Cause Magazine
grams. Radio and television stations and networks broadcast a variety of programs, such as national and local news, talk shows, music programs, movies, other entertainment, and advertisements. Stations and networks transmit their sig- nals from broadcasting studios via satellite signals to local stations or cable distribu- tors. Broadcast signals then travel over cable television lines, satellite distribution systems, or the airwaves from a station’s transmission tower to the antennas of tel- evisions and radios. Anyone in the signal area with a radio or television can receive the programming. Most Americans now receive their television broadcasts through cable and other pay television providers. Sometimes jobs with these types of cable, satellite and other pay television distribu- tors are classified in the telecommunica- tions industry. Revenue for radio and television sta- tions and networks usually comes from the sale of advertising time. The rates paid by advertisers depend on the size and characteristics (age, gender, and median income, among others) of a pro- gram’s audience. Educational and non- commercial stations generate revenue pri- marily from donations by individuals, foundations, government, and corpora- tions. These stations generally are owned and managed by public broadcasting
organizations, religious institutions, or school systems. Paying subscribers sup- plement the revenues for cable, satellite and pay TV providers. The broadcast industry has gone through many tumultuous changes over the past two decades. The growth of cable, satellite TV, digital innovations and even outside forces such as the Internet and telecommunications have all had an effect on the field and on its employment opportunities. Some of these changes have created jobs and some oth- ers have eliminated or altered them. The changes brought about by deregulation of the industry and the subsequent relax- ation of ownership laws has concentrated ownership of radio and television net- works and stations in fewer hands throughout the nation. Smaller independ- ent stations (and sometimes smaller cor- porations) often fold under the pressure of competing with networks owned by large conglomerates and in many cases are swallowed up into these larger net- works. As a result, for example, a net- work can run eight radio stations from one office, producing news programming at one station and then using the pro- gramming for broadcast from other sta- tions, thus eliminating the need for multi- ple news staffs. This consolidation can generally make it even harder for the job- seeker, especially those who are at the entry level. However, if you are prepared and persistent you will probably find a way to get your foot in the door. Being a minority can also give you an edge because broadcasters using public air- waves and cable/satellite outlets with a wide subscriber base are particularly sen- sitive to providing equal opportunities to qualified minority applicants. For many people, the excitement of working in broadcasting compensates for the demanding nature of the work. Although this industry is noted for its high pressure, long hours, and keen com- petition for jobs, it can be extremely satis- fying to be a part of a team that has so much impact on the daily life of the audi-
ence and the people in the community that it serves. The work is often fast paced, and can be fun and rewarding both professionally and financially. This is an industry with a lot of options for career mobility and growth. Salaries are higher than average and can in fact be quite high with the right experience. Although on-camera or on-air posi- tions such as news anchors, disc jockeys and talk show hosts are the most familiar occupations in broadcasting, the majority of employment opportunities are behind the scenes. It takes a team of hard work- ing professionals to put on and air even the simplest show. It is important here to note the distinction between broadcasting and other entertainment and media careers. Actually, most television pro- grams are produced by the motion picture and video industry; and in these cases, the actors, directors, producers and other people working on these prerecorded pro- grams are not employed by the broadcast- ing industry per se (although many televi-
sion networks also own production com- panies that produce their many pre- recorded shows). The term broadcasting usually strictly applies to on-air talent, and the production and the broadcast staff employed at radio and television sta- tions and companies.
There are about five major areas you can pursue in broadcasting. Employees in program production occupations at television and radio stations create pro- grams such as news, talk, and music shows, this includes writers, producers,
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112