Occupation

Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys

Human Advantage 73%

Significant human skills needed

AI Automation Risk Low Risk
2.4 / 10

This occupation requires complex human judgment, social interaction, and creative problem-solving that are difficult to automate.

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.

Also Known As: Anchor, Announcer, Broadcaster, Commercial Announcer, DJ (Disc Jockey), Entertainer, Game Show Host, Host +40 more

Video

Core Tasks

  1. Operate control consoles.
  2. Record commercials for later broadcast.
  3. Announce musical selections, station breaks, commercials, or public service information, and accept requests from listening audience.
  4. Study background information to prepare for programs or interviews.
  5. Read news flashes to inform audiences of important events.
  6. Identify stations, and introduce or close shows, ad-libbing or using memorized or read scripts.
  7. Prepare and deliver news, sports, or weather reports, gathering and rewriting material so that it will convey required information and fit specific time slots.
  8. Select program content, in conjunction with producers and assistants, based on factors such as program specialties, audience tastes, or requests from the public.
  9. Comment on music and other matters, such as weather or traffic conditions.
  10. Develop story lines for broadcasts.
  11. Discuss various topics over the telephone with viewers or listeners.
  12. Interview show guests about their lives, their work, or topics of current interest.
  13. Provide commentary and conduct interviews during sporting events, parades, conventions, or other events.
  14. Make promotional appearances at public or private events to represent their employers.
  15. Host civic, charitable, or promotional events broadcast over television or radio.
  16. Attend press conferences to gather information for broadcast.

Supplemental Tasks (8)

  1. Write and edit video and scripts for broadcasts.
  2. Maintain organization of the music library.
  3. Locate guests to appear on talk or interview shows.
  4. Keep daily program logs to provide information on all elements aired during broadcast, such as musical selections and station promotions.
  5. Give network cues permitting selected stations to receive programs.
  6. Coordinate games, contests, or other on-air competitions, performing such duties as asking questions and awarding prizes.
  7. Moderate panels or discussion shows on topics such as current affairs, art, or education.
  8. Describe or demonstrate products that viewers may purchase through specific shows or in stores.

Education & Training

Job Zone 4 Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.

Bachelor's Degree
55%
Some College Courses
10%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
10%
Less than a High School Diploma
9%
Master's Degree
8%
High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
7%
Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
1%

Technology & Tools

Hot Technologies

  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word

Software (17)

  • Adobe Audition
  • Audion Laboratories VoxPro
  • Avid Technology Pro Tools
  • Burli Software Burli Newsroom System
  • Dalet Digital Media Systems Dalet Media Life
  • Database software
  • Enterprise application integration EAI software
  • Program logging software
  • Project management software
  • Statistical processing software
  • Web browser software

Tools & Equipment (18)

  • Audio control consoles
  • Audio playback equipment
  • Compact disk CD players
  • Desktop computers
  • Digital audio recorders
  • Earpieces
  • Headset microphones
  • Headsets
  • Laptop computers
  • Microphone stands
  • Mixing desks
  • Multi-line telephone systems
  • Personal computers
  • Record turntables
  • Smart phones
  • Tablet computers
  • Teleprompters
  • Touch screen computer monitors

Where This Career Leads

Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.

Media Production & Broadcasting Advanced Manufacturing

Zone 2
Zone 4
Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys You are here

Resume Builder

Select key tasks to generate action-oriented resume bullets for Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys positions.

Related Occupations

Show all 20 related occupations

Real Talk

Hear from real Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeyss about their work: