What is Media Broadcasting?

<h3 id="section---IndustryDefined">Industry Defined</h3> <p>Media broadcasting is made up of both radio and television, which are transmitted through local stations, national networks, and public organizations, such as PBS. A multitude of career paths exist within media broadcasting, ranging from behind the scenes work as a producer or engineer to more public positions, like an announcer or reporter. </p> <h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutMediaBroadcasting">Important Facts About Media Broadcasting</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> Similar Occupations </td><td> Film/Video Editor, Camera Operator, Photographer, Technical Writer, Electronics Engineering Technician</td></tr> <tr><td> Key Skills </td><td> Communication, computer, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills</td></tr> <tr><td> Work Environment </td><td> Typically fast-paced, full-time, and against a deadline</td></tr> <tr><td> On-the-Job Training </td><td> The best way to get work in a bigger station is to gain experience by first working for smaller stations; many stations also prefer internships or college work experience</td></tr> <tr><td> Professional Certification </td><td> For engineers, certifications are offered through the Society of Broadcast Engineers</td></tr> </table><h3 id="section---EducationAndTraining">Education and Training</h3> <p>A college degree is generally required to enter the media broadcasting field. While some positions are filled by individuals who hold a associate degrees, many positions require you to hold a bachelor's degree. Ideally, you'll want to select a program that offers hands-on experience in the field through opportunities with campus broadcasting stations or internships. The type of degree you'll earn will depend on the discipline and position you wish to pursue. Professionals in this field commonly hold degrees in radio and television, journalism, or engineering. </p> <h3 id="section---RadioAndTelevision">Radio and Television</h3> <p>Bachelor's degree programs in radio and television prepare students for production positions in broadcasting, such as writer, editor, producer, or director. You can expect to learn audio and video techniques used in the studio. You might also practice writing scripts for radio and television programs. Other common coursework includes radio programming, television production, and mass communications. </p> <h3 id="section---Journalism">Journalism</h3> <p>If you want to be a news reporter in media broadcasting, you may need to earn a bachelor's degree in journalism. Such degree programs tend to include coursework in news writing for both print publications and broadcast media. You may also take courses in television and radio announcing, feature writing, interviewing and investigative reporting. Some degree programs offer concentrations in radio or television journalism. </p> <h3 id="section---Engineering">Engineering</h3> <p>Entry-level technical workers in broadcast engineering, such as equipment engineers, technicians, and operators, typically hold associate's degrees in broadcast technology or broadcast production and engineering. These two-year programs prepare you to work backstage on cameras, editing equipment, sound boards, or program feed equipment. </p> <p>Advanced technical positions typically require bachelor's degrees. For example, engineering directors typically need to have four-year degrees in electrical engineering, as well as extensive experience in the field. To work as computer systems administrator in broadcasting, you may need to complete a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or computer science. </p> <h3 id="section---EmploymentOverview">Employment Overview</h3> <p>The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, <i>www.bls.gov</i>) projected a decline of nine percent for broadcast news analysts from 2021-2031; however, broadcast and sound engineering technicians and radio operators are expected to see employment growth of about eight percent during the same time frame. This growth is due in part to the continued advancement of new technologies. According to the BLS, the median annual salary earned by broadcast news analysts was $48,370 in May 2021; the same year, broadcast technicians earned a median of $44,740 annually.</p>