Announcers and Other Performers - What They Do

Announcers and other broadcasters read news, sports, weather, commercial and public service messages and host entertainment and information programs for broadcast on radio or television. They are primarily employed by radio and television stations and networks and by commercial firms that produce advertisements for radio or television.

Job duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

Select and introduce music, videos and other entertainment material for broadcast, and make commercial and public service announcements
Act as host/hostess or master of ceremonies, introduce and interview guests and conduct proceedings of shows or programs
Read news, sports and weather for radio and television
Report on weather conditions using information provided by weather forecasting services
Report on traffic conditions by maintaining contact with external sources of information or by observing traffic from air or land vehicle
May present own material or material prepared by others.

Job titles

disc jockey - broadcast
announcer
news reader
radio host/hostess
traffic reporter
weather reporter
sports announcer
talk show host/hostess
television host/hostess
broadcaster

Employment Requirements

This is what you typically need for the job:

Completion of a college radio or television arts program is usually required.
Practical training, such as work at a college radio station, may be required.
Talent and ability, as demonstrated during an audition, are important hiring criteria.
Membership in a guild or union related to the occupation or type of performance may be required.

Essential Skills

Analysis