Television

Broadcasting is a fast-paced and dynamic industry that is continually changing. Careers in broadcasting can be exciting, unique and rewarding. As with all businesses, broadcasters seek to recruit qualified individuals who want to learn and grow with changes in the industry.

Television is one of our most important means of communication. It brings pictures and sound from around the world into millions of homes, providing a steady stream of programs designed to inform and entertain. Because of its popularity, television continues to be an important influence on our culture, including how people spend their time and money and what they see and learn.

Radio is still a very important means of communicating, enabling people to send data, sound, codes and other signals to all parts of the world. It also is a primary source of entertainment and news. The most widespread and familiar use of radio is broadcasting. Typical broadcasts feature music, news, discussions and interviews, live sporting events and advertising.

HOW DO I GET MY FIRST JOB IN BROADCASTING?
There are as many ways in the door as there are doors . . .

- While in college, get involved with your college radio/television station or newspaper. Take courses that will give you a background in one of the job-specific knowledge areas listed below.
- If you are out of college and looking for your first job, check with your local college career center. If you are looking for a career change, think about those aspects of your background that give you skills in a particular area. Teachers, for example, often make good salespeople, because selling involves teaching clients how advertising can grow their businesses. Computer skills are translatable across many fields, including broadcasting - particularly as more aspects of station operations become digitized.
- Some colleges and community stations will enlist volunteers to host programs during school breaks and summer vacation, in order to keep the station in operation.
- Many cable television systems offer free training in video production as part of their community-access obligations.
- Recognize that you will not be Dan Rather, or get paid like he does, in your first job!
- Be flexible
- Be willing to take jobs that are not exactly what you want, just to get your foot in the door
- Be willing to work the overnight, weekend and holiday shifts that no one else wants
- Look into internships and training programs; many stations offer them. An internship will give you hands-on experience and a resume item.