing skills. Fill out the phone volunteer application to get started!
Review New Music Releases
Each music genre at WTJU reviews and adds (or passes on) new releases to our music library. Requires a very good knowledge of the music or sub-category within the genre being reviewed. Data entry, cataloging or labeling requires basic office and database skills.
Report on Music Airplay
Compile airplay by consulting cut slips and playlists of announcers on a weekly basis. Report radio airplay to various journals, music companies or internet sites.
Produce Live Bands in our Studios
WTJU hosts many live performances from our studios. In conjunction with the on-air host, producers mix sound levels and make these performances sound great on-air. Technical background is helpful but not required, and training is provided.
Record and Produce On-Air Promos and Other Announcements
Technical production for public affairs programming, public service announcements, promos, interviews, etc. Familiarity with basic audio production and Adobe Audition software is helpful but not required, and training is provided. Good computer skills are required.
Organize or Assist with Concerts and Events
A cornerstone of WTJU’s outreach efforts involves sponsoring shows, putting on events, and doing live remote broadcasts. These events aren’t just good publicity – they’re also fun! For these volunteer positions, good people skills are a plus, as is strong attention to detail.
Design Ads and Other Promotional Materials
Design and graphic layout of ads and promotional flyers, brochures, etc. Creative skills and experience with a computer design program(s) are required.
Produce Music Calendars
Compile local genre-specific concert information and produce a recorded concert calendar to be updated weekly. Familiarity with basic audio production and Adobe Audition software is helpful but not required, and training is provided. Good computer skills are required.