What makes a good radio broadcaster

A mailman finds oil in his backyard and more strange events coming up. But first here is a message from our sponsors. Did you know that you can reduce your radio hosting costs and get more features by migrating to CloudRadio? Okay, plenty of podcasts and radio shows opt for this route.

But there might be problems if the voice is not effective in capturing the listener's attention. If it's absolutely necessary for you to voice your own intros and you're not necessarily a pro announcer, consider a two-way approach. For instance, speak first and the voice-over artist can introduce the show, for instance:. An astronaut is headed to Mars. There are reasons why you may stick with the same intro.

Or you want to build a strong identity. It may be an expense producing another intro. But for the regulars on your shows, the intro will become boring. Try experimenting with different intros. It can be the same intro with up to 3 variations. But if you must repeat your intro make it very short. I have encountered intros where the host starts by clearing their voice or pausing to collect their thoughts.

That's not professional at all. It would be better if the intro featured a voice artist introducing the host. It even gives the host time to prepare their first words. Have a pen and paper so you can take notes. Write down the weaknesses and strengths of each podcast or radio intro. Endure them so you can know how your listeners feel, and see how you can minimize their pain.

It doesn't matter if you bought the best royalty-free track, hired the best voice artist or commissioned a theme song — regardless, keep it short.

Summarize what's coming up in the show and don't give away a lot. For instance, if your show is one hour long, chop it up into four parts. Listeners just want the highlights, so they can decide if the rest of the show is worth their time. Listeners will react to your intro.

Now, the question to ask is which emotions will your intro stir up in them? Have you ever wondered what it takes to think like a genius? How do child prodigies see the world? Stick around. I'm your host, Dash Mr. Full Stop! It had peaks and valleys. Places where things got heated and interesting. Or when your conservative guest said something controversial. Milk all the drama from that moment by featuring it in your hook. Try one of free online courses at SkillFinder.

Top skills requested in job advertisements for this occupation. Radio Presenter Present radio programs related to news, sports or culture; conduct live or recorded interviews, introduce or curate music, commentate on current issues and compere special events. Overview How to become Skills Related roles Explore more. Average salary Help tooltip Median weekly wage full-time, non-managerial, adult rate, before tax, including salary sacrifice.

Current vacancies Help tooltip Count of job advertisements for the occupation on JobSearch. Future demand Help tooltip Likely occupation growth over the next 5 years. Primary Industries. For example, television presenters in light entertainment shows may come from journalism, acting or even modelling backgrounds, while music radio presenters may have had performance careers or been a club DJ or radio producer.

It's likely you'll have to start in an entry-level position such as a runner, broadcast assistant or programme researcher while you gain the necessary skills and experience. Broadcasting is a highly competitive area and you'll need to have enthusiasm, persistence and a proactive approach to hunting for jobs and work experience. Many presenters have agents who help to secure work for them. Broadly speaking, the broadcasting industry can currently be divided into television and radio and then sub-divided into national, regional and local stations.

However, its structure is constantly changing and new channels are continually launching. Potential employers include:. There are increasing opportunities with digital, cable and satellite stations, and also interactive services where new media has become involved in broadcasting.

The UK radio and audio charity The Radio Academy aims to promote excellence in radio and audio and has an extensive calendar of regional and national events. Many job vacancies go unadvertised, so independent research and speculative applications may be another route to gaining employment in the industry. Specialist directories that include relevant contacts include:.

You'll usually be expected to have the necessary skills before starting the job. These can be acquired by working in a supporting role on a broadcasting team, as a broadcast assistant, for example, or through independently taken courses. On-the-job training will generally be given for use of any specific technical equipment, such as microphones or recording equipment, or to drive the desk in radio. However, since most presenters produce their own demo tapes, a certain level of technical knowledge is expected.

BECTU has a student register aimed at those looking towards a career in media and entertainment broadcasting, film, theatre, live events. Broadcast presenting is an unpredictable profession and career development may be more about achieving your personal ambitions than following a set progression route.

Many presenters begin in local radio or in minor roles on television. Good starting points are also found through opportunities in hospital, community and university radio stations. You must be able to connect with your audience, and be engaging. From the producer to the presenter, there are a lot of elements that need to work together in order to produce a successful broadcast.

Every member of the team must be motivated by the end result and work together in order to ensure the broadcast runs perfectly. When broadcasting news, it is vital that the information being shared is accurate. Any incorrect or out of date information which is broadcast may cost the reputation of the broadcaster or the broadcasting company.

Both the broadcaster and anyone collecting or reporting information must have a strong eye for detail. For this reason, an accurate audio transcription is essential when information is passed within a media company. Whether you are already a broadcaster, or would like to be one, we hope you feel inspired and ready to be the best you can be!

Terms Privacy Policy. Hit enter to search or ESC to close. Being a great broadcaster requires these top qualities The broadcasting industry consists of radio and television stations which share content with a mass audience. To communicate well: Those in the broadcasting industry need to have excellent communication skills. To possess a good personality: Most important for those on camera, reporters and presenters should have a warm, friendly aura which helps the audience to connect with them.

To love to investigate: Broadcast journalists who are involved in the news sector should have sharp investigation skills to ensure they get hold of the cutting edge stories.