Announcers are broadcasters who work in either television or radio and provide information on various topics. Their job duties vary too depending on where they work. Radio announcers generally introduce songs, read messages of listeners, read and play commercial, and introduce radio shows. During breaks the announcer repeatedly tells the listeners the station’s name. They may also read the news and update listeners on sports scores. Television announcers may do the same duties, the only difference being they can be seen while radio announcers can only be heard. Announcers may also appear at community events.
To be an announcer, one must have a very good voice and be able to sound intelligent when speaking. He or she must be able to capture the audience’s attention. Aspiring radio announcers in particular who play music (also called disc jockeys) must be knowledgeable about the music they play and know a lot about the culture. Radio announcers must also be spontaneous.
In terms of education, technical school training or college completion would be valuable for aspiring announcers but one’s impressive audition that showcases his or her delivery and style usually trumps any educational background.
The salary of announcers largely depends on the location of their job, their experience, popularity, and talent. Those who work at larger stations and larger cities earn more than those working in smaller counterparts. Generally, salaries are also higher in television than in radio broadcasting. The average hourly salary for radio and television announcers is $10.64 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.