Broadcast Media Notes Chapter 1: Sections 1.6 – 1.12

College Degree? A college degree isn’t always necessary to be a good announcer, but in some areas it is probably required Also likely required if you have dreams to move toward an administrative position In most situations, it makes it easier to get a job and get promoted once you have a job

College Degree? Some recommend a major in broadcasting Others recommend a major in another area with some course work in media Pay attention to the general ed courses, as media performers will be expected to be familiar with many topics Take courses in art, music, drama, literature, political science, psychology, and writing Grammar and proper spelling are important Being computer literate is important

College Degree? Take specialized courses that match the announcer specialization you want to pursue For example, a weather forecaster will want to take courses in meteorology

College Degree? Trade school is another option Courses usually last 6 months to a year Will receive a broadcast background, but no general education, specialized education, or degree With more & more college graduates trained in broadcasting, it has become harder for non- degree graduates to compete May want to check if the trade-school has a good reputation

Physical Requirements for Announcers A pleasing voice Voice is free from regional accents Should have outstanding word pronunciation and accurate grammar usage

Physical Requirements for Announcers For television, an attractive appearance is needed Stamina – the talent may be required to work long hours or be available at odd times Should be in good physical condition Strength to carry the equipment (Read example on pg. 6)

Emotional Requirements for Announcers Performers are often under tremendous time constraints Ability to handle stress Need a perfectionist attitude – The audience expects the broadcaster to be perfect

Practical Experience Necessary? Try to gain some type of practical, on-air experience An on-air position at a campus radio station or an internship are possibilities Probably won’t end up on-air in an internship, but will gain valuable experience working in a broadcast environment Listen to Audio 1.1

Announcer Responsibilities Must entertain, inform, or persuade your audience Will likely be a combination – A DJ will often inform the audience of weather info and community events The broadcaster performer is a communicator and must consider the audience Announcer should feel a sense of social responsibility (read paragraph on bottom of pg. 8)

Announcer Responsibilities Should participate in community activities May be called upon to speak at certain civic functions,, emcee an event, or make an appearance at certain locations Sometimes they are paid for such services, but good broadcasters feel obligated to be active in the community

Announcer Responsibilities Should not misuse the position – Be careful of libel and slander Must be able to operate in broadcast equipment Emergency notification – In a national emergency, people will turn to broadcast stations for info. Most broadcast stations are part of the Emergency Alert System (EAS).

Role Model Announcers Paul Harvey – A radio commentator since 1951 with the ABC network. Over 1200 stations carried his program, which made him the most listened-to radio announcer. Best known for his staccato delivery style, pacing, and dramatic pauses. Listen to audio 1.2 Katie Couric – Anchor for the CBS Evening News since June, Began career in Became well of the most well-known morning news personalities on The Today Show. She’s the first woman to solo-anchor a national network evening newscast.

Role Model Announcers Howard Stern – a shock jock, best selling author, with acting experience, and television host. Best known for his controversially nationally syndicated radio show that often ran afoul. He knows how to reach his audience Al Roker – has been called “America’s Favorite Weatherman.” Has been the weather and feature reporter for The Today Show since Jim Rome Suzy Kolber Read Conclusions on pg. 12