Occupation · SOC 27-3011
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.
Median wage
$45,680
$26,000–$131,780
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
23,880
Job Zone 4
Typical preparation
Considerable preparation
Stackable credential programs
714 mapped
Core skills
SpeakingReading ComprehensionActive ListeningCritical ThinkingSocial PerceptivenessTime ManagementWritingMonitoringJudgment and Decision MakingActive LearningService OrientationCoordinationComplex Problem SolvingPersuasionNegotiationInstructingOperations MonitoringOperation and ControlSystems EvaluationSystems AnalysisQuality Control AnalysisManagement of Personnel ResourcesLearning StrategiesOperations AnalysisMathematicsTroubleshootingRepairingEquipment SelectionEquipment MaintenanceManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Financial ResourcesTechnology DesignProgrammingScienceInstallation
Knowledge areas
Communications and MediaEnglish LanguageComputers and ElectronicsCustomer and Personal ServiceTelecommunicationsGeographySales and MarketingFine ArtsAdministration and ManagementLaw and GovernmentMathematicsSociology and AnthropologyAdministrativePsychologyPublic Safety and SecurityEducation and TrainingEngineering and TechnologyHistory and ArcheologyPersonnel and Human ResourcesEconomics and AccountingDesignProduction and ProcessingPhilosophy and TheologyTherapy and CounselingForeign LanguageTransportationMedicine and DentistryPhysicsChemistryBiologyMechanicalFood ProductionBuilding and Construction
Technology & tools
Adobe AuditionAudion Laboratories VoxProAvid Technology Pro ToolsBurli Software Burli Newsroom SystemDalet Digital Media Systems Dalet Media LifeDatabase softwareEnterprise application integration EAI softwareMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordProgram logging softwareProject management softwareStatistical processing softwareWeb browser softwareZoom
Representative tasks
Working with ComputersEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsGetting InformationPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicProcessing InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsDocumenting/Recording InformationThinking CreativelyOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesSelling or Influencing OthersScheduling Work and ActivitiesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsAnalyzing Data or InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsControlling Machines and ProcessesCoaching and Developing OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentPerforming General Physical ActivitiesAssisting and Caring for OthersMonitoring and Controlling Resources
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
News flashes and breaking bulletins — read aloud clearly and accurately under supervisor direction during live broadcast shifts.Station identification and show open/close scripts — deliver using memorized or printed copy under direct on-air guidance.Broadcast control console — operate basic functions including fader adjustments and microphone activation under close technical supervision.Musical selections and station breaks — announce using provided scripts and playlists during structured, supervised air time.Background research materials — study and summarize key facts before assigned program segments or guest interviews.Daily program logs — maintain accurate records of musical selections, commercials, and station promotions following established logging protocols.Pre-recorded commercials — record in a production studio under producer direction, adhering to provided copy and timing guidelines.Word processing and office suite software — use to prepare and format broadcast scripts and rundown documents for review.Audience service requests — accept and acknowledge song or information requests from listeners following station call-screening procedures.Spoken delivery and speech clarity — practice consistent pronunciation and pacing during training shifts in a supervised on-air environment.
developing
News, sports, and weather copy — gather, rewrite, and deliver within assigned time slots with minimal editorial oversight during routine broadcasts.Control console and broadcast equipment — operate proficiently across standard shift configurations, troubleshooting minor technical issues independently.Ad-lib transitions and program introductions — execute smoothly between segments, adapting tone and content to match format and audience demographics.Commercial spots — record and produce for later broadcast using music or sound editing software, meeting client and station specifications.Program logs — keep complete and timely daily records of all aired elements, ensuring compliance with station and regulatory requirements.Interview preparation — research guest backgrounds and develop relevant questions independently, integrating findings into structured on-air conversations.Audience engagement — respond to listener calls, social media interactions, and requests in ways that reflect station brand and community orientation.Time management across a broadcast shift — coordinate segment timing, commercial breaks, and news inserts to maintain an accurate programming schedule.Weather and sports data sources — monitor and synthesize real-time information feeds to produce concise, accurate on-air reports.Writing for broadcast — compose clear, conversational copy for news teases, promotional announcements, and station imaging in standard broadcast style.
proficient
Complex breaking news situations — independently assess, prioritize, and read news flashes live on air while maintaining composure and accuracy.Full-length programs — host end-to-end with autonomous decision-making on content sequencing, pacing, and audience interaction strategies.Non-routine technical challenges — diagnose and resolve control console and audio equipment issues mid-broadcast to prevent or minimize dead air.Investigative and feature segments — research, write, and deliver in-depth reports that synthesize multiple information sources within strict time constraints.Ad-lib commentary — generate spontaneous, on-brand content across diverse formats including talk, music, news, and public service contexts.Program log compliance — audit and certify daily logs for regulatory accuracy, identifying discrepancies and implementing corrective action without escalation.High-profile interviews — conduct and manage live or recorded conversations with public figures, adapting questioning style based on real-time responses.Cross-platform content production — adapt broadcast material for digital and social media distribution using editing and enterprise application integration software.Critical judgment calls — evaluate audience appropriateness, legal risk, and editorial accuracy of on-air content under time pressure.Mentorship of junior on-air talent — provide structured feedback on delivery, research quality, and technical execution during live and recorded sessions.
advanced
Station programming strategy — set editorial direction, format standards, and audience engagement frameworks across all on-air content and talent.Talent development program — design and lead training curricula for emerging and developing announcers, establishing organizational standards for broadcast delivery.Regulatory and compliance policy — author station-wide protocols for program logging, public service obligations, and FCC compliance requirements.Brand identity and voice — define and champion the station's on-air sound, guiding production teams, writers, and hosts toward a cohesive listener experience.Multi-platform content strategy — lead integration of broadcast, digital, and social media content pipelines using ERP and enterprise integration software at scale.High-stakes crisis communication — direct on-air response to emergencies or major breaking events, coordinating news, talent, and technical staff in real time.Advertising and revenue partnerships — collaborate with sales leadership to develop sponsorship-compatible content formats that balance commercial and editorial integrity.Industry innovation and format development — pioneer new program formats, audience interaction models, and technology adoption strategies at an organizational level.Organizational performance metrics — establish and monitor KPIs for audience ratings, content quality, and operational efficiency across all broadcast departments.Stakeholder and community leadership — represent the station at industry forums, regulatory bodies, and community events, shaping the organization's public mission and reputation.
Also known as
52 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
AnchorAnnouncerBoard OperatorBroadcasterCommercial AnnouncerDJ (Disc Jockey)EntertainerGame Show HostHostHostessMorning News AnchorMorning Show HostNews AnchorNews BroadcasterNewscasterOn-Air AnnouncerOn-Air HostOn-Air PersonalityOn-Air TalentPlay-by-Play CommentatorPodcasterProgram HostPublic Address AnnouncerRadio AnnouncerRadio ArtistRadio BroadcasterRadio DJ (Radio Disc Jockey)Radio DJ (Radio Disk Jockey)Radio HostRadio PerformerRadio PersonalityRadio SportscasterRadio Talk Show HostRadio TV Announcer (Radio Television Announcer)ReporterShow HostShow HostessSports AnalystSports AnchorSports Announcer