If you want to be in radio broadcasting, you should invest in experience, get a degree, take an internship, and build a network. Doing so will let you build your skills while also finding opportunities.
Have you always wanted to be heard on the radio? Read on and learn how to get into radio broadcasting. It can be intimidating at first, but once you have leaped, it is an exciting journey with a high potential for building a prolific career.
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What Does a Radio Broadcaster Do?
Radio isn’t dead! Even with smartphones taking over almost all aspects of our lives, it is undeniable that radios are indispensable, especially in cars.
The popularity of radio presents many opportunities. Among others, it opens doors for building a career in radio broadcasting.
Before we talk about the basics of how to become an announcer, let us quickly touch on what the job entails. The specific duties can vary depending on the station or the job description that you have agreed on during the application.
Creating and presenting radio programs are the main responsibilities of radio broadcasters. They will take calls from listeners, host contests, promote events and businesses, and interview guests. They also make commentaries on current events or trending issues. It is common for radio broadcasters to have a specialization, such as sports or music.
Here’s the Way to Get Into Radio Broadcasting
Start your journey into being a radio announcer. Below is a general guide on some of the things that you should do. Ideally, you must start as early as possible to hone your skills and become competitive in the field.
1. Invest in Experience
You can become a radio personality without a degree if you have unmatched experience. As early as high school, it would help if you built on your credentials. This way, even if you take a different course in college, all your experiences will help you land a career you have always wanted.
In many schools, there is an official radio station. You can be part of such. If there is none, then maybe you can have the initiative to start it. Alternatively, you should also harness your public speaking skills.
As you invest in experience, you will learn many things. For instance, you will be familiar with the technical aspect of radio broadcasting, so you can also handle the production side. You can also improve your communication skills, adaptability, and knowledge of the industry standards and requirements.
2. Get a Degree
For a lot of people, experience is not enough. Formal education will help build solid credentials, increasing your chances of landing a good job in radio. Attend a radio broadcasting school and get a degree. Look for an associate’s or bachelor’s degree that aligns with the career path you would like to pursue.
Sports broadcasting, audio production, journalism, and mass communications are some of the degrees that you might want to consider. They can take up to four years to complete, providing a concrete foundation that will make it easier for you to get a job at a radio station.
3. Take an Internship
When completing a radio broadcasting degree, you will most likely need an internship. A lot of the skills you will need in broadcasting will not just be acquired in the classroom. Rather, you can learn them in real-world experiences, so you will need an internship. This will be your on-the-job training. It is difficult to get a job in radio with no experience, so an internship can help you a lot.
During your internship, you will be working directly in a radio station. Nonetheless, you won’t get your airtime yet. Instead, you will be working behind the scenes, such as assisting in the production or helping write a script. This great exposure can give you clear expectations of what you can expect once you are officially a radio broadcaster.
4. Build Your Network
Just like in any other industry, networking is crucial for your success if you want to get a job in radio broadcasting. From radio announcer training to your formal education, look for opportunities to meet other people. They can open doors for opportunities in radio broadcasting.
One of the best ways to grow your network is to attend events related to the radio industry. You can also volunteer for different organizations. Do not be afraid to introduce yourself.
Conclusion
In this short guide, we talked about how to get into radio broadcasting. It is a process that must start as early as high school. Look for the best opportunities to hone your skills and build an experience. Increase the chances of landing your dream job by getting a degree related to broadcasting. Get an internship and build a solid network to find the best available jobs in the industry.
Hi, I am Amaro Frank – the Wind Up Radio’s content editor and writer. Working with Adam is so much fun, as his stories and experiences enrich my knowledge about radio communications and radio accessories. My main tasks in Wind Up Radio are building content and generating great articles on different topics around radio accessories.