Job Description and Responsibilities of Broadcasting School Graduates
Graduates of broadcasting college can enjoy many benefits of work completed at a school of broadcasting. Since the industry is constantly changing, they will assume many responsibilities and skills in the technology and computer fields. A broadcasting career may entail a position that requires:
- Working with a team of broadcasting professionals
- Operating audio visual, programming, and communications equipment
- Working with broadcasting engineers and technicians in a team environment
- Understanding the dynamics of broadcasting journalism
- Working with camera operators and equipment
- Working under pressure to meet deadlines
- Learning about technological changes and adapting projects accordingly
- Following national broadcasting guidelines
- Working with new media and digital camera and computer operations
- Learning voice broadcasting techniques
Types of Broadcasting Schools
Since the field of broadcasting is so wide in scope, students can choose to specialize in a particular field or domain. The most common types of broadcasting schools include:
- Voice broadcasting
- Radio broadcasting
- Television broadcasting
- Sports broadcasting
All specializations tend to fall under the School of Broadcasting for a particular college or university, while technical colleges and community colleges may offer a broadcasting college or television broadcasting schools that focus on specific courses of study. Radio broadcasting schools are often affiliated with other new media and programming schools. Voice broadcasting is generally learned in all broadcasting fields of study.
Career Options after Broadcasting School or Broadcasting College
A broadcasting career offers flexibility and options in different departments. From radio broadcasting to television, graduates of broadcasting school or broadcasting college can work in teams or independently. Broadcasting college can train students in a studio setting that is equipped with all necessary audio and video equipment. Many students begin their broadcasting career as a broadcast technician or internship with a local media company.
A school of broadcasting can prepare students with many skills and experience from professional teachers and mentors. Job placement after graduation is another attractive component of attending broadcasting college, and offers additional career options. Students may pursue a career in the divisions of radio broadcasting, television broadcasting, or sports broadcasting.
Radio broadcasting schools can prepare students to become a:
- Radio Announcer
- DJ or Radio Personality
- Program Director
- Music Director
Television broadcasting career choices include:
- News Reporter
- Anchor
- Assignment Editor
- Television Programming Editor
- Show Producer
- Weathercaster
- Traffic Reporter
- Investigative Reporter
- Talk Show Host
- Video Editor
- Graphic Artist
- Director
- Community Relations Director
- Promotion Director
Sports broadcasting career choices include:
- Color Commentator
- Anchor
- Talk Show Host
- Producer
- Reporter
Broadcasting School Courses and Training Programs
Students interested in developing their broadcasting career can choose to enroll in a broadcasting college, or attend a university that has a school of broadcasting division. Most radio broadcasting schools and television broadcasting schools are found alongside community colleges and tech schools. These comprehensive two-year programs offer hands-on training and a rich media experience. Sports broadcasting schools can also be found within media schools and divisions.
Students may also choose to enter a journalism or communications program to gain further education in the industry. Broadcasting skills are not always learned in a traditional classroom setting. Most broadcasting students take part in hands-on training and subjects such as:
- Broadcast History
- Studio work
- Digital Audio Production
- Broadcast Marketing & Advertising
- Broadcast Performance & Journalism
- Voice Training and Programming
- Digital Video Editing
- Digital Audio Production
- Field & Studio Production
- Communications Training
Most prospective broadcasting school and broadcasting college students will need a high school diploma to pursue formal training, and can choose from both short-term and long-term course programs. Two-year broadcasting school programs offer flexibility in scheduling and can lead to an internship with job placement. The best experience students receive is from internships and formal, hands-on training programs.
Certification for Broadcasting Careers
Although it is not mandatory, broadcast technicians may choose to pursue certification through the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE). Certification requires passing a written examination and can be a valuable asset to many broadcasting students in this competitive industry.
Broadcasting School Accreditation
The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognizes the Accrediting Council on Education Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC) as the accrediting party for all broadcasting school and broadcasting college programs. Six regional accrediting agencies throughout the United States can also provide broadcasting school accreditation.
Broadcasting School Graduates Earning Potential and Employment Prospects
With the extensive growth in the entertainment, communications, and broadcasting industry, the demand for trained broadcasting professionals continues to rise. Employees in the radio broadcasting and television broadcasting fields are often found working in a highly competitive industry, and can find attractive positions in large metropolitan markets. Entry-level jobs offer important hands-on experience and mentoring programs.
Job growth in the field of broadcasting is expected increase rapidly for television and computer-based media industries, while it is projected to be slower for radio broadcasting and local television networks. Job options are dependant on skills and experience, and median hourly earnings vary by occupation. In 2004, Median annual earnings for broadcasting professionals were as follows:
Broadcasting Operations Managers: $42.73
Producers: $21.58
Reporters: $16.37
Camera Operators: $14.60
Radio Broadcasting and Television Announcers: $10.51
Broadcast Technicians: $12.35
Related occupations include:
Actors
Support Specialists
News Analysts
Writers and Editors
Correspondents
Media Advertising and Public Relations
