Because of the competitiveness of the television industry, there are not many opportunities for job training while you work, and you will most likely be expected to be able to perform your job to high standard as soon as you start. You may also be required to move quite a bit throughout your career, since most starting positions will be at smaller stations, meaning that in order to rise in your career you have to expect and be prepared for regular change.
The broadcasting industry does not employ actors, directors, or producers since the majority of television programs are the production of the film and video industry. These programs are pre-recorded and sent to their designated station to be aired. The broadcasting industry on the other hand produces news programs, talk shows, and music television. Jobs in these productions include assistant producers, video editors, producers, announcers, and program directors. Producers develop and oversee both live and taped productions and their work determines how the show will sound and look. Video editors also play an important role in the final product seen on television; they create the finished result by piecing together segments of film.
Assistant producers work with television producers and can be required to undertake all manner of work in their position. This work includes administrative and clerical assistance and a lot of the organizational responsibility can be delegated to them, including things like making sure that the production does not run overtime. Foundational research and the preparation of important elements of the production are often the assistant producer’s responsibility, including musical materials and scores and written and visual aids. The assistant producer may also be required to operate technical equipment. A background in editing is also useful for this job.
Television stations rely on their news broadcasts and sport and weather reports to draw a large portion of their viewers, and these programs also bring in a lot of money from commercial subscriptions. Program producers, assistant producers, and announcers are crucial in the production of these programs, but there are also several specific TV news jobs in the broadcasting industry. Reporters have the most publicly recognized position in news programs, though not all of them appear on the air. Broadcasting journalists can work as anchor people announcing the news on television, but reporters are also employed in the broadcasting industry to gather information and investigate stories that appear on these programs daily, and are many times responsible for both writing and editing them.
News anchors, also known as broadcast news analysts, broadcast news that they both analyze and interpret. They are the face of TV news and on larger stations may specialize in certain areas according to their personal interest and training. Weather reporters are sometimes trained as atmospheric scientists, and a different level of knowledge and experience is expected at different stations. Those who are scientifically trained can produce and analyze their own weather reports, those who are not rely on the work of behind-the-scenes journalists. News directors and assistant news directors assume responsibility for the whole production and production team, the organization of time and people, and the final result for the broadcast.
There is also a great deal of employment opportunities in the technical operation and sales aspect of the television broadcasting industry. TV technician jobs can range from television and video camera operators to network administrators. Camera operators are responsible for setting up, maintaining, and operating studio cameras and mobile electronic cameras, which are used to film news pieces on location outside the studio. These operators need solid video production training as well as some practical experience in production. Master control engineers and technical directors control the technical aspects of production, from ensuring the smooth transition of scheduled programs and the direction of technical staff to control-room operations. Technical producers especially need to be well grounded in both production and the technical components of television broadcasting. Sales positions in the broadcasting industry involve not only the selling of advertising and commercial scheduling, but the broadcasting of businesses during certain programs, particularly concerts.
Television broadcasting jobs are extremely competitive, so the more experience and qualifications one possesses, the better chance he or she has to get the desired job. The glamour associated with the television industry is not a good enough reason alone to aim for a career in broadcasting; success in the broadcasting industry involves long hours, dedication, and a combination of formal qualifications and experience.
