Working with DJs and a programme schedule: how to keep track

By Streamtoppers.nl23 October 20262 min read

As soon as your station has more than one DJ, you need agreements. Who plays when? How does a DJ go live? And what do you do when someone cannot make it? With a good schedule and clear agreements, it all runs smoothly.

Start with a fixed weekly schedule

List the regular shows per day, with start and end time and the DJ. Fixed times matter: listeners know when to tune in, and DJs know where they stand. Leave a few minutes between two shows, so the next DJ can start on time.

Make the schedule public

Put the schedule on your website, ideally with a clear marker for what is on now and next. Show each show's DJ with a photo. That makes your station feel personal, and listeners can find their favourite show again.

Give every DJ their own account

Don't use one shared password for everyone. With an account per DJ:

you see who is live, also on your website;
you can disable an account when someone leaves, without everyone else needing a new password;
you can keep track of how many hours each DJ has broadcast.

Agreements for the handover

The DJ who stops closes the show properly and disconnects.
The next DJ only connects after that. Two DJs on the same mount point at the same time is not possible.
If nobody is on, the AutoDJ takes over. Make sure it is always on.

When a DJ cannot make it

Agree how a DJ cancels and who takes over the show. Show in your schedule when a show is cancelled, so listeners don't tune in for nothing. A pre-recorded show is a good alternative.

Share stream details safely

Don't send server details and passwords in a group chat. A personal email per DJ is better, or a DJ panel in which every DJ sees their own details after logging in. How to set up the software is explained in going live with BUTT, Mixxx or SAM Broadcaster.

Stay in touch

A short regular update for all DJs works better than scattered messages: new jingles, the playlist of the week or an upcoming campaign. A shared message board or a DJ panel with announcements prevents information from getting lost in a busy group chat.

Finally

A good schedule is never finished. Regularly look at your listener figures per show and don't be afraid to move things around. A popular show may deserve a better time slot. More growth tips in 12 ways to get more listeners.