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Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys

Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio, television, or other communications media. May play and queue music, announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests.

What you’d do

  • Read news flashes to inform audiences of important events.
  • Announce musical selections, station breaks, commercials, or public service information, and accept requests from listening audience.
  • Operate control consoles.
  • Identify stations, and introduce or close shows, ad-libbing or using memorized or read scripts.
  • Study background information to prepare for programs or interviews.
  • Prepare and deliver news, sports, or weather reports, gathering and rewriting material so that it will convey required information and fit specific time slots.
  • Record commercials for later broadcast.
  • Keep daily program logs to provide information on all elements aired during broadcast, such as musical selections and station promotions.

Skills that matter

  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Time Management

How to get there

Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree

Also called

  • Anchor
  • Announcer
  • DJ (Disc Jockey)
  • On-Air Personality
  • Host
  • Morning Show Host

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