What Does a Radio or TV Announcer Do?
Radio and television announcers have a variety of responsibilities. They announce program information, introduce and close programs, make ad-lib and scripted commentary, and make promotional appearances. At smaller stations, radio and TV announcers might operate control boards, monitor transmitters, and produce segments. There are different types of announcers:
- Disc Jockeys (DJs), who play music and may comment on weather or traffic, interview guests, and manage listener contests.
- Show Hosts, who specialize in an area of interest, such as politics, finance, or sports.
Education and Training for Careers in Radio and Television
A radio and television degree or a certificate from a radio and television program (often from a technical school) prepares students to work with equipment and software. It's common for announcers in television or radio to have a bachelor's degree in communications, broadcasting, or journalism. Announcers are expected to have on-the-job experience, which can be gained at college radio stations or TV stations, or at a local station, where unpaid internships are often available. Announcers must have a pleasant voice, use correct grammar and pronunciation, and display good timing. Television professionals need a pleasant appearance.
Salary Ranges and Outlook for Radio and Television Announcer Careers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that job opportunities for television and radio announcers will decline by 6 percent through 2018. The median annual salary of a radio and television announcer was $26,940 in May 2008.