Is Broadcasting a Good Career Path?

Last Updated on August 23, 2023

Since the introduction of the radio in the 1920s, till now, in the 2020s, at a time when social media has become the main channel for information, the broadcasting industry remains relevant to mass audiences.

Most still listen or watch broadcasting channels to catch the latest news, or be entertained. That is all thanks to the people behind the shows of the broadcasting industry, whether that be a radio talk show, or a TV newscast, as they continue to stretch their creativity to pique the interest of the public.

For an industry that continuously evolves with, and adjusts to, the fast-changing development of technology and demands of audiences, broadcasting remains a good career path. Anyone who wishes to be part of the industry is assured to be pushed to be at their best, and not have a boring day at work.

What Are the Best Broadcasting Jobs?

Television Host/Anchor

Television hosts or anchors have similar jobs. The main difference would be the topic discussed on their respective shows. A television host would present performances, and people of importance in the entertainment industry. They usually hold interviews with artists, actors, and other people of influence. These interviews are also televised on TV, or streamed online.

A television anchor meanwhile, would mostly be a title for a presenter of news. News shows, whether may be televised in the mornings or evenings, would have main hosts that would introduce the news for the day. They may also do interviews, but they mostly summarize the reports of reporters on the ground.

To be either of the two, one would usually need a bachelor’s degree, preferably in broadcast journalism, or mass communications. Either would equip one with strong communication skills that could come in handy whether one ends up as a TV host or a news anchor.

Others who may not have a background in broadcasting but still want to be a host could apply for workshops instead. Some broadcasting stations or news organizations hold workshops for a fee. These could provide anyone who may not have had previous exposure to the industry a quick training that can help one to apply for a broadcast hosting job.

A television host or anchor, especially those who do it for news, may apply for fellowships or training to improve their skill set at different points in their career. This could potentially allow them to get better at their jobs, and in turn, have a chance to upgrade their pay grade.

Radio Host/DJ

A radio host or DJ would be the voice behind the show for radio. They present news or any topics that may be of interest to their listeners. A radio news show host may have commentaries on the latest news, and may even conduct interviews on air. Meanwhile, a radio DJ would be introducing the latest songs from some of the world’s biggest singers. Some radio DJs also conduct interviews with the singers and songwriters behind the songs they play.

A bachelor’s degree in journalism or broadcast journalism is usually needed to get a job as a radio host. An internship in any radio broadcasting station could also be helpful, as this could provide an aspiring radio host the experience and the network to start his or her career.

News Reporter/Journalist

A news reporter or journalist keeps the public informed of events and information that could be noteworthy or helpful to the public. There are many ways a news reporter could do this. A reporter who works in the broadcasting industry would be the one who goes out of the field to gather facts, interviews, and other relevant and necessary information, so he or she may present a report to the public.

To be a reporter, one must usually have a bachelor’s degree, preferably in Journalism or Broadcast Journalism. The former would provide one with the skillset to write news and develop his or her nose for news. The latter would provide training to be prepared to report the news in front of the camera.

News reporters may apply for fellowships or additional training in the course of their careers to upgrade their skill set. This training could allow them to take their careers to further heights, and in turn, have a chance for higher pay.

Sports Broadcaster

A sports broadcaster may be one of the most important jobs in sports, and yet they are not even usually athletes. The sports broadcaster is in charge of presenting sports-related news and events on TV or in new media, like a podcast. They can also provide commentaries and hold interviews that could be televised and streamed either on TV or online.

A bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement to be one, but a person who has a degree in journalism or broadcast journalism would be preferred. This way, the applicant has a basic understanding of how to present sports news to audiences. Still, a degree in sports management could not hurt. This would present you to be deeply interested in sports. The other experience you would then need would be training in communications.

With that said, sports broadcasters may also continuously apply for training or seminars to hone their craft. Such sessions could also allow them to have a better understanding of a particular sport.

Broadcast Technician

A broadcast technician would be in charge of the equipment used to handle audio and video materials for radio or television programs. These pieces of equipment are the ones used to edit and transmit multimedia that would later be televised or aired for mass consumption. They would closely work with broadcast radio or TV producers as they are in charge of what equipment would be required for a radio or TV production.

The minimum requirement for a broadcast technician is a high school diploma as the task, while technical, could be learned with more experience on the job. It also requires long hours, and a bit of brunt labor as they may also be in charge of handling and transporting equipment.

Some employers would also demand their technicians to have a driver’s license so they may also transport equipment from one location to another.

Why Choose Broadcasting as a Career?

Truly, despite the changing appetite of audiences for entertainment and information, a job in broadcasting could still be exciting.

What Are the Opportunities in Broadcasting?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in the US says job openings for news reporters, analysts, and TV and DJ announcers are expected to increase by 4,000 and 3,500 respectively in the next decade.

Innovative broadcasting companies also have a chance to grow and expand when they keep up with the preferences of young audiences through the production of content made for online consumption. Those in broadcasting would then have plenty of skills they can use for such channels.

How Much Do You Get Paid?

Latest data from the BLS show the median annual wage for news analysts, reporters, and journalists is $48,370. Those who are just beginning their careers have an annual median wage of less than $29,210, while those who may be more tenured have an annual pay of $120,590. These same wages may be expected for sports announcers. But those who may have already earned a following in the industry could definitely earn millions.

The BLS did not have a definite annual wage for broadcast announcers and radio DJs as they usually work as freelancers. They do, however, have an estimate of their hourly wage, and that is $18.09 based on the latest data. Those who may have only started could expect almost half of that at $10.99, while the highest paid could expect as much as $49.56. Those who may be more popular to audiences, however, could definitely earn leaps and bounds more.

As for broadcast technicians, their annual median wage is $ 84,860, but those who have only begun their careers can only expect more than a quarter of that, $29, 450. Those who may be more experienced already, however, could expect as much as $128,960.

What Is the Future of Broadcasting?

While it cannot be denied that the industry could potentially face a downsizing, especially as traditional broadcasters face stiff competition to attract advertisers, the industry remains relevant for the foreseeable future. There could still be space for a few in the industry.

After all, broadcasters continue to innovate their offerings to entertain and engage their audiences either by expanding their content for online consumption or by innovating the formats of their shows.

However, those who may see themselves retrenched need not worry about finding a job in a different industry, as a background in communication has proven helpful even in a corporate setting.

Broadcasting Remains on Air

While social media is the first choice of many to access information, the broadcasting industry continues to innovate and reinvent itself to remain relevant to mass audiences. Those who have the itch to be constantly pushed and pressed to deliver information and entertainment for the public could surely have a place in the broadcasting industry.