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Radio and Television Degree - Online and Campus Programs

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.