Announcers and Other Broadcasters (NOC 5231)
Description
Announcers and other broadcasters read news, sports, weather, commercial and public service messages and host entertainment and information programs for broadcast on radio or television. They are primarily employed by radio and television stations and networks and by commercial firms that produce advertisements for radio or television.
Return to top
Example Titles
- announcer
- broadcaster
- disc jockey
- news reader
- radio host/hostess
- sports announcer
- talk show host/hostess
- television host/hostess
- traffic reporter
- weather reporter
>> View all titles
Return to top
Classified Elsewhere
- Broadcast journalists who prepare and present their own reports (in 5123 Journalists)
- Support Occupations in Motion Pictures, Broadcasting and the Performing Arts (5227)
Return to top
Duties
Announcers and other broadcasters perform some or all of the following duties:
- Select and introduce music, videos and other entertainment material for broadcast and make commercial and public service announcements
- Act as host/hostess or master of ceremonies, introduce and interview guests and conduct proceedings of shows or programs
- Read news, sports and weather for radio and television
- Report on weather conditions using information provided by weather forecasting services
- Report on traffic conditions by maintaining contact with external sources of information or by observing traffic from air or land vehicle
- May present own material or material prepared by others.
Return to top
Skills
Announcers and other broadcasters need the following skills and abilities:
- an interest in people, current events and broadcast media
- an understanding of the topics being reported such as community, business, sports, the arts, etc.
- presentation skills
- an outgoing and confident nature
- a pleasant-sounding, clear voice
- creative ability, e.g., to ad-lib all or part of a show
- ability to work under tight deadlines
- strong writing, reading and analytical skills
- good computer skills
- initiative to work on one's own, as well as with a team.
- Television announcers need a neat, pleasing appearance and composure on camera.
Return to top
Employment Requirements
- Employers usually look for individuals with a good voice and screen presence. They may require completion of a college media production program, or experience with a university or college radio station.
Return to top
Terms & Conditions
Working hours for announcers and broadcasters are often irregular and unpredictable, requiring weekend, evening and holiday work. The majority are employed full-time, although some work part-time or as substitute announcers. New graduates often work in rural areas to gain experience (often at minimum wage) before securing urban employment.
Earnings vary according to medium, type of exposure, specialization, experience and size of station. Announcers can supplement their income with professional speaking engagements.
Return to top
Earnings
$23,200 per annum - starting
$41,700 per annum - average
$60,100 per annum - high
Earnings are reviewed annually or more frequently if new information becomes available.
Return to top
Education / Training
- The following institutions offer education or training programs related to Announcing
and Broadcasting:
Return to top
Career Paths
Announcers and broadcasters may begin with small local radio or television stations and move to larger stations with experience. They may freelance as disc jockeys, doing voice-overs for commercials, or being master of ceremonies (MC) at special events.
Announcers usually specialize in areas such as sports, music, news and current affairs, music or the arts.
They may move to journalism or become program directors, station managers, news anchors or directors of broadcasting companies.
Return to top
Outlook
Employment prospects for announcers and other broadcasters are expected to be limited in the 2010 to 2014 period. Manitoba employment in 2010 is approximately 300.
Local radio and television stations are moving toward the use of more syndicated programming originating from other larger centres in the country, thereby reducing the number of local on-air positions required. Internet-based communication technologies are becoming more prevalent and competing with the traditional media for clientele as they give users more options and control in the way they obtain information. As a result, the number of local radio and television stations is not expected to grow.
There will be keen competition for available jobs as the number of qualified job seekers exceeds the demand. Radio stations in smaller centres are more inclined to hire inexperienced announcers. There is a demand for part-time disk jockeys, particularly for weekend work.
Jobs for announcers and broadcasters are located throughout the province, but compared with the total labour force there is a somewhat larger proportion in Northern Manitoba. They work in Information and Cultural Industries (73%), followed by Arts, Entertainment and Recreation (17%), Accommodation and Food Services (7%) and Educational Services (3%).
Return to top
Employment by Age Group
Return to top
Employment by Industry
Return to top
Employment by Region
Return to top
Employment by Gender
Return to top
Employment by Aboriginal Self-Identification
Return to top
Employment by Visible Minority
Return to top
Please Note - The source for above charts is the 2006 Census.
Professional Associations, Unions, and Regulatory Bodies...
Return to top