Education & Career Roadmap

*Step One: Earning a High School Diploma

- At the high school level, beneficial classes for those who want to become radio announcers might include music, speech, debate, journalism and English. Some high schools also have their own radio stations, where students can gain initial experience in broadcasting.

 

*Step Two: Obtaining a Bachelor's Degree

- Those aspiring to work in radio news or program production typically need a bachelor's degree in journalism or a related field. Students might benefit from courses in broadcasting, speech and reporting, as well as a minor in a field like American history or political science. Prospective radio broadcasters also must become familiar with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations.

 

*Step Three: Interning or Working at a Radio Station

- First-hand experience is often the best career preparation for becoming a radio broadcaster. Many aspiring broadcasters enhance their on-air and behind-the-scenes skills by interning or working at a college radio station or off-campus radio facility. Both generally offer opportunities to work under radio broadcasting professionals.

 

*Step Four: Starting Small

- Although most broadcasting jobs are concentrated in large, urban areas, it's typically easier to break into the field in a small market. At smaller stations, roles may be less specialized, allowing workers to gain broad experience; for example, an employee might work as a DJ at night and sell radio ad time by day. However, small, privately owned radio stations don't offer much opportunity for advancement, so it may be necessary to change jobs to move to positions of greater responsibility.

 

*Step Five: Joining a Professional Broadcasting Organization

- Becoming a member of a professional broadcasting organization, such as the National Association of Broadcasters, can provide radio broadcasters with continuing education opportunities and keep them abreast of the latest laws and regulations in the field. Members also might receive free legal counsel and information about job openings.

* http://education-portal.com/how_to_become_a_radio_broadcaster.html

What To Do Now !

1.) Make a Demo Tape.
2.) Set up an interview with a program director.
3.) Be persistant, but not annoying.
4.) Take any job at a radio station you can get.
5.) Don't take "no" for an answer.

*Making a Demo tape is an important step. When you contact a program
director, the first question they'll ask is, "Do you have am MP3, a
tape or CD Sample." To make your sample, I suggest getting in touch
with a radio station in your area and asking them if you can get a
tour of the radio station. Then once you're at the station, ask if you
would be able to make a demo tape. You'd be surprised to find how many
radio people are willing to help you out. If you can't get into a
professional studio, then record yourself on an MP3 player and submit
it to a Program Director. As far as what you say on your demo. You
might want to transcribe your favorite radio personality as a guide.

The next thing you'll want to accomplish is to talk with a program
director. Be persistant, but not overly persistant. I suggest sending
an email, since they can respond to you on their time. Talk about your
love for radio and that you'd like to help out the radio station in
anyway you can.

*Once you have your demo tape, it's time to send it to area program
directors for your first chance to be on-air. Remember that each Radio
Programmer is looking for specific types of voices for their radio
station. Don't be upset if you don't get a callback right away or if
they don't think you'll fit the station. If you send out 100 CDs or
MP3 samples, your chances are good that someone will think you have
what it takes. So don't give up.

*There are many people who say they'd like to become a radio announcer,
but never pursue their dream. If you love radio enough and want it bad
enough, I know that you'll be a great success

*http://www.experience.com/alumnus/articlechannel_id=offbeat_path&source_page=home&article_id=article_1175015487419

How to Become a Radio Announcer : Promotional Giveaways in Radio Broadca...

Working Conditions

Hours - Many broadcast employees have erratic work schedules, sometimes having to work early in the morning or late at night. In 2008, workers in broadcasting averaged 35.8 hours a week, compated with 33.6 for workers in all private industry. Workers in television worked longer hours than those in radio broadcasting. Only 7 percent of employees work part time, compared with 16 percent for all industries.


Work environment - Most employees in this industry work in clean, comfortable surroundings in broadcast stations and studios. Some employees work in the production of shows and broadcasting, while other employees work in advertising, sales, promotions, and marketing.

* http://www.bls.gov/oco/cg/cgs017.htm

Radio Host Duties

 - study background information in order to prepare for programs or interviews
comment on music and other matters
- interview show guests about their lives, their work, or topics of current interest
- discuss various topics over the telephone with viewers or listeners
- host civic, charitable, or promotional events that are broadcast over the radio
- make promotional appearances at public or private events in order to represent their employers
- operate control consoles; announce musical selections, station breaks, commercials, or public - service information, and accept requests from listening audience
- keep daily program logs to provide information on all elements aired during broadcast, such as musical selections and station promotions
- record commercials for later broadcast; locate guests to appear on talk or interview shows
- describe or demonstrate products that viewers may purchase through specific shows or in stores
- coordinate games, contests, or other on-air competitions, performing such duties as asking questions and awarding prizes
- attend press conferences in order to gather information for broadcast provide commentary and conduct interviews during sporting events, parades, conventions, and other events
- give network cues permitting selected stations to receive programs
- moderate panels or discussion shows on topics such as current affairs, art, or education

* http://job-descriptions.careerplanner.com/Radio-and-Television-Announcers.cfm

Tips On Networking

*Attend Conferences & Career Fairs

- Career Expo at SCSU on Feb. 16, 2012

*Apply for internships

*You know more people than you think

- Speak with teachers and college peers

*Reach out to your network

*Focus on building relationships

*Evaluate the quality of your network

*Take advantage of both strong and weak ties