Job description
Radio and TV announcers present news, sports and music on air, often providing commentary and interviewing guests. They announce the time, weather, commercials and provide station and programming information.
As an announcer, you will research discussion topics and collaborate with producers on scripted material. You may also book guests, operate studio equipment and edit recordings.
Radio and TV announcers maintain a strong social media presence and make promotional appearances at public events.
Duties
- Follow news, view or attend sports and music events, participate in press conferences
- Research topics for discussion and prepare facts, trivia and other notes for commentary
- Locate and book guests to appear on-air on talk or interview shows
- Work with producers and writers to develop scripted material and creative content for broadcast
- Coordinate with staff on selecting programme content to suit genre specialty, audience tastes and requests
- Deliver news, sports, traffic and weather to convey information within a specified time slot
- Provide station identification, programme and scheduling information; introduce commercials
- Announce musical selections, related artist news and commentary, and accept listener requests
- Interview show guests about their work, backgrounds, life events or other topics of interest
- Comment on important news stories
- Read prepared scripts, including commercials, on radio, podcasts or TV shows
- Provide informational or entertainment commentary during televised sporting or musical events
- Operate studio equipment, edit recordings for time and content
- Interact with listeners and viewers by phone, on-air and via social media
- Coordinate contests, games and all on-air competitions, motivating participants and awarding prizes
- Help maintain content on station or programme website and social media accounts
- Make promotional appearances at public or private events
Skills and qualities
Job outlook
Projected growth
-7%
New jobs
-2.8k
Automation risk
10%
Career progression
Most radio and TV announcers begin their career at a small station in a smaller market. Proving you can attract and engage a large audience is essential for both job security and advancement. Successful announcers can move up to bigger studios in bigger markets, though you may need to relocate.
A bachelor's degree and a successful internship can help you land a job at a more prestigious station right away. Establishing a unique personality and strong social media following can help ensure a long-term gig. Successful hosting duties can also lead to other opportunities, such as paid speaking engagements or publishing a book.
Working conditions
Average hours
40h/ week
Typical schedule
Shift Work
Nights, weekends, holidays possible
Most radio and TV announcers work in climate-controlled studios. Some DJs and podcasters record and edit their shows from home. You may travel for interviews and events, and announcers often must relocate for a new job.
Shifts can vary according to what time your programme airs. Radio and TV announcers may spend more of their day on writing and other tasks than they do on-air. Early morning, late night, weekend and holiday work is possible. Many programmes, however, are recorded in advance during normal business hours.
Some announcers work part time, and some are self-employed.
Strict work schedules, tight deadlines and limited job security can create a stressful environment.
Salary
Bottom 10%
$19k
Median
$33k
Top 10%
$94k
Annual salary estimates are based on percentile wage data collected through the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey of US workers.
Qualifications and training
Education level
Undergraduate
Bachelor’s degree in communications or related subject
Study time
4 years
Radio and TV announcers typically have a bachelor's degree in communications, broadcasting, journalism or a related subject. Some jobs only require a high school diploma, and community, trade, online and specialised broadcasting school programmes are also available.
Aspiring announcers usually gain experience on-air through their college radio or TV station. Internships are another option for working in a studio environment. Those with less education credentials will need some on-the-job training, particularly in operating studio equipment.
Last Updated: Wednesday, November 2, 2022
