television stations and networks broadcast a variety of programs, such as national and local news, talk shows, music programs, movies, other entertainment, and advertise- ments. Stations and networks transmit their signals from broadcasting studios via satel- lite signals to local stations or cable distrib- utors. Broadcast signals then travel over cable television lines, satellite distribution systems, or the airwaves from a station’s transmission tower to the antennas of televi- sions 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 distributors are classi- fied in the telecommunications 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 charac- teristics (age, gender, and median income, among others) of a program’s audience. Educational and noncommercial stations generate revenue primarily from donations by individuals, foundations, government, and corporations. These stations generally are owned and managed by public broad- casting 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 oppor- tunities. Some of these changes have creat- ed jobs and some others have eliminated or altered them. The changes brought about by deregulation of the industry and the sub- sequent relaxation of ownership laws has concentrated ownership of radio and televi- sion networks and stations in fewer hands throughout the nation. Smaller independ- ent stations (and sometimes smaller corpo- rations) often fold under the pressure of competing with networks owned by large conglomerates and in many cases are swal- lowed up into these larger networks. As a result, for example, a network can run eight radio stations from one office, producing news programming at one station and then using the programming for broadcast from other stations, thus eliminating the need for multiple news staffs. This consolidation can generally make it even harder for the jobseeker, 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 broadcast- ers using public airwaves and cable/satellite outlets with a wide subscriber base are partic- ularly sensitive to providing equal opportuni- ties 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 competition for jobs, it can be extremely satisfying to be a part of a team that has so much impact on the daily life of the audience and the people in the community that it serves. The work is often fast paced, and can be fun and rewarding both professionally and financial- ly. 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.
S A L U D O S 87 H I S P A N O S
Although on-camera or on-air posi- tions such as news anchors, disc jockeys and talk show hosts are the most familiar occu- pations in broadcasting, the majority of employment opportunities are behind the scenes. It takes a team of hard working pro- fessionals to put on and air even the sim- plest show. It is important here to note the distinction between broadcasting and other entertainment and media careers. Actually, most television programs are produced by the motion picture and video industry; and in these cases, the actors, directors, produc- ers and other people working on these pre- recorded programs are not employed by the broadcasting industry per se (although many television networks also own produc- tion companies that produce their many pre-recorded shows). The term broadcast- ing usually strictly applies to on-air talent, and the production and the broadcast staff employed at radio and television stations and companies.
There are about five major areas you can pursue in broadcasting. Employees in program production occupations at tel- evision and radio stations create programs such as news, talk, and music shows, this includes writers, producers, editors, direc- tors and many others contributing to the fin- ished product. Some of these professionals specialize only in news related jobs. In addition, there are a wide variety of other occupations available in the broadcast industry. Some are more technically orient- ed such as radio, television and camera operators, broadcast engineers, techni- cians and administrators. Also sales,
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