What Are the Different Types of Broadcasting Jobs?

Broadcasting jobs include a range of positions for technicians, announcers, managers, and other personnel. The development of radio and television programs requires a vast support crew in addition to the people viewers and listeners hear on the air. Working environments can vary from small local television stations to urban broadcasting hubs where personnel may have an opportunity to work with a broad variety of people. Wages and benefits depend on position and level of experience.

People who appear on air can include announcers, reporters, and analysts. These individuals often receive broadcast training to learn how to conduct themselves on air, and many are also skilled journalists. They participate in story development, conduct interviews in the field, and work on background research to prepare. It is possible to develop a specific beat, like court reporting or crime reporting, within a news agency.

Technicians like camera operators, sound engineers, and lighting crews support the development of broadcasts. For live broadcasts, the pressure on technicians can be considerable, especially when reporting from the field. These broadcasting jobs may require formal training and experience, although some stations may accept interns and trainees who learn on the job.

Administration also plays a role at stations. Broadcasting jobs are available for producers who develop programming, editors who perfect broadcasts before they air, and management personnel who handle scheduling and related matters. Assistants and other support personnel are also a critical part of the staff at a station. Broadcasting jobs as assistants and gofers can be a good start in the industry for college students working on broadcasting careers.

A number of broadcasting jobs are also available in marketing and ad development. Stations need personnel to solicit ads and sponsorships to fund their activities. Staff members also engage in public outreach to attract viewers and listeners to the station. These staff may not directly contribute to the creation of broadcasts, but they are an important component of the station's overall staffing needs, just like janitors, receptionists, and other support people. Positions may also be available for doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel to manage a first aid station at a broadcasting facility.

In addition, large companies hire attorneys to handle legal matters and may maintain a legal department to handle any issues that arise, rather than keeping a firm on retainer. A legal reviewer may need to evaluate material planned for broadcast to identify potential concerns. Attorneys also pursue copyright infringement, defend broadcasting companies in court, and support journalists under pressure to reveal sources and other confidential information.