Radio announcers act as disc jockeys, present the news, do commercials, and present other types of material. They may work from prepared scripts or do ad-lib commentary. In small stations, they may also operate the control board, write commercial and news copy, and sell radio advertising time.
Television announcers and radio announcers at large radio stations usually specialize in a particular field, such as sports or news. They use written scripts and may do their own research and writing in some instances.
Some announcers work on a freelance basis, selling their services for individual assignments to networks, advertising agencies, and independent producers.
Places of Employment and Working Conditions
Radio announcers are employed throughout the country in radio stations of all sizes. Television announcers do not have such a wide distribution but are concentrated in large metropolitan areas where most television studios operate. Announcers often work irregular hours such as during early-morning commuting time or late at night. In small stations, announcers often put in up to 12 hours a week in overtime. Since many stations operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, all announcers do their share of evening, weekend, and holiday duty.
Qualifications, Education, and Training
A pleasant speaking voice, good command of the English language, a dramatic flair, and an interest in sports, music, and current events are necessary in this field.
High school courses should include writing, public speaking, and English. Extracurricular involvement in acting, sports, and music is helpful.
A college liberal arts background is excellent for a radio or television announcer. Some colleges and universities offer courses in the broadcasting field, and students may also gain valuable experience by working on the campus radio station.
A number of private broadcasting schools offer training in announcing, but these should be checked out with local broadcasters and Better Business Bureaus before enrolling.
Potential and Advancement
According to the Bureau of Labor statistics, the demand for radio and television announcers is expected to decline by 10 percent between 2014 and 2024. This decline, combined with the popularity of this field and its relatively small size will mean stiff competition for jobs in at least the next decade. The best opportunities for beginners exist in small radio stations; television stations usually hire only experienced announcers. Announcers usually work in several stations in the course of their careers. As they gain experience, announcers advance by moving to larger stations, to stations in larger cities, or to network jobs. Others advance by getting their own program or by developing a specialty such as sportscasting or news reporting.
Income
Salaries in broadcasting vary widely, depending on whether the work is in television or radio, commercial or public broadcasting, and the size of the market. Salaries in radio are generally lower than in television. As a whole, the median annual salary for announcers was $30,080 in 2015, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
