Job Outlook
Competition for jobs as announcers will be keen because the broadcasting field attracts many more job seekers than there are jobs. Small radio stations are more inclined to hire beginners, but the pay is low. Interns usually receive preference for available positions. Because competition for ratings is so intense in major metropolitan areas, large stations will continue to seek announcers who have proven that they can attract and retain a large audience.
Announcers who are knowledgeable in business, consumer, and health news may have an advantage over others. While specialization is more common at large stations and the networks, many small stations also encourage it.
Employment of announcers is expected to decline through 2010 due to the lack of growth of new radio stations. Openings in this relatively small field also will arise from the need to replace those who transfer to other kinds of work or leave the labor force. Some announcers leave the field because they cannot advance to better paying jobs. Changes in station ownership, format, and ratings frequently cause periods of unemployment for many announcers.
Increasing consolidation of radio stations, new technology, and the growth of alternative media sources will contribute to the expected decline in employment of announcers. Consolidation in broadcasting may lead to increased use of syndicated programming and programs originating outside a station's viewing or listening area. Digital technology will increase the productivity of announcers, reducing the time spent on off-air technical and production work. In addition, all traditional media, including radio and television, may suffer losses in audience as the American public increases its use of personal computers.
Earnings
Salaries in broadcasting vary widely but in general are relatively low, except for announcers who work for large stations in major markets or for networks. Earnings are higher in television than in radio and higher in commercial than in public broadcasting.
Median hourly earnings of announcers in 2000 were $9.52. The middle 50 percent earned between $6.84 and $14.28. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $5.94, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $24.35. Median hourly earnings of announcers in 2000 were $9.54 in the radio and television broadcasting industry.
- All this information from Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2002-03 Edition. In the Public Domain.
