Broadly speaking, broadcasting refers to the work done by television networks and and radio stations in order to report and disseminate news, information, and entertainment to the public at large. Broadcast networks send signals that emerge from broadcasting studios (where the news or information content is produced) to satellite signals that then move to cable lines, airwaves, or the satellite systems of radios and televisions. News for both local and national audiences, talk shows, other forms of entertainment, and advertisements comprise the bulk of a broadcast station's content.

Those interested in broadcasting can pursue careers as producers, video and audio editors, reporters, news anchors, directors, camera operators, advertising sales agents, and continuity directors. A good number of employees in the broadcasting sector have to deal with erratic work schedules, often having to work in the wee hours of the morning. Television news teams are also often called to head out on assignment to film their coverage, a process demanding great collaboration and focus, and also the ability to withstand inclement weather or danger on occasion. 

An career in broadcasting usually demands a college degree. Communications and journalism are the most popular and appropriate choices of study. Internships, often unpaid, have also proven to be important to the development of a broadcasting career, especially due to the rising expectations for entry-level employees. Certification is also highly recommended for those seeking technical positions in broadcasting. The predicted job outlook indicates a slight increase in the number of jobs that will be available in the future.

Career Specializations

• Sports Communications: Retired athletes and broadcast professionals impassioned by sports will focus on this sector, which is comprised of court analysis, play-by-plays, and similar sports-centric features.
• Broadcast Journalism: This branch of broadcasting focuses exclusively on the ways in which news is made known to the public, involving reporters, editors, and researchers.
• Video Production: Camera operators and lighting and editing pros are included in this category, editing and crafting broadcast presentations to go on the air, sometimes live. 
• Radio: This is the concentration that focuses on news, opinion, and entertainment-focused productions that are communicated via the airwaves. 
• Advertising and Sales: Broadcasting companies, networks, and stations will enlist professionals trained in this field to work on securing commercials that will be interspersed between radio or video content.
• Technical Occupations: This specialization encompasses such roles as master control engineers, network and computer systems operators, and assistant chief engineers.
• News-Related Occupations: Reporters, broadcast news analysts, news anchors, and news directors all factor into this branch of broadcasting. 
• Program Production Occupations: Announcers, content editors, producers, and program directors are responsible for producing quality content in a timely and consistent fashion. 

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Degree Levels

• Completion of Broadcast Trade School: 6 months-1 year to complete
• Associate Degree in a Related Field: 2 years to complete
• Bachelor's Degree in a Related Field: 4 years to complete
• Master's Degree in Broadcasting or Broadcast Journalism: 2 years to complete

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Education & Certification Requirements

The academic preparation for those interested in broadcast journalism has now taken place, increasingly so, at the bachelor's level. Though broadcast trade schools offer solid education in such fields as news writing and announcing, more employers are opting for applicants armed with the four-year degree. This bachelor's diploma requirement applies more for professional, management, and sales careers; technical occupations are not required to have a bachelor's, but competition in the job market makes it a very highly recommended experience. Students should look to take their education from a school accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications.

Earning a master's degree in journalism or mass communication is also becoming a much more popular step for candidates looking to get an edge over their professional peers. Internships and practical experience earned from jobs are also crucial not only to a broadcast education, but also to being hired; this is an extremely competitive field, and employers typically hire applicants with the most on-the-job experience. To earn this experience, broadcast hopefuls might want to get away from large urban or metropolitan markets and head to smaller broadcast stations in rural or less populated areas. 

Certification is available for those pursuing a more technical occupation in the sphere of broadcasting, such as from the Society of Broadcast Engineers.

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Salary Information

The best paid workers in contemporary broadcasting are not, in fact, the glamorous news anchors who directly deliver the news with smiles and charm. General and operations managers, shepherding the entire studio, rake in the best pay, at more than $45 an hour. Producers and directors in broadcasting earn nearly $30 an hour, and those who work in repairs for telecommunications equipment reap nearly $20 an hour. Reporters and correspondents make around $18 hourly. At the low end, announcers for radio and television earn close to $13 an hour. (BLS)

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Job Outlook

Overall, broadcasting looks to experience an increase in demand for jobs; by 2018, the number of jobs should climb by seven percent, just below the national average for all industries. Unfortunately, radio broadcasting will see a decline in employment, due to competition emerging in part from satellite radio. Those who are the most competitive in hiring situations have earned a bachelor's or master's in journalism, communications, or broadcasting, and bolster their resumes with copious related work experience via internships or stints at college radio or TV stations. (BLS)

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Related Careers

Film and television is directly related to broadcasting. In fact, most television broadcasting takes place in the same studios employed by the cinema and silver screen industry. Editing, graphics, direction, acting, and production are all specializations in this sector. Like broadcasting, earning work in film and TV requires fending off great competition.

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