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
SpeakingActive ListeningReading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingSocial PerceptivenessTime ManagementWritingActive Learning
Knowledge areas
Communications and MediaEnglish LanguageComputers and ElectronicsTelecommunications
Technology & tools
Music or sound editing softwareWord processing softwareEnterprise resource planning ERP softwareData base user interface and query softwareEnterprise application integration software
Representative tasks
Read news flashes to inform audiences of important events.Announce musical selections, station breaks, commercials, or public service information, and accept requests from listening audience.Operate control consoles.Identify stations, and introduce or close shows, ad-libbing or using memorized or read scripts.Study background information to prepare for programs or interviews.Prepare and deliver news, sports, or weather reports, gathering and rewriting material so that it will convey required information and fit specific time slots.Record commercials for later broadcast.Keep daily program logs to provide information on all elements aired during broadcast, such as musical selections and station promotions.Develop story lines for broadcasts.Select program content, in conjunction with producers and assistants, based on factors such as program specialties, audience tastes, or requests from the public.Write and edit video and scripts for broadcasts.Interview show guests about their lives, their work, or topics of current interest.Comment on music and other matters, such as weather or traffic conditions.Make promotional appearances at public or private events to represent their employers.Provide commentary and conduct interviews during sporting events, parades, conventions, or other events.Host civic, charitable, or promotional events broadcast over television or radio.Coordinate games, contests, or other on-air competitions, performing such duties as asking questions and awarding prizes.Locate guests to appear on talk or interview shows.Attend press conferences to gather information for broadcast.Maintain organization of the music library.Discuss various topics over the telephone with viewers or listeners.Moderate panels or discussion shows on topics such as current affairs, art, or education.Give network cues permitting selected stations to receive programs.Describe or demonstrate products that viewers may purchase through specific shows or in stores.
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
71 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
EntertainerOn-Air TalentRadio PersonalityWeather ReporterPublic Affairs (Air Force 35P3)Public Affairs (Air Force 35PX)PodcasterBroadcasterRadio Talk Show HostOn-Air PersonalityPublic Affairs Specialist (Coast Guard PA)Morning Show HostPublic Affairs Apprentice (Air Force 3N036)Public Affairs Craftsman (Air Force 3N076)ReporterDisc JockeyPublic Affairs (Air Force 35P1)Talk Show HostWeather AnchorSports CommentatorSports BroadcasterShow Host/HostessGame Show HostAnnouncerSportscasterPublic Affairs (Air Force 35P4)Communication Strategy and Operations Chief (Marine Corps 4591)Board OperatorMorning News AnchorNewscasterCommercial AnnouncerRadio TV Announcer (Radio Television Announcer)On-Air AnnouncerPublic Affairs (Air Force 3N0X6)Public Affairs Journeyman (Air Force 3N056)Show HostRadio DJ (Radio Disc Jockey)Radio BroadcasterShow HostessRadio Performer