Career summary

Details for Radio and Television Announcers


Description

Talk on radio or television. May interview guests, act as master of ceremonies, read news flashes, identify station by giving call letters, or announce song title and artist.

Tasks

  • Prepare and deliver news, sports, or weather reports, gathering and rewriting material so that it will convey required information and fit specific time slots.
  • Read news flashes to inform audiences of important events.
  • Select program content, in conjunction with producers and assistants, based on factors such as program specialties, audience tastes, or requests from the public.
  • Study background information to prepare for programs or interviews.
  • Comment on music and other matters, such as weather or traffic conditions.
  • Interview show guests about their lives, their work, or topics of current interest.
  • Discuss various topics over the telephone with viewers or listeners.
  • Host civic, charitable, or promotional events that are broadcast over television or radio.
  • Make promotional appearances at public or private events to represent their employers.
  • Operate control consoles.
  • Announce musical selections, station breaks, commercials, or public service information, and accept requests from listening audience.
  • Keep daily program logs to provide information on all elements aired during broadcast, such as musical selections and station promotions.
  • Record commercials for later broadcast.
  • Locate guests to appear on talk or interview shows.
  • Describe or demonstrate products that viewers may purchase through specific shows or in stores.
  • Coordinate games, contests, or other on-air competitions, performing such duties as asking questions and awarding prizes.
  • Attend press conferences to gather information for broadcast.
  • Provide commentary and conduct interviews during sporting events, parades, conventions, or other events.
  • Give network cues permitting selected stations to receive programs.
  • Moderate panels or discussion shows on topics such as current affairs, art, or education.
  • Identify stations, and introduce or close shows, ad-libbing or using memorized or read scripts.
  • Develop story lines for broadcasts.
  • Write and edit video and scripts for broadcasts.
  • Maintain organization of the music library.

Interests

  • Artistic - Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
  • Social - Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
  • Enterprising - Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Education, training, experience

  • Education - Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
  • Training - Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
  • Experience - A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

Knowledge

  • Clerical -Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
  • Computers and Electronics -Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
  • English Language -Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Communications and Media -Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

Skills

  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Related careers