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You know what's better than being a know-it-all?
Being a know-it-all who helps everyone else know it all.
Broadcast journalists write and tell news stories on TV, radio, podcasts, and social media. They spread knowledge in an entertaining way, drawing people in with their storytelling skills and charisma.
If you've got a voice that makes people want to listen, then this is the job for you!
What Does a Broadcast Journalist Do?
No matter their platform, broadcast journalists use their microphones to:
Call for attention. 📣
Spread the word. 💬
Give interviews. 🗣
Report on and dive into topics of their choosing. 🌊
What Does a Typical Day Look Like?
A typical day for a broadcast journalist involves research, writing, broadcasting, and, sometimes, editing and posting the broadcast.
Research
Broadcast journalists are storytellers. Every story requires coming up with an idea and then doing research.
They need to find out the "who, what, when, where, why, and how" of what they're reporting on.
Write
After gathering the research, it's time to write the script.
While there may be opportunities to adlib during the broadcast, it's still important to prepare. Know what you're going to say before you say it.
Your script is your GPS, getting you from Point A to Point B. Without it, you risk getting lost.
Broadcast
Broadcasting can happen on many different platforms, like your own personal recording studio for a video or audio, live on a streaming website, or television.
The techniques you use while broadcasting are similar, no matter which platform you use.
Edit
If your broadcast was filmed for YouTube or another video platform, and you don't have a designated video editor, you will have to take time to edit it yourself with editing software.
The same thing goes for you if you don't have an audio editor. You'll have to record your voice through a program like Audacity and handle the editing afterward.
Post
After you edit your video or audio file, someone will have to post it on your platform of choice. That someone could be you, or it might be your producer.
If you're a broadcast journalist for TV or radio, you'll more than likely have a producer.
What Kind Of Experience Do I Need?
The exciting part about being a broadcast journalist is that anyone can be one.
All you need is a phone, or another way to record yourself, and you can be a self-made broadcast journalist.
To become a broadcast journalist through traditional means, you should go to college and major in communications, journalism, digital media, TV/video production, or another field that has you practicing key skills like:
Public speaking
Researching
Writing
Meeting deadlines
Producing media
More importantly than that, you'll need to create a portfolio, showcasing your skills as a broadcast journalist.
Where Might a Broadcast Journalist Work?
Broadcast journalists have many options for where they can work.
Home
Self-made broadcast journalists can set up their studios anywhere in their home. Their home studios will need equipment like editing software and, at a minimum, microphones.
Anywhere
If a broadcast journalist has access to a phone or another type of recorder, they can broadcast from any location.
A broadcast journalist may want to report directly in the field, otherwise known as "on location" at a place where breaking news is happening.
Studio
Another place where broadcast journalists can work is in standard recording studios. This could be in a recording booth or a TV studio.
Quiz
What are some ways you can gain skills to prepare for a career as a broadcast journalist?
Asking questions is an essential part of being a broadcast journalist. Learning how to edit video clips will speed up production. Observing people is too passive of an activity. Expensive equipment is nice but what's more important is how you practice and use your equipment, no matter how pricy it is.
Earnings
Broadcast journalists earn on average USD $71,000, with an expected range of between USD $42,000 to $121,000.
Photo by Austin Distel on UnsplashSimilar careers for broadcast journalists include being journalists, editors, production managers, and producers. These roles are considered along the career path for broadcast journalists.
Why or Why Not be a Broadcast Journalist?
Be a broadcast journalist if:
You love storytelling.
You're talkative.
You like being on camera or on a microphone.
You enjoy being up-to-date on the latest news.
Don't be a broadcast journalist if:
You're a quiet soul, inside and out.
You prefer following instructions.
You're not a fan of doing lots of research.
You'd rather be screen-free.
Take Action
Becoming a broadcast journalist is an exciting career for anyone who likes telling everyone what they should know, either on air or through a recording.
If you think you fit the bill for becoming a broadcast journalist, check out these steps you can take next!
This Byte has been authored by
Pey Parrott
Learner Engagement Specialist
BSc