What does an Announcer do?
Published 3 min read
An announcer is a person who makes announcements, typically over a public address system.
Announcer job duties include:
- Introduce and close programs
- Provide commentary or analysis during programs
- Interview guests on programs
- Respond to listener questions or comments
- Select music to be played on programs
- Make public service announcements
- Promote upcoming events or programs
- Read news, sports, or weather updates
- Give traffic reports
Announcer Job Requirements
There are no formal education requirements for announcers, although most have a college degree in journalism, broadcasting, or a related field. Certification is not required, but many announcers choose to become certified through the National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation. Experience is the most important requirement for announcers, and most have several years of experience working in the industry before becoming an announcer.
Announcer Skills
- Vocal
- Projection
- Breathing
- Pacing
- Diction
- Enunciation
- Fluency
- Voice quality
- Articulation
- Expression
- Interpretation
Related: Top Announcer Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become an Announcer
An announcer is a person who makes announcements on radio or television. They may also be known as a presenter, newscaster, disc jockey, or host. Announcers usually have a deep, clear voice and excellent diction. They must be able to speak clearly and concisely, and often have to ad-lib when necessary.
If you’re interested in becoming an announcer, there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of success. First, consider taking some speech and drama classes to help improve your vocal skills. It’s also important to develop a good sense of timing and rhythm, so practicing reading aloud or taking part in public speaking events can be helpful.
It’s also essential to have a strong understanding of the medium you’re working in. If you want to be an announcer on radio, for example, you should have a good grasp of how radio waves work and how they carry sound. You should also be familiar with the equipment used in a radio studio. If you’re interested in television announcing, it’s important to understand how the camera works and how to project your voice so that it can be heard clearly by viewers at home.
Most announcers start out working in small markets or on college radio stations. From there, they may move up to larger markets or become nationally syndicated. It’s important to build up a good demo reel of your work so that potential employers can hear your voice and style.
With hard work and dedication, it is possible to become a successful announcer.
Related: Announcer Resume Example
Related: Announcer Interview Questions (With Example Answers)