Radio DJs pay exceeds CEO salary thanks to talent and voice

SHAH ALAM - A career as a radio presenter requires voice and talent to captivate the public's attention and keep them tuned in to the broadcast segments.

Puncak Alam Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Faculty of Management and Business senior lecturer Dr Zuhaina Mustapa said a person can earn up to hundreds of thousands of ringgit through this job.

"Radio DJs are classified as skilled workers and they work at the front line (anchor job) of a radio station.

"Their voice and talent play a crucial role in giving an impact to the image and profit of a company, consequently being a listeners' choice," she told Sinar.

Previously, veteran actress Datuk Fauziah Nawi revealed that private (company) radio presenters could earn up to RM150,000.

She also shared that most radio presenters received payments ranging from RM5,000 to RM40,000 with those working in government radio stations receiving the lowest salaries.

Zuhaina said the salary disparity between the two sectors was due to private radio stations being profit-oriented entities in the entertainment industry.

She said companies can offer competitive salaries to attract the best and most talented radio presenters, even those with established names.

"The objective of government radio stations is to serve as communication channels and disseminate information and news to the listeners (the public). Government radio DJs are civil servants subject to the terms of service and salary scales provided," she said.

Commenting on situations of abrupt contract termination, Zuhaina said such actions seemed like a form of mistreatment.

To prevent such occurrences, she advised employees to review the clauses in the job offer letters related to the contract period and termination notice.

"If the clause states that termination or contract termination can be done immediately, then the company has the right to act accordingly.

“This clause also has the same impact on employees. If radio presenters receive a better job offer and want to resign, they can also give immediate notice.

"If the clause states that contract termination can be done by either party by giving notice within a specified period, then the company or employee must provide notice as stipulated.

"If unsuccessful, the employer or employee must pay compensation equivalent to the number of months' specified in the notice," Zuhaina said.

She said the immediate termination of radio presenters has negatively impacted both the company's image and the employees.

She added that in a good organisation, an employer maintains communication with employees, respects others and safeguards the interests of both parties.