Announcer or DJ
Announcer or DJ
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What Announcers and DJs Do
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
How to Become an Announcer or DJ
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 |