The introduction of podcasting in the early 2000s has allowed for radio to reach a new audience, yet the field has not been a lucrative oasis of jobs in recent years.

The radio industry is constantly changing. With the introduction of podcast and internet radio, technology has allowed for more people to produce radio, but has not helped the industry grow commercially, according to John Stark, the General Manager for KLCC, a public radio station located in downtown Eugene.

“(There is a) decreasing opportunity in radio. More radio is automated, it is more merged and consolidated than before. There are fewer standalone radio station. So there are fewer jobs in the radio field,” said Stark

While professional radio may be better in production value and sound quality than most podcasts, research has indicated that the popularity of podcasts are on the rise.

A study in 2013 from the PEW Research Center discovered that over 27 percent of internet users listen to podcasts, and this trend has been increasing since it was first recorded back in 2006.

“I think local radio isn’t going to go away, it’s going to change. Changing, because just like every other disruptive element of technology, people can produce radio,” said Donna Davis, the Assistant Professor at the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication.

While radio is becoming more popular online, the industry as a whole is contracting. Less and less people are listening to news on the radio, and many stations are shutting down their newsroom all together.

This news may sound discouraging for those seeking a living in radio, but it should not stop those from producing it. Streaming audio online is a viable way to gain experience in radio and many stations and (such as KLCC) provide opportunities for students to intern and get hands on experience.

“We work with students all the time, primarily from the university who are in the school of journalism and communication” said Tripp Sommer, the News Director at KLCC.

Production skills are valuable, but other traits are needed in order to thrive in the industry. The General Manger at KLCC (John Stark) describes how he looks for people who are “ambitious, smart and a good fit.”

Overall, the ability to learn is what is most needed for those determined to break into the radio industry.

“Learn to write. Because all of these crafts are about writing. And you’re not able to learn radio anymore. You have to learn about all the crafts,” said Don Heins, the Program Director at KLCC.