One of the most popular jobs in radio broadcasting is hosting a talk show. Radio talk show hosts are among the most visible personalities in media today, running shows that blanket the airwaves from coast to coast. For someone interested in a career that combines topical discussion, interviews, and the chance to shape public opinion, entering the field of talk radio — i.e., becoming an ''on-air personality,'' as such individuals are known — can be very exciting and rewarding.
Find an Exciting Future in Broadcasting
If people on the street are always telling that you have a great voice, you may have considered a career as a radio announcer. But what's your best path to successful radio broadcast jobs? Do you see yourself delivering news in an authoritative sounding voice? Maybe delivering traffic or weather reports, or providing punchy sports play-by-play? Or maybe headlining a popular talk and opinion show? If you're looking for a career that brings sophisticated broadcasting technology together with a bit of writing, script reading, and a lot of personality, a radio announcer job may be just what you're looking for.
Types of Jobs in the Field
When seeking jobs in broadcasting, most people think of radio DJ job openings, which typically involve introducing music and guests, handling station breaks, and reading commercials. But the role of the on-air personality can cover a lot more areas than just DJ'ing. With the rise of talk radio and other associated types of programming, there are radio host job openings in sports, talk radio, on-air learning, and documentaries. Here are just a few of your options:
- Sports Talk Radio Host: Do you love the local teams? Do you live for statistics, fantasy leagues, and the big story behind the plays? Combined with the right voice skills, you might find a good match in sports talk radio jobs. Sports radio hosts often cover the play-by-play for the local games. They also interview athletes, coaches, and other sports celebrities for human interest stories. They join other guests, talking about team standings, tactics, and even the financial aspects of the sports world. Sports hosts also take calls from fans and discuss sports-related topics.
- Political Talk Show Host: Unless you were living under a rock for the last year, it was hard to miss all the political talk shows on the air. If you live for political analysis — including the gamesmanship, inside angles, and party power plays — this is the spot for you. You'll interview the movers and shakers in the political game, and be ready to advance your own opinions at the drop of a ballot. Political ''pundits'' also field calls from listeners, soliciting opinions and commentary on the issues of the day.
- Gossip Talk Show Host: Like to dish the dirt? Rub elbows with the celebrity crowd? Gossip talk is all about knowing who's who and what they're up to. Your listeners will hang on your every word as you reveal the inside scoop on their favorite media stars.
- Financial Talk Show Host: If you know all about money and investing, you might find your niche as a financial talk show host. You'll advise your callers on the best ways to invest their money, as well as discussing the trends in high finance with your guests.
A talk show job definitely has its perks: You get to meet lots of people (some quite famous), be creative in your job, and build up your own loyal group of fans on a local or even national basis. But this job isn't for everyone. The hours are often long, especially if working in a political or sports radio position. New announcers are often assigned the late night or weekend shifts, or are brought in as fill-ins for regular hosts. This means that the hours can be irregular, creating tight deadlines and high pressure to boost your stations' rating ''share.'' That said, a radio announcer typically works in a climate-controlled, soundproofed booth, and talk show hosts don't usually handle the technical aspects of the business unless the station is very small. Instead, you'll have a producer who will handle the computerized equipment for playing music and taped announcements, and for call screening.
Qualifications
It's not surprising that competition for these jobs is high, as a chance for fame and fortune hangs in the balance. Most ''talkers'' start out in regular radio — sports announcing is the most typical option — then move into a talk show slot by filling in for an established host. This job has no formal educational requirement, but you should be very knowledgeable about the type of talk radio you want to work in. A degree from a broadcasting school or college is a good first step, but the main requirement for an on-air position is several years in the broadcasting field , which can be met by acting as an intern at a local station or working at a college radio station. But that's not the only way to get some experience — many specialty ''talkers'' start out as guest experts in their particular field and, through guest appearances on other talk shows, build up a fan following that can lead to their own shows.
Earnings
Base salaries are generally low and are set on an hourly basis, with the average salary usually being about $11.69 an hour. On-air personalities who are nationally known are contracted at rather high annual salaries, but there are not very many of these people.
Employment Outlook
According to the US Department of Labor, there were 71,000 radio announcer jobs as of 2006. While general announcer jobs are expected to decline in the coming years (as more stations move to automated systems or centralized broadcasting facilities), the market for on-air personalities in the talk show field is expanding, even as competition is expected to remain high.
