Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys
People classed as 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. The skills rated most useful are speaking, active listening, and reading comprehension. One core duty is to read news flashes to inform audiences of important events. With a code of AES, this is mostly a job for people drawn to creative work with room for original expression. Enterprising interests also help, rated 4.4 out of 7. Getting in usually takes a bachelor’s degree plus a period of work experience, a level O*NET calls considerable preparation. It tends to suit people who want creative work with room for original expression, and it offers little for anyone seeking hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world.
What they do
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.
Main tasks
- 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.
Skills
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Social Perceptiveness
- Critical Thinking
- Time Management
Who this career fits
May suit you if
- You want room to make something in your own way.
- You like taking the lead and making the call.
- You are ready to spend around four years on a degree, then build experience.
- You are comfortable relying on speaking and active listening.
May not suit you if
- You prefer clear instructions to open creative briefs.
- You want to work with your hands for most of the day. Realistic rates 1.7 out of 7 here.
- You want to avoid a four-year degree or its equivalent.
Interest profile
O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code AES takes the three highest, and Artistic comes first here.
Preparation
Considerable preparation. Most jobs here ask for a bachelor’s degree, and employers usually expect a few years of related experience as well.
Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: Some College Courses. This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.
Also called
- Anchor
- Announcer
- DJ (Disc Jockey)
- Host
- Morning Show Host
Related careers
Is this your direction?
See how your interests line up with AES and 906 other careers.
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.