Are you one of those people who’s obsessed with current events — like, constantly tuned in and scrolling your phone for the latest news? Consider a career in broadcasting. Whether you’re chasing the latest celeb scandals, sports stats, or financial market news, broadcasting lets you turn your hobby into your livelihood.
Here’s more good news: The broadcasting field is way more diverse than it once was. You’re no longer limited to the monopoly of a television studio or radio station. From podcasts to social media, the entertainment industry is way more flexible than it once was. That means a great variety and number of jobs to choose from.
Which one is right for you? You can find some of the top broadcast journalism job opportunities below, plus tips on how to break into the business.
10 top broadcasting jobs
A career in broadcasting doesn’t mean you have to follow in the footsteps of Will Ferrell’s character in “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy.” Although that is one option, there are plenty of other types of careers.
Here are some of our favorite broadcasting job options.
News reporter
If you do want to go the Ron Burgundy route, this job’s for you. News reporters share current events with the public, research news stories, interview witnesses and subject experts, and write and edit copy before disseminating it.
News announcers can work for various media, from TV to radio, social channels, newspapers, and websites. You can also pursue niche specialties, from sports broadcasting media platforms to talk shows.
Average salary: $41,613 per year
Education and licensing requirements: Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or similar
Useful skill sets:
- Professional appearance
- Great people skills
- Tenacity
Video editor
Video editors help make video clips ready for public consumption in post-production. For example, if a TV sports station plays a clip from a sports game, that clip has been edited from the original. Editors import and label video content, trim excess footage, enhance color, mix sound, and compress and catalog clips to save them.
Average salary: $60,055 per year (median salary)
Education and licensing requirements: Bachelor’s degree in film studies, media production, or related field
Useful skill sets:
- Multitasking ability
- Highly organized
- Independent worker
Camera operator
If you don’t love being in the spotlight, a behind-the-scenes role like camera operator is for you. For example, you’ll record video of news reporters in action or of newsworthy events, like sports games, music shows, or major events. You’ll have to know which camera lens to use and how to frame a shot, and you’ll work with other pros (like sound and lighting experts) to make the video shine.
Average salary: $44,008 per year (median salary)
Education and licensing requirements: Bachelor’s degree in film production or videography
Useful skill sets:
- Team player
- Physically fit
- Good eye for detail
Production manager
Production managers oversee video preproduction planning when shooting news reports. For example, they may set up a site and manage on-site production activities. This includes supervising staff and ensuring video is shot on time and on budget. They also oversee video collection and archiving after shooting wraps.
Average salary: $67,975 per year
Education and licensing requirements: Bachelor’s degree in communication, film production, or videography
Useful skill sets:
- Clear communicator
- Team player
- Multitasker
News director
Want to be the big boss and decide what makes it on the news? Here’s your gig. News directors plan news broadcasts, oversee employees, and ensure guests and interviewees are cared for and comfortable. They may coordinate everything from outlining discussion topics to advising camera angles.
Average salary: $66,687 per year (median salary)
Education and licensing requirements: Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or similar
Useful skill sets:
- Solid news judgment
- Leadership abilities
- Personable attitude
Production assistant
Production assistants are popular entry-level broadcasting opportunities. They support the entire production crew, run errands, set up supplies, prepare the set by organizing lights and equipment, and collect and distribute essential paperwork (like release forms for on-camera guests). They also handle admin and answer phones. Consider it an internship of sorts.
Average salary: $44,420 per year (median salary)
Education and licensing requirements: Bachelor’s degree in film, communication, media, or similar helpful but not required
Useful skill sets:
- Work well under pressure
- Multitasking abilities
- Attentive demeanor
Broadcast producer
Broadcast producers oversee the entire production of a media outlet, like a TV channel or public radio station. Duties could include developing show schedules, overseeing live broadcasts, and scouting shooting locations.
Average salary: $62,100 per year (median salary)
Education and licensing requirements: Bachelor’s degree in film/TV production or similar
Useful skill sets:
- Excellent communication skills
- Highly organized
- Good eye for detail
Weather reporter
These broadcast reporters share weather forecasts. In addition to predicting daily weather forecasts, they may also report on larger climate-related trends. Some weather reporters are trained meteorologists who use science, physics, and math to identify and understand broader climate patterns.
Average salary: $43,554 per year
Education and licensing requirements: Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or similar (for more career options, consider getting a bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific field like meteorology or atmospheric sciences)
Useful skill sets:
- Clear speaking skills
- Personable
- Professional appearance
Sound engineer
While camerapeople and video editors take care of broadcasting visuals, audio broadcast engineers take care of the sound side of things. They set up the sets for audio (for example, with microphones), troubleshoot audio issues as they arise, and record, mix, and edit audio in post-production.
Average salary: $48,039 per year (median salary)
Education and licensing requirements: Bachelor’s degree in broadcast/communications technology, computer engineering, or electrical engineering
Useful skill sets:
- Technical acumen
- Good ear
- Detail-oriented
Studio manager
Studio managers oversee all the daily activities of a production studio (like a television broadcasting studio). They manage schedules and staff, oversee budgets, and deal with technical duties like installing or repairing studio equipment.
Average salary: $65,183 per year (median salary)
Education and licensing requirements: Bachelor’s degree in TV/film production, communications, or similar
Useful skill sets:
- Personable
- Great leader
- Excellent communicator
What education do you need for a career in broadcasting?
You can get a few broadcasting jobs with just a high school diploma (e.g., production assistant). However, if you want to improve your career options, it’s best to get at least a bachelor’s degree. This will give you more opportunities and help you stand out from the competition. Search schools on College Rover to find the right one for you.
The best college majors for broadcasting jobs
Picking the right degree can improve your odds of getting a foot in the door in broadcasting. College Rover has resources to help you pick a major. Here are some picks if you’re dreaming of a career in broadcasting and want a positive job outlook:
- Journalism. A journalism degree can prepare you for career opportunities like news director or production manager.
- Communications. A comms degree can open all kinds of doors, from news anchor to (with additional years of experience) news director.
- Film/TV production. This degree can pave the path for types of jobs like broadcast producer or production manager.
- Computer engineering. If you want to get into broadcasting industry audio engineering, this degree can get you there.
- Meteorology. Opt for this major to become a weather reporter with a competitive edge.
College Rover helps you find the best school for you
Whether you want to be in front of the camera or prefer to stay behind the scenes, jobs in broadcasting exist for all kinds of people. Before you get a job, set yourself up for success with the right education. While entry-level positions like production assistants don’t need a bachelor’s degree, this is a good way to get a competitive edge.
Scope out majors and schools on College Rover. You can get essential stats on everything from class size to location. Plus, our resource guides give you tips on how to get in, from acing the SATs to writing admissions essays.
