The duties of radio and TV announcers are determined by their employers.
Radio announcers communicate by means of the radio to their listeners. They need to have an aptitude for communicating with people, particularly an invisible audience. Radio and TV announcers usually specialize in introducing recorded music, presenting the news and weather forecasts; reading commercials, or commentating on sport or matters of local interest.
Some announcers conduct research to prepare programmes which are relevant and meaningful to the audience. Others develop, create, record and produce their own special programmes.
Radio and television announcers work in radio or television studios. Controls, turntables and electronic equipment surround those who introduce records. Television announcers work under bright, hot lights in front of cameras. Announcers may also be required to make appearances in the community for charity, social and community events. They are required to work irregular hours in shifts. The work setting is pleasant, but at the same time exhausting. Although they must work a minimum of 40 hours per week, they usually work more and are available everyday of the week on the announcer's timetable.
Satisfying Aspects
- variety of work
- opportunities to make public appearances
- being well-known
- possibly being able to specialize in your field of interest
Demanding aspects
- working under hot lights or in small environments
- irregular hours, including nights, weekends and holidays
- high degree of work pressure
- keep competing for jobs
Requirements
A radio announcer should:
- have confidence and initiative;
- be able to react quickly in an emergency;
- project his personality to audiences;
- be able to work well with others;
- have good judgement;
- have a pleasant, well-controlled speaking voice and good pronunciation;
- be in good health and stamina;
- neat and well-groomed appearance..
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
National Senior Certificate meeting diploma requirements for a diploma course
Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.
Compulsory Subjects: Languages
Recommended Subjects: History, Music, Visual Arts, Electrical Technology, Information Technology
Training
An announcer receives in-service training at the SABC and other recognized broadcasting training institutions.
A candidate for the post of announcer must pass a microphone audition.
The following are important in an audition:
- voice quality
- free speaking ability
- reading ability
- knowledge of mother language and other languages
- knowledge of music
- ability to communicate
- pronunciation and expression.
Employer
- Television
- Commercial radio broadcasting stations
Contact
Any of the above-mentioned potential employers, such as:
Contact any of the Regional Managers of the SABC in Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Polokwane or Bloemfontein - refer to the telephone directory for addresses and telephone numbers as well as M-Net and eTv.