News Broadcaster: Career Outlook for the News Broadcasting Professions

Published Oct 29, 2009

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Those interested in the news industry might consider looking toward a career in news broadcasting. Broadcast news jobs are not just for those in front of the camera doing the reporting. Several of those in the news broadcast business act as video editors, who work with the raw film, and broadcast technicians, who set up the video and recording equipment needed to create a news report.

Broadcast News Analyst Overview and Career Outlook

Broadcast news analysts, also known as news anchors, present news stories whether on the radio or television, through transmissions or pre-recorded segments. These professionals gather data and various information through investigative reporting and present it to the broadcast audience. Most broadcast jobs require a college degree and some experience in the field. Individuals often gain experience as an unpaid intern or by working at a college's radio or television station. The median hourly wage of reporters and correspondents in the broadcasting industry, in 2006, was $18.27, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) (www.bls.gov).

Video Editor Overview and Career Outlook

Video editors assemble and select pre-recorded video and audio to create the images behind a finished news program. Video editors also apply their knowledge of cut-and-paste procedures and special effects, where necessary. Most video editors learn how to do so at a 2- or 4-year school and must have a broad range of digital technology knowledge. According to the BLS, 25,500 people were employed as film and video editors in 2008 with that figure projected to increase to 28,600 from then to 2018. The median annual earnings for film and video editors in 2006 was $46,670, with the highest ten percent earning more than $110,720.

Broadcast Technician Overview and Career Outlook

Broadcast technicians set up and operate video equipment. This includes microphones, sound speakers, projectors, recording equipment, video monitors and screens. They also operate control panels within studios to source and select material that goes into a video broadcast. According to the BLS, there were 38,800 broadcast technician jobs in 2008. Median earnings of broadcast technicians in May 2008 were $32,900, with the highest ten percent earning more than $64,860.

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