Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys

Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio, television, or other communications media. May play and queue music, announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests.

On the job, you would:

Read news flashes to inform audiences of important events.
Operate control consoles.
Record commercials for later broadcast.

Important Qualities

Business skills. DJs, except radio who are self-employed must be able to market themselves and identify clients. They also need to manage the details of their business, including billing, budgeting, and other financial matters.

Computer skills. Announcers and DJs, especially those seeking careers in radio or television, should be comfortable using editing software and other broadcast-related devices.

Interpersonal skills. Broadcast announcers and radio DJs interview guests, answer phone calls on air, and may interact with listeners on social media. Party DJs and emcees should be comfortable working with clients to plan entertainment options.

Persistence. Entry into this occupation is very competitive, and candidates may need to audition many times for an opportunity to work on the air. Entry-level broadcast announcers and radio DJs must be willing to work for a small station to secure their first job.

Research skills. Announcers and DJs must research important topics of the day in order to be knowledgeable enough to comment on them during their program.

Speaking skills. Announcers and DJs must have a pleasant and well-controlled voice, good timing, and excellent pronunciation. Party DJs and emcees must be comfortable speaking to large audiences.

Writing skills. Announcers and DJs need strong writing skills because they normally write their own material.

Personality

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Characteristics of this Career
		97%	Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
		87%	Integrity - Job requires being honest and ethical.
		86%	Stress Tolerance - Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
		86%	Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
		85%	Adaptability/Flexibility - Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
		81%	Initiative - Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
		80%	Self-Control - Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
		79%	Persistence - Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
		78%	Achievement/Effort - Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
		78%	Cooperation - Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
		75%	Independence - Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
		70%	Leadership - Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
		69%	Analytical Thinking - Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
		68%	Innovation - Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
		65%	Concern for Others - Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
		62%	Social Orientation - Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Strengths
		78%	Artistic - Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
		72%	Enterprising - Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
		61%	Social - Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Values of the Work Environment
		72%	Achievement - Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
		67%	Recognition - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
		67%	Independence - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
		61%	Support - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
		56%	Relationships - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

Aptitude

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Abilities \| Cognitive, Physical, Personality
		97%	Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
		91%	Speech Clarity - The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
		75%	Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
		75%	Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
		72%	Speech Recognition - The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
		72%	Written Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
		66%	Originality - The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
		63%	Fluency of Ideas - The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
		60%	Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
		60%	Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
		56%	Selective Attention - The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
		56%	Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
		53%	Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
		53%	Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Skills \| Cognitive, Physical, Personality
		63%	Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
		57%	Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
		57%	Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
		55%	Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
		55%	Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
		54%	Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Job Details

Responsibilities

Inform viewers, listeners, or audiences.

Determine presentation subjects or content.

Write material for artistic or entertainment purposes.

Organize informational materials.

Gather information for news stories.

Edit written materials.

Report news to the public.

Determine presentation subjects or content.

Gather information for news stories.

Inform viewers, listeners, or audiences.

Interview others for news or entertainment purposes.

Inform viewers, listeners, or audiences.

Host events.

Promote products, activities, or organizations.

Operate control consoles for sound, lighting or video.

Inform viewers, listeners, or audiences.

Maintain logs of production activities.

Perform for recordings.

Coordinate logistics for productions or events.

Promote products, activities, or organizations.

Host events.

Gather information for news stories.

Inform viewers, listeners, or audiences.

Operate communications, transmissions, or broadcasting equipment.

Host events.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Attributes & Percentage of Time Spent
		97%	Telephone - How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
		94%	Face-to-Face Discussions - How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
		93%	Frequency of Decision Making - How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
		93%	Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results - What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?
		93%	Time Pressure - How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
		91%	Electronic Mail - How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
		90%	Contact With Others - How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
		88%	Work With Work Group or Team - How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
		87%	Importance of Being Exact or Accurate - How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
		85%	Structured versus Unstructured Work - To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
		84%	Level of Competition - To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?
		81%	Freedom to Make Decisions - How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
		80%	Spend Time Sitting - How much does this job require sitting?
		78%	Indoors, Environmentally Controlled - How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
		75%	Deal With External Customers - How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job?
		66%	Letters and Memos - How often does the job require written letters and memos?
		66%	Coordinate or Lead Others - How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?
		65%	Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls - How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?
		58%	Public Speaking - How often do you have to perform public speaking in this job?
		56%	Importance of Repeating Same Tasks - How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job?
		55%	Frequency of Conflict Situations - How often are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?
		54%	Physical Proximity - To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people?
		54%	Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions - How much does this job require making repetitive motions?
		66%	Duration of Typical Work Week - Number of hours typically worked in one week.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Tasks & Values
		94%	Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
		92%	Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
		91%	Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
		89%	Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
		86%	Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
		86%	Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
		86%	Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
		85%	Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
		85%	Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
		82%	Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
		82%	Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
		79%	Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
		76%	Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
		71%	Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
		69%	Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
		68%	Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
		67%	Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
		66%	Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
		66%	Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
		66%	Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
		64%	Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
		62%	Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
		60%	Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
		56%	Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
		55%	Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
		54%	Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
		54%	Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
		52%	Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
		51%	Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

What Announcers and DJs Do

Radio and television announcers present news and opinions and take calls from listeners.

Announcers present news and sports or may interview guests on media such as radio and television. Disc jockeys (DJs) act as masters of ceremonies (emcees) or play recorded music at weddings, parties, or clubs.

Duties

Announcers and DJs typically do the following:

Present music and information on radio or television shows or at venues
Interview guests on their shows
Research topics for comment and discussion during shows
Read prepared scripts on radio or television shows or at venues
Provide commentary for the audience during events
Select program content
Introduce upcoming acts and guide the audience through the entertainment
Make promotional appearances at public or private events

Broadcast announcers and radio DJs present music or the news, sports, traffic, and weather. Announcers are expected to be up to date with current events or a specific field, such as politics or sports, so that they can comment on these issues during their programs. In addition, they schedule guests on their shows and work with producers to develop other creative content. Radio DJs typically specialize in one kind of music genre and announce selections as they air them. They may take requests from listeners, manage radio contests, or announce traffic conditions.

Broadcast announcers and radio DJs also may be responsible for other aspects of television or radio programming. They may operate studio equipment, sell commercial time to advertisers, or develop advertisements and other recorded material. At many radio stations, they do much of the work traditionally done by editors and broadcast technicians, such as broadcasting program schedules, commercials, and public service announcements.

Many broadcast announcers and DJs maintain a presence on social media sites. Establishing a presence allows them to promote their stations and engage with their audiences, especially through listener feedback, music requests, or program contests. They also make promotional appearances at charity functions or other community events.

The following are examples of types of broadcast announcers and radio DJs:

Podcasters stream live or record shows that can be downloaded for listening at any time. Like traditional talk radio, podcasts typically focus on a specific subject, such as sports, politics, or movies. Podcasters may interview guests and experts on the specific program topic. Listeners may subscribe to a podcast to have new episodes automatically downloaded to their computer or mobile devices.
Talk show hosts may work in radio or television and specialize in an area of interest, such as politics, personal finance, sports, or health. They contribute to the preparation of program content, interview guests, and discuss issues with viewers, listeners, or the studio audience.

DJs, except radio play prerecorded music for live audiences at a variety of venues or events, including clubs, parties, and wedding receptions. The following are examples of types of DJs, except radio:

Emcees host planned events. They introduce speakers or performers to the audience. They may tell jokes or provide commentary to transition from one speaker to the next.
Party DJs are hired to provide music and commentary at an event, such as a wedding, a birthday party, or a corporate party.

Work Environment

Broadcast announcers and radio disc jockeys held about 28,000 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of broadcast announcers and radio disc jockeys were as follows:

Broadcasting and content providers	84%
Performing arts, spectator sports, and related industries	6
Self-employed workers	3
Educational services; state, local, and private	3

Disc jockeys, except radio held about 23,800 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of disc jockeys, except radio were as follows:

Self-employed workers	76%
Performing arts, spectator sports, and related industries	9
Food services and drinking places	8
Amusement, gambling, and recreation industries	2
Other personal services	2

Broadcast announcers and radio DJs usually work in well-lit, temperature-controlled, soundproof studios. Some radio DJs produce and record their shows while working from home.

DJs, except radio work in a variety of settings, either indoors or outdoors or both. They travel to the location of the event they are hosting.

The pressure of deadlines and tight work schedules may be stressful.

Work Schedules

Work schedules for announcers and DJs vary and may include early mornings, late nights, weekends, or holidays. Part-time work also may be common.

Getting Started

Education:

55%

Bachelor's Degree

10%

Some College Courses

How to Become an Announcer or DJ

Many announcers have a bachelor’s degree as well as experience working with radio and television equipment.

Entry requirements for announcers and DJs vary. Broadcast announcers and radio DJs typically need a bachelor’s degree in journalism, broadcasting, or communications; experience gained from internships or working at a school radio or television station is helpful. Other types of DJs typically need a high school diploma and some on-the-job training.

Education

Broadcast announcers and radio DJs typically need a bachelor’s degree in communications, broadcasting, or journalism. However, some jobs may be available for workers who have a high school diploma or equivalent. DJs, except radio typically need a high school diploma and some on-the-job training.

Employers may prefer to hire candidates who have hands-on skills or knowledge. High school and college students interested in a career as an announcer or DJ may benefit from taking speech classes and participating in opportunities to practice public speaking. These may include making announcements on their school’s public address system, working at their school’s radio or television station, or serving as an emcee at events. Internships also may be available, although they are often limited to college students.

Training

Radio and television announcers whose highest level of education is a high school diploma or equivalent also may need some short-term on-the-job training to learn how to operate audio and production equipment.

Advancement

Because radio and television stations in small markets have limited staff, advancement within the same small-market station is unlikely. Rather, many broadcast announcers and radio DJs advance by relocating to a large-market station. These larger markets often offer higher pay and more responsibility and challenges than do small markets.

When making hiring decisions, large-market stations rely on workers' personalities and past performance. Broadcast announcers and radio DJs need to have proven that they can attract, engage, and keep the attention of a sizeable audience.

Job Outlook

Overall employment of announcers and DJs is projected to decline 4 percent from 2022 to 2032.

Despite declining employment, about 4,400 openings for announcers and DJs are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Employment

Projected employment of announcers and DJs varies by occupation (see table).

Continuing consolidation of radio and television stations will limit employment growth of broadcast announcers and radio disc jockeys (DJs). In addition, over-the-air radio broadcasts will continue to face competition from an increasing number of online and satellite radio stations. More listeners are tuning in to these stations, which can be personalized, reducing the number of listeners to traditional radio broadcasts and decreasing the demand for radio DJs.

DJs, with the exception of radio DJs, will be in demand to play prerecorded music for live audiences at venues or events such as clubs, parties, and wedding receptions.

Contacts for More Information

For more information about the broadcasting industry, in which many announcers and DJs are employed, visit

National Association of Broadcasters

Similar Occupations

This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of announcers and DJs.

Occupation	Job Duties	Entry-Level Education	Median Annual Pay, May 2022
Actors	Actors express ideas and portray characters in theater, film, television, and other performing arts media.	Some college, no degree	The annual wage is not available.
Broadcast, Sound, and Video Technicians	Broadcast, sound, and video technicians set up, operate, and maintain the electrical equipment for media programs.	See How to Become One	$53,960
Musicians and Singers	Musicians and singers play instruments or sing for live audiences and in recording studios.	No formal educational credential	The annual wage is not available.
Producers and Directors	Producers and directors make business and creative decisions about film, television, stage, and other productions.	Bachelor's degree	$85,320
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists	News analysts, reporters, and journalists keep the public updated about current events and noteworthy information.	Bachelor's degree	$55,960
Writers and Authors	Writers and authors develop written content for various types of media.	Bachelor's degree	$73,150

Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys

Announcer or DJ

What they do:

On the job, you would:

Important Qualities

Personality

Characteristics of this Career

Strengths

Values of the Work Environment

Aptitude

Abilities | Cognitive, Physical, Personality

Skills | Cognitive, Physical, Personality

Job Details

Attributes & Percentage of Time Spent

Tasks & Values

What Announcers and DJs Do

Duties

Work Environment

Work Schedules

Getting Started

How to Become an Announcer or DJ

Education

Training

Advancement

Job Outlook

Employment

Contacts for More Information

Similar Occupations