The
broadcasting industry is diverse and dynamic, offering
professionals an opportunity to provide information using media
and communications. A broadcasting career can evolve from a
position as a producer, broadcast technician, reporter, or
director. The field includes innovative technology, along with
audio and visual programming. From radio to sports broadcasting,
the industry offers many options for students and graduates of a
broadcasting school. Different avenues to explore in the
industry include voice broadcasting, television broadcasting,
and radio broadcasting.
Job Description and Responsibilities of Broadcasting School Graduates
Graduates of broadcasting
college can enjoy many benefits of work completed at school.
Since the industry is constantly changing, they will assume many
responsibilities and skills in the technology and computer fields. A
broadcasting career may entail a position that requires:
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Working with a team of
broadcasting professionals
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Operating audio visual,
programming, and communications equipment
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Working with broadcasting
engineers and technicians in a team environment
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Understanding the dynamics of
broadcasting journalism
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Working with camera operators
and equipment
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Working under pressure to
meet deadlines
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Learning about technological
changes and adapting projects accordingly
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Following national
broadcasting guidelines
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Working with new media and
digital camera and computer operations
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Learning voice broadcasting
techniques
Types of Broadcasting
Schools
Since the field of broadcasting
is so wide in scope, students can choose to specialize in a particular field or
domain. The most common types of schools include:
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Voice broadcasting
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Radio broadcasting
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Television broadcasting
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Sports broadcasting
All specializations tend to
fall under the School of Broadcasting for a particular college or university,
while technical colleges and community colleges may offer a broadcasting college
or television broadcasting schools that focus on specific courses of study.
Radio broadcasting schools are often affiliated with other new media and
programming schools. Voice broadcasting is generally learned in all broadcasting
fields of study.
Career Options after Broadcasting College
A broadcasting career offers
flexibility and options in different departments. From radio broadcasting to
television, graduates can work in
teams or independently. College can train students in a studio
setting that is equipped with all necessary audio and video equipment. Many
students begin their career as a broadcast technician or internship
with a local media company.
A school can
prepare students with many skills and experience from professional teachers and
mentors. Job placement after graduation is another attractive component of
attending broadcasting college, and offers additional career options. Students
may pursue a career in the divisions of radio broadcasting, television
broadcasting, or sports broadcasting.
Schools can
prepare students to become a:
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Radio Announcer
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DJ or Radio Personality
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Program Director
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Music Director
Television broadcasting career
choices include:
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News Reporter
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Anchor
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Assignment Editor
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Television Programming Editor
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Show Producer
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Weathercaster
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Traffic Reporter
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Investigative Reporter
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Talk Show Host
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Video Editor
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Graphic Artist
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Director
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Community Relations Director
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Promotion Director
Sports broadcasting career
choices include:
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Color Commentator
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Anchor
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Talk Show Host
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Producer
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Reporter
Broadcasting School
Courses and Training Programs
Students interested in
developing their career can choose to enroll in a broadcasting
college, or attend a university that has a school of broadcasting division. Most
schools are found
alongside community colleges and tech schools. These comprehensive two-year
programs offer hands-on training and a rich media experience. Sports
broadcasting schools can also be found within media schools and divisions.
Students may also choose to
enter a journalism or communications program to gain further education in the
industry. Broadcasting skills are not always learned in a traditional classroom
setting. Most students take part in hands-on training and subjects
such as:
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Broadcast History
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Studio work
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Digital Audio Production
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Broadcast Marketing &
Advertising
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Broadcast Performance &
Journalism
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Voice Training and
Programming
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Digital Video Editing
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Digital Audio Production
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Field & Studio Production
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Communications Training
Most students will need a high school diploma to
pursue formal training, and can choose from both short-term and long-term course
programs. Two-year broadcasting school programs offer flexibility in scheduling
and can lead to an internship with job placement. The best experience students
receive is from internships and formal, hands-on training programs.
Certification for Broadcasting
Careers
Although it is not mandatory,
broadcast technicians may choose to pursue certification through the Society of
Broadcast Engineers (SBE). Certification requires passing a written examination
and can be a valuable asset to many students in this competitive
industry.
Broadcasting School Accreditation
The Council for Higher
Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognizes the Accrediting Council on Education
Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC) as the accrediting party for all
broadcasting college programs. Six regional accrediting
agencies throughout the United States can also provide broadcasting school
accreditation.
Broadcasting School Graduates Earning Potential
and Employment Prospects
With the extensive growth in the entertainment, communications, and
broadcasting industry, the demand for trained professionals
continues to rise. Employees in the broadcasting fields are often found working in a highly competitive industry,
and can find attractive positions in large metropolitan markets. Entry-level
jobs offer important hands-on experience and mentoring programs.
Job growth in the field of broadcasting is expected to increase
rapidly for television and computer-based media industries, while it is
projected to be slower for radio broadcasting and local television networks. Job
options are dependant on skills and experience, and median hourly earnings vary
by occupation. In 2004, median annual earnings for broadcasting professionals
were as follows:
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Broadcasting Operations Managers: $42.73
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Producers: $21.58
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Reporters: $16.37
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Camera Operators: $14.60
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Radio Broadcasting and Television Announcers: $10.51
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Broadcast Technicians: $12.35
Related occupations include:
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