Broadcast announcers and radio disc jockeys speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio, television, or other communications media. May play and queue music, announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests.

  • Operate control consoles.
  • Record commercials for later broadcast.
  • Announce musical selections, station breaks, commercials, or public service information, and accept requests from listening audience.
  • Study background information to prepare for programs or interviews.
  • Read news flashes to inform audiences of important events.
  • Identify stations, and introduce or close shows, ad-libbing or using memorized or read scripts.
  • Prepare and deliver news, sports, or weather reports, gathering and rewriting material so that it will convey required information and fit specific time slots.
  • Select program content, in conjunction with producers and assistants, based on factors such as program specialties, audience tastes, or requests from the public.
  • Comment on music and other matters, such as weather or traffic conditions.
  • Develop story lines for broadcasts.
  • Discuss various topics over the telephone with viewers or listeners.
  • Interview show guests about their lives, their work, or topics of current interest.
  • Provide commentary and conduct interviews during sporting events, parades, conventions, or other events.
  • Make promotional appearances at public or private events to represent their employers.
  • Host civic, charitable, or promotional events that are broadcast over television or radio.
  • Attend press conferences to gather information for broadcast.
  • Write and edit video and scripts for broadcasts.
  • Maintain organization of the music library.
  • Locate guests to appear on talk or interview shows.
  • Keep daily program logs to provide information on all elements aired during broadcast, such as musical selections and station promotions.
  • Give network cues permitting selected stations to receive programs.
  • Coordinate games, contests, or other on-air competitions, performing such duties as asking questions and awarding prizes.
  • Moderate panels or discussion shows on topics such as current affairs, art, or education.
  • Describe or demonstrate products that viewers may purchase through specific shows or in stores.
Work Context
  • Telephone — 93% responded "Every day".
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 81% responded "Every day".
  • Frequency of Decision Making — 90% responded "Every day".
  • Time Pressure — 80% responded "Every day".
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — 73% responded "Very important results".
  • Electronic Mail — 85% responded "Every day".
  • Contact With Others — 83% responded "Constant contact with others".
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Work Activities
  • Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
  • Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
  • Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Inform viewers, listeners, or audiences.
  • Determine presentation subjects or content.
  • Write material for artistic or entertainment purposes.
  • Organize informational materials.
  • Gather information for news stories.
  • Edit written materials.
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Knowledge

Communications and Media
  • Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
English Language
  • Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Computers and Electronics
  • Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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Skills

Speaking
  • Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension
  • Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening
  • Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking
  • Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
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Abilities

Oral Expression
  • The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Speech Clarity
  • The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Oral Comprehension
  • The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Written Comprehension
  • The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Word processing software
  • Microsoft Word Hot Technology
  • Burli Software Burli Newsroom System
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
  • Dalet Digital Media Systems Dalet Media Life Hot Technology
Spreadsheet software
  • Microsoft Excel Hot Technology
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