What Exactly is a DJ(Disc Jockey)?

[Prince.Skeletor]

There are a few questions I have to define what exactly is a DJ, and perhaps one of you could answer the questions.

First here's Wikipedia:

A disc jockey (abbreviated D.J. or DJ) is a person who mixes recorded music for an audience. Originally, "disc" (sometimes spelled "disk", although this is now uncommon) referred to phonograph records, not the later compact discs. Today, the term includes all forms of music playback, no matter the medium.

There are several types of disc jockey. Radio DJs or radio personalities introduce and play music that is broadcast on AM, FM, shortwave, digital or internet radio stations. Club DJs select and play music in bars, nightclubs or discothèques, or at parties or raves, or even in stadiums. Hip hop DJs select and play music using multiple turntables to back up one or more MCs/rappers, perform turntable scratching to create percussive sounds, and are also often music producers who use turntablism and sampling to create backing instrumentals for new tracks.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disc_jockey


Firstly, radio DJs introduce and play music. That's what it says however does this DJ also DECIDE what is being played? Now before you answer that question and talk about Program Directors, are Program Director new? Or historically were DJs the one deciding who plays what?
Is Program Director a new thing?

In radio or television, a program director or director of programming is the person who develops or selects some or all of the content that will be broadcast. A program director's selections are based upon expertise in the media as well as knowledge of the target demographic.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Program_director


I am asking because all those Radio DJs I'm here wondering... if they ain't chosing the music are they really DJs?
If they never chose the music then fine, they are DJs, but if originally they did then no they are not.
And that's what I am trying to find out and I understand Club DJs have more power than Radio DJs.

Now another thing, if your answer is that it has always been like this then a DJ's job is just commentary? Is he just the radio hypeman?

 

[BocaRear]

DJ Khaled

 

[Prince.Skeletor]

DJ Khaled

Personally I hate DJ Khaled, he tries too hard to sound hip hop and it comes out looking so forced.
But since you mentioned him..

Khaled bin Abdul Khaled (born November 26, 1975),[1] better known by his stage name DJ Khaled, is an American record producer, radio personality, rapper, DJ and record label executive.

If you look at the bolded part it looks like a list of conflicts of interests.
If he's a label exec and record producer as well he should not be allowed to be a radio personality or a Radio DJ.

 

[BocaRear]

Personally I hate DJ Khaled, he tries too hard to sound hip hop and it comes out looking so forced.
But since you mentioned him..



If you look at the bolded part it looks like a list of conflicts of interests.
If he's a label exec and record producer as well he should not be allowed to be a radio personality or a Radio DJ.

It's all a front, dude doesn't really do any of that.