The digital age has transformed the society – most especially the means of communication and relaying information. Because of these, the society’s demand for jobs and employment have also changed. More and more professionals pursue careers with companies related to technology development and innovation.
However, while these jobs are in demand, they aren’t the only options you have in pursuing your career path. There are a wide variety of opportunities you can get into that offer the same level – or sometimes even more – entertaining and fulfilling experiences – such as the radio broadcasting industry.
Most people aren’t that knowledgeable about the career opportunities the radio broadcasting industry offers. Often times, the radio announcer role is the only job you can think of. But to tell you what, there are more than just the voices you hear from the speakers of your radio set.
The Radio Announcers
Of course, you know them. There could be no radio station without these on-air personalities with beautiful voices that provide entertainment or news – such as the disc jockeys and news reporters.
They play music, report news, give commentaries, announce commercials, interact with listeners, and talk about almost anything under the sun. They talk about serious topics regarding politics and drugs. They endorse resources on mental health and online therapy like BetterHelp. Likewise, they still discuss topics that are fun and entertaining such as your horoscope for the day and even your love life.
Qualifying to be a radio announcer requires a college degree in a relevant major such as broadcasting, journalism, or communications. Ideally, a good speaking voice and a broad knowledge about the show’s topic is a prospect.
The Radio Engineers
There are many engineering jobs in the radio station – including chief engineers, sound engineers, directors of engineering, master control engineers, and communication engineers – that are needed to maintain the equipment used in broadcasting in good condition. Maintaining the station’s facilities, helping with technical integrity, and providing technical assistance are their responsibilities.
For this career, it is necessary to have a bachelor’s degree – most especially a license, if you are aspiring for a higher position. Electrical and computer engineering would probably be the most relevant.
The Sales Managers
Like other companies, the management department in the radio station is just as important for its survival. These people – the general, national, and sales managers – work together to generate revenue and income through advertising and promoting the station’s image and on-air personalities. Their expertise ranges from giving presentations to clients, managing accounts, developing different marketing techniques, and training sales staff.
A degree in sales, advertising, and marketing are most relevant for this position. However, there are also some radio stations that do not necessarily require a college degree for an entry level job.
The Programming Directors
You might think that TV programs are the only ones that require directors. However, radio stations need them too – like the program directors. They are responsible for monitoring the operations in a radio station – such as developing the programming content, handling of radio promotion projects, supervising the radio announcers, and often decide and select the types of music and the order in which they will be played.
Usually, considerable experience in the radio broadcasting industry and a college degree are required to qualify for this position.
The News Writers
Just as there are scriptwriters in TV shows and the movies, there are news writers in the radio stations. These are the people responsible for gathering news information (that the radio announcers read) through exemplary research and writing skills – verifying the accuracy of the news, organizing and tailoring news stories conforming to a specified length, style, and format requirements, and obtaining supplemental details through knowledgeable sources via interviews.
In order to be one, skills in researching and writing are a must and a college degree in journalism is the most relevant.