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Radio & Television can be used to transmit information for one of two reasons - entertainment or education (knowledge). Depending on the area that you find to be most interesting, the paths you take to achieve your goals may differ greatly.
Industry Overview
There are over 12,000 radio stations in the United States and over 40,000 stations worldwide broadcasting music, news, talk shows, political commentary and everything in between to people around the globe. The importance given to radio transmissions has diminished somewhat but the fact is that radio relays information faster and to more people than any other communications medium. It also tends to appeal more to local communities and serve the needs of the community. Unfortunately, funding for local and public radio is always in question and consolidation of station ownership is changing the outlook of the overall market.
One of the main challenges facing radio is technology. Although technology has enhanced the production and quality of radio, the advent of internet radio is influencing radio programming and issues of legality, music ownership, and web casts has dominated recent news. This challenge has also led to increasing responsibilities of radio staff members – but no an increase in staff size or full-time work, especially in small and medium sized markets. These internet radio stations have created a new market of job opportunities. Primary sectors within the industry include on-air talent, production, programming, engineering, technology, sales & advertising, promotions, and management.
The majority of young adults have grown up watching television; from Sesame Street to prime time sitcoms, MTV to CNN, television is arguably the most powerful form of media in the entertainment industry. Distribution methods such as cable and satellite have resulted in an ever increasing number of channels, many filling a specific niche and eroding the popularity of the major networks (ABC, NBC, CBS) that once dominated the industry. The expansion of channels has led to an increase in opportunities in all areas of the industry. Primary sectors within the industry include production, programming, engineering, technology, advertising/sales, management, and performing/on-air talent.
Getting Started in Radio and Television
As with other sectors of the entertainment industry, developing connections through networking is of the utmost importance. Interning and conducting informational interviews are great ways to begin developing your connections. Internships in television and radio are abundant and available across the country; larger networks and radio stations are more likely to have paid opportunities, though the majority of internships are going to be unpaid.
Resources
General Industry and Job Search Resources
Professional Associations
Most states have professional associations for radio and television broadcasters. These professional associations typically have job postings and resources including listings of all stations within the state. Here is a sample of the state specific associations.
Radio Industry Conglomerates (Not an all-includive list)
Public Radio & Television
Television Networks/Broadcast Corporations (Not an all-includive list)
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