Broadcasting Communication Careers

Approximately 316,000 Americans worked in the field of broadcasting communications as of 2008, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Overall, the BLS estimates that the industry will grow by more than 7 percent through 2018. Numerous careers exist within the broadcasting communications industry, including both on- and off-screen jobs. Educational requirements and salary expectations vary among job types.

News Anchors

News anchors have the responsibility to relay news stories to the general public over the radio or on television. Anchors typically read the news from electronic screens. While they talk, a director gives instructions to them via a speaker worn in their ear, making the ability to multi-task and think quickly important. Most employers prefer to hire news anchors with a minimum of a bachelor's degree in broadcasting, communications or another related field. Competition for positions in the field is typically high, particularly in large metropolitan areas, where anchors tend to earn the most money. As of May 2009, broadcast news anchors received average annual salaries of $67,990, according to BLS.

Reporters are the professionals who conduct research and gather the facts used to write stories for airing on radio or television broadcast news programs. In some cases, reporters may also present their stories on camera or over the air in live or pre-recorded segments. Because news can occur at any time of the day, reporters often work during evening, overnight and weekend hours. Typically, a bachelor's degree in journalism or communications is necessary to work as a reporter. Competition will likely be high for reporter jobs through 2018, as the demand for workers in the field is expected to decrease by 8 percent. Reporters earned an average of $43,270 per year as of May 2009, as per the BLS.

Audio and video equipment technicians ensure that television and radio studios are properly equipped for broadcasts. Technicians set up and test microphones, speakers, cameras, and other necessary equipment and controls. Employers typically require workers in the field to have post-secondary education in the form of a technical certificate or diploma, programs that typically take less than one year to complete. The BLS estimates a 13 percent increase in the demand for audio and video equipment technicians through 2018. Technicians averaged salaries of $42,450 as of May 2009, according to BLS.

Broadcast technicians operate equipment that regulates the signals emitted by radio and television stations. Technicians monitor dials and controls to ensure that signals remain strong, preventing service interruptions and poor reception. Often, technicians work evening, overnight and weekend hours because many stations operate 18 to 24 hours per day. Most employers prefer to hire applicants who have a minimum of an associate's degree in broadcasting or a related field. Competition will be likely be high for technicians through 2018 due to an expected growth of only 2 percent in demand. As of May 2009, broadcast technicians earned an average of $38,330 per year, reports BLS.