Radio Announcer - Job Profile

About the role

A radio announcers main goal is to capture the public's interest, build a large audience, and provide accurate information on a variety of topics. The Radio Announcer is responsible for producing, writing, and editing news programs, along with serving as a radio announcer and news reporter. A Radio Announcer conducts interviews, operates equipment, and represents the station at industry and community functions and events. The Radio Announcer is responsible for exercising professional news judgement in determining news and information that is appropriate for broadcast

What is the Job?

Radio announcers may have a wide range of duties, depending on where they work. Some announcers read preprinted scripts of commercials and messages to listeners and are responsible for producing professional quality radio programs. They introduce songs, radio shows, the station name and tag lines. At some small stations, announcers sell commercial time to advertisers, write commercial and news scripts, and run broadcasting equipment. Announcers for small stations may also read the news and the sports reports. At large stations newscasters and sportscasters are typically experienced journalists or well-known sports figures.

Typical career routes

Take college classes in communications, public speaking and journalism. Although a bachelor's degree is not always required, it can give an applicant the advantage in this competitive field. Consider a degree in journalism, communications or English. Work at your college radio station to gain experience.

Obtain work experience at your local station here you might not get much on air time but you will learn how a radio station works and meet people in the industry. You may be able to fill in as a substitute for the announcer if needed.
Practice speaking. We all speak everyday, but a radio announcer has to use correct grammar, have excellent pronunciation and a pleasant speaking voice. Get as much public speaking experience as possible.

Essential knowledge and skills

The following are examples of typical duties. Other duties may be assigned.

Serves as a principal drive-time news announcer.
Operates all equipment in the master control room and central equipment rack.
Prepares and voices scripts and writes news copy.
Writes and edits introductions and continuity for reports, actualities and other elements inserted within network programming.
Monitors sound levels and ensures programme quality is maintained
Prepares and reviews program materials prior to broadcast.
Reviews wire copy, public service announcements, underwriting announcements, pre-recorded reports and audio elements, newspapers,
Reports, interviews, writes, edits and produces program segments.
Participates in fundraising and promotional efforts as assigned.
Represents the station at industry and community functions and events.

Training & qualifications

Demonstrated ability to report, write and produce network-quality interviews and feature reports.
Strong on-air presence, confident, intelligent, relaxed and knowledgeable.
Ability to work quickly, effectively and deliver a high level product
Excellent working knowledge of broadcast news, public affairs and feature reports.
The ability to exercise professional news judgement in determining news and information that is appropriate for broadcast.
Considerable knowledge of basic and advanced radio announcing and audio production.
The ability to produce news feature reports and interviews in the highly produced, edited, well-written, and researched style characteristic

What can I expect to get paid?

Salaries vary widely, ranging from £14,000 for a presenter starting out on a local radio station to more than £150,000 for the best-known celebrity presenters. Many work freelance.