What does a radio announcer do?
Radio announcer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real radio announcer resumes:
- Manage local and network programming, system monitoring, ensure broadcast operations, FCC license
- Manage and develop music playlists and setting up contests, promotions, and other marketing-relate projects.
- Design locations for cell sites to achieve maximum handover efficiency.
- Follow and enforce FCC regulations and station and company policies.
- Arrange music playlists on-air, interview guests, and provide interpretation.
- Radio announcer DJ broadcasting music, news, radio shows and weather.
- Assist key staff by producing 60 minute DJ sets for Friday night broadcasts.
- Produce news and sports packages for Newcenter 88 and FM 88 sports staff.
- Perform network optimization, design of regional network as well as sanity check on antenna configuration.
- Perform as an on-air disc jockey for this well-known classic rock station.
- Host a show that feature self-created mash-ups and emergent hip-hop with special guest interviews.
Radio announcer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 17% of Radio Announcers are proficient in Radio Commercials, Public Service Announcements, and FM. They’re also known for soft skills such as Computer skills, Research skills, and Speaking skills.
We break down the percentage of Radio Announcers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Radio Commercials, 17%
Programmed music shows, did DJ shows, wrote and aired newscasts, wrote and produced radio commercials.
- Public Service Announcements, 8%
Prioritized and edited public service announcements, answered listeners' questions about upcoming events.
- FM, 7%
Changed music reels on FM Operator-Assisted Album Oriented Rock.
- Audio Equipment, 5%
Operated all audio equipment (soundboard, turntables, mics, etc.)
- Program Content, 4%
Learned the responsibilities of planning program content, being live on-air, and being part of a promoting program.
- Radio Program, 4%
Created radio programming using ENCO and Radio Systems millennium software for live early morning radio show.
Common skills that a radio announcer uses to do their job include "radio commercials," "public service announcements," and "fm." You can find details on the most important radio announcer responsibilities below.
Computer skills. The most essential soft skill for a radio announcer to carry out their responsibilities is computer skills. This skill is important for the role because "announcers and djs, especially those seeking careers in radio or television, should be comfortable using editing software and other broadcast-related devices." Additionally, a radio announcer resume shows how their duties depend on computer skills: "live broadcast on hot ac klly 95 fm pre-recorded show via computer on smooth jazz 97.7"
Research skills. Another essential skill to perform radio announcer duties is research skills. Radio announcers responsibilities require that "announcers and djs must research important topics of the day in order to be knowledgeable enough to comment on them during their program." Radio announcers also use research skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "researched with multiple newsgroups to acquire content for featured news stories and editorials. "
Speaking skills. This is an important skill for radio announcers to perform their duties. For an example of how radio announcer responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "announcers and djs must have a pleasant and well-controlled voice, good timing, and excellent pronunciation." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a radio announcer: "hosted events that involved public speaking and live interviews. ".
Writing skills. A big part of what radio announcers do relies on "writing skills." You can see how essential it is to radio announcer responsibilities because "announcers and djs need strong writing skills because they normally write their own material." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical radio announcer tasks: "radio announcer, dj, program director, sales, writing"
The three companies that hire the most radio announcers are:
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Compare different radio announcers
Radio announcer vs. Program host
An on-air host is someone who ensures the comfort and safety of a plane's passengers. His/Her or her responsibilities include carrying out pre- and post-flight safety equipment checks and demonstrating safety procedures to passengers. The job requires a good computer, interpersonal, and research skills. The minimum education requirement to qualify for the job is a high school diploma or General Education Development (GED) certification, but holding a college degree in business, communication, or other related fields is an advantage.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a radio announcer are more likely to require skills like "radio commercials," "r," "audio equipment," and "program content." On the other hand, a job as a program host requires skills like "classical music," "feature stories," "npr," and "pbs." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Program hosts tend to reach similar levels of education than radio announcers. In fact, program hosts are 2.7% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.3% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Radio announcer vs. On-air host
On-Air personalities are celebrities with a platform on broadcast media. They are usually radio hosts hosting a talk show, a podcast, or even a music program. On-Air Personalities are influential people whose opinions are revered by their loyal followers. They recommend fashion items, music, places, or events, mostly depending on their advertising partners. On-Air personalities usually invite guests to their program. They would talk about different topics related to a theme or the main genre of the program. They should be engaging, good communicators, and confident.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, radio announcer responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "radio commercials," "audio equipment," "ran," and "disc." Meanwhile, an on-air host has duties that require skills in areas such as "phone calls," "air host," "twitter," and "radio station." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Average education levels between the two professions vary. On-air hosts tend to reach similar levels of education than radio announcers. In fact, they're 0.8% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Radio announcer vs. Co-host
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a radio announcer is likely to be skilled in "radio commercials," "r," "audio equipment," and "morning show," while a typical co-host is skilled in "instagram," "twitter," "live shows," and "radio station."
Most co-hosts achieve a similar degree level compared to radio announcers. For example, they're 2.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.6% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Radio announcer vs. On-air personality
Types of radio announcer
Updated January 8, 2025
