Announcers

Career summary

Announcers may be known as radio announcers, television (TV) announcers, disk jockeys (DJs), live-event announcers, newscasters, weathercasters, sportscasters, moderators, or talk show hosts/hostesses.

#from wois 9824 nothing excpt alt titles moved over although some parts would be acceptable eg weathercasters. Changed spelling of "disk" jockeys to match what NWOIS uses in main description, 3/3/08,cj.

Radio announcers who select and play music are often called disk jockeys. They also read news, sports, and weather reports. Disk jockeys may interview guests and report on local events. They rarely work from a written script, but if one is needed, they do the research and writing. More often, disk jockeys just make up the program as they go along. Many radio announcers have partners and have conversations with each other on the radio. Some host call-in talk shows. They introduce a topic and invite people to call in with their views. They also often record commercials for companies.

TV announcers tend to work on one of three types of shows. Some TV announcers are talk show hosts. Guests come to the TV station where the host can interview them on-screen. Some talk shows are about news or current events. Other talk shows are for entertainment, and announcers may prepare jokes for the show. Other TV announcers host game shows. They ask contestants questions, direct the game, and award prizes. Some TV announcers work on shows that advertise products for sale. These announcers describe the products and may demonstrate how they work.

Radio and TV announcers have additional duties when they are not on the air. For example, radio announcers may operate the control board. They may also keep a log of which songs and commercials they played. Both radio and TV announcers discuss and prepare program content with the producer and assistants. At some stations, they sell commercial time to advertisers and write ads. Radio and TV announcers also take part in community events. For example, they ride in parades, cut ribbons at store openings, or host fundraisers.

Live-event announcers provide on-site commentary on sporting events, shows, or parades. They give a mostly ad-libbed, running commentary on events as they happen. They make public announcements and add commentary on participants.

Announcers frequently operate control consoles as they are giving commentary.

Related careers

This career is part of the Arts, Audio/Visual Technology, and Communications cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Actors
• Adult and Vocational Education Teachers
• Broadcast Technicians
• Film and Video Editors
• Meteorologists
• News Reporters
• Producers and Directors
• Professional Bloggers and Podcasters
• Singers
• Tour Guides
• Writers

Military careers

• Broadcast Journalists and Newswriters

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to announcers.

• Announce music selections, station breaks, commercials, or public service information.
• Operate control console.
• Select music recordings based on program specialty, audience taste, or special requests.
• Comment on music and other matters, such as weather, time, or traffic conditions.
• Discuss topics over the telephone with viewers or listeners.
• Interview show guests about their work or topics of current interest.
• May research some topics before interviewing guests.
• Read news bulletins on the air.
• Memorize script, read, interview, or ad-lib. Identify station and introduce and close shows.
• Record commercials.
• Discuss and prepare program content with producer and assistants.
• Keep daily program log on all parts aired during broadcast, such as music and commercials played.
• Act as host for civic, charity, or promotional events.
• Make public appearances to promote the station or business.
• Observe sporting events to provide commentary of activities, such as play-by-play descriptions.
• Describe public events, such as parades or conventions.
• Greet attendees and serve as masters of ceremonies at various events.

Common work activities

Announcers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Establish and maintain relationships
• Perform for or work with the public
• Get information needed to do the job
• Think creatively
• Use computers
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Process information
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Document and record information
• Convince others to buy goods or change their minds or actions
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Schedule work and activities
• Evaluate information against standards

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, announcers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium level of social contact. Announcers talk with their audience, coworkers, and guests. However, they also spend time alone preparing for the show.
• Are somewhat responsible for the work done by others.
• Daily speak with others in person, via e-mail, or on the telephone.
• May occasionally be placed in conflict situations in which others may behave unpredictably.

Physical work conditions

• Work indoors most of the time. Some announcers work outdoors at sporting or promotional events.
• May work physically near other workers.

Work performance

• Must be accurate in their reporting of news and sports. People often depend on their objectivity.
• May operate machinery and equipment while speaking.
• Regularly make decisions that impact their reputation and organization.
• Rarely consult others before making decisions about calls and their daily tasks.
• Work in a moderately stressful and competitive environment.

Hours/travel

• May work early mornings, days, evenings, or late nights. Many television and radio stations operate long hours or around the clock.
• May work irregular hours. Radio announcers usually have a set four-hour shift that does not change. However, public appearances may be scheduled at a variety of times.
• May work weekends and holidays because radio and TV stations operate every day.

Physical demands

Announcers frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Sit for long periods of time.

It is important for announcers to be able to:

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for announcers to be able to:

• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.

Skills and abilities

Announcers need to:

Communicate

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand spoken information.
• Understand written information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.
• Go back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information without becoming confused.

Work with people

• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Broadcast Journalism
• Communication and Speech Studies

Other programs of study to consider

• Communications Operations Technology
• Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
• Journalism
• Music Business and Management
• Public Relations
• Radio and Television
• Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology

Training

To work as an announcer, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• have training and experience beyond high school; and
• have a good speaking voice.

Education after high school

Educational requirements for announcers vary. Radio and television announcers typically have a bachelor's degree in journalism, broadcasting, or communications, along with work experience gained from working at their college radio or television station. Public address announcers typically need a high school diploma, along with short-term, on-the-job training.

Proven talent is more important in this occupation than formal training. Training alone will not get you an announcing job, talent will.

Work experience

Work at a radio or television station, even if you are not announcing, is good experience. Many colleges have radio stations and give students the opportunity to work at them. An internship or work as a student announcer while in school is good preparation for this occupation.

On-the-job training

Announcers typically need short-term, on-the-job training upon being hired. During training you become familiar with the equipment you will use during sporting and entertainment events. For sports public address announcers, training may also go over basic rules and information for the sports they are covering.

Military training

The military trains people to be broadcast journalists and newswriters. Training lasts nine to 12 weeks. The experience you gain in these positions should transfer to a job as an announcer.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Chorus
• Creative Writing
• Drama
• Journalism
• Public Speaking

Many announcers are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:

• Accounting
• Entrepreneurship
• Introduction to Business

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Announcing is a very competitive occupation. Competition for entry-level jobs is very intense. Announcers should have a pleasant and well controlled voice. They also need good timing, excellent pronunciation, and correct English usage.

Television employers pay particular attention to taped auditions that contain samples of the applicant's style. They check the applicant's delivery, appearance, and voice to make their hiring decisions. TV requires voice skills plus a pleasing appearance. Writing and computer skills are also important. Some stations look for people who have a background in marketing or advertising.

Radio requires good voice skills, plus training or experience in the control room. Employers rely heavily on demonstration tapes that showcase the applicant's delivery and style to make their hiring decisions. Employers prefer applicants who have developed a style that is consistent with the station's format.

Tips

Get to know local broadcasters and do volunteer or part-time work at a college or other non-commercial radio station. Internships are possible at commercial stations. Applicants willing to start at minimum wage in a small town normally have the best chance to land an entry position. Knowledge of subjects such as sports, business, theater, politics, and music is helpful. Join a related professional organization. Attend related conferences and conventions.

Costs to workers

Announcers may be required to join a union and pay an initiation fee and quarterly dues. Additional costs may include an appropriate wardrobe.

Licensing/certification

Announcers who work at professional athletic events must be licensed by the State of Washington. To be become licensed, announcers must be 18 years of age or older, complete an application, and submit a photo of themselves. They must also pay an annual licensing fee of $65.

For more information on licensing, contact:

Washington State Department of Licensing
Professional Athletics Program 
PO Box 9026
Olympia, WA 98507-9026
360.664.6644

#2/6/18 cj. fine 4/9/19 lh

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Public Address System and Other Announcers 
• Radio and Television Announcers 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Currently, there is no specific statewide wage information for public address system and other announcers.

#In Washington, the average entry-level wage for radio and television announcers is $10.75 per hour ($1,863 per month).

Wages vary with size of market and station. Wages also depend on the announcer's skills and ability to hold audience share and his or her contribution to the broadcast team.

The minimum wage for Washington State as of January 1, 2020 is $13.50 per hour. Some areas of the state may have a higher minimum wage.

#Updated ES wage info 06.17 sd

Wages for announcers vary by type of work. Wages also vary by area of the country. The size of the market and the popularity of the announcer also affect wages. Announcers often earn additional money by taking on extra assignments or doing voice-overs for ads.

Announcers who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. Some employers also provide a retirement plan. Announcers who are self-employed must provide their own insurance and retirement plan.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

#Between 2014 and 2024, it is estimated that for public address system and other announcers there will be eight openings annually due to new positions and 15 openings annually from workers leaving this career.

#Between 2014 and 2024, it is estimated that for radio and television announcers there will be three openings annually due to new positions and 31 openings annually from workers leaving this career.

#Updated outlook 05.16 sd

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

About 28% of announcers are self-employed.

About half of all announcers work for radio or television companies. The rest of the workers in this occupation are announcers for general events.

Announcers work in all areas of the country. However, a large number of radio and television announcer jobs are in major cities. The cities with the highest number of radio and television announcers are New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, and Philadelphia.

Major employers:

• Radio and television stations

National outlook

Demand for radio announcers is expected to decline. More time will be spent doing off-air technical and production work rather than on live radio. This allows radio stations to operate with fewer staff. The number of television and radio stations is also decreasing as stations merge.

However, Internet radio and podcasts are increasing in popularity. These stations typically target a specific audience and provide new opportunities for announcers. In addition, the increased number of national news and satellite stations may increase the demand for local radio and television programs.

Competition will be very strong. Applicants with a formal education in journalism, broadcasting, or mass communications and experience at a radio or television network will have the best job prospects. Multimedia and computer skills may also be beneficial.

Other resources

American Journalism Review 

Broadcast Education Association 
1771 N Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036-2891

Corporation for Public Broadcasting 
401 - 9th Street NW
Washington, DC 20004
202.879.9600

National Association of Broadcasters 
1771 N Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
202.429.5300

National Association of Farm Broadcasters 
PO Box 500
Platte City, MO 64079

Radio-Television Digital News Association 
The National Press Building
529 14th Street, NW, Suite 1240
Washington, D.C. 20045

TV Jobs 

References

Career cluster

• Arts, Audio/Visual Technology, and Communications

Career path

• Social

O*Net  occupations

• Public Address System and Other Announcers (27-3012.00) 
• Radio and Television Announcers (27-3011.00) 

O*Net job zones 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

• Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed. A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Announcer (159.147-010) 
• Announcer (159.347-010) 
• Disc Jockey (159.147-014) 
• Show Host/Hostess (159.147-018) 

Strong Interest Inventory

• Broadcast Journalist

Holland occupational clusters

• Artistic/Enterprising/Social
• Social/Enterprising/Artistic

COPSystem

• Communication