Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys
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. Moreover, they play and queue music, announce artists or titles of performances, identify stations, or interview guests.
Announcers announce musical selections, commercials, or public service information, accept requests from listening audiences, and coordinate games or other on-air competitions. They operate control consoles and maintain the organisation of the music library.
A radio jockey's job is to write and deliver news, sports updates, or weather reports, in a manner that conveys required information in a specified time slot. They read news flashes to inform audiences of important events, or traffic conditions and provide commentary or conduct interviews during sporting events, or conventions.
In consultation with their producers, announcers select program content, identify guests to appear on talk shows, study background information to prepare for the program or interview, discuss topics with viewers or listeners over the telephone, and moderate panels or discussion shows.
How to become a radio jockey? A bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism or radio and television is preferred, but not insisted upon. The skills needed are speaking, radio comprehension, active listening, critical thinking, social perceptiveness and time management. One needs to know about communication and media, computers and electronics and telecommunications.
Radio jockey salary is commensurate with their speaking skills and creativity and they find jobs in electronic media houses like television and radio.
To be a successful radio announcer, one should manage time properly to air on time and be genuine and impactful by engaging with the audience through powerful storytelling.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- BPA Bachelor of Performing Arts
- Diploma Performing Arts
Tasks
- Prepare and deliver news, sports, or weather reports, gathering and rewriting material so that it will convey required information and fit specific time slots.
- Read news flashes to inform audiences of important events.
- Select program content, in conjunction with producers and assistants, based on factors such as program specialties, audience tastes, or requests from the public.
- Study background information to prepare for programs or interviews.
- Comment on music and other matters, such as weather or traffic conditions.
- 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 television or radio.
- Make promotional appearances at public or private events to represent their employers.
- Operate control consoles.
Progression Routes
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