Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Broadcast Announcer
What broadcast announcers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a broadcast announcer?
Prep the morning show. From there, the day usually includes host shows, introduce music, and read news and ads. Early mornings, nights and weekends are common.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a broadcast announcer working full time.
- Prep the morning show.
- Go on air.
- Interview a guest.
- Record ads.
- Plan tomorrow.
- Post clips to social.
- Host a community event.
Where broadcast announcers work
Announcers work in studios and at live events.
Hours and schedule
Early mornings, nights and weekends are common.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Host shows
- Introduce music
- Read news and ads
- Interview guests
- Call games
- Prepare content
- Engage listeners
Tools you’ll use every day
- Mixing boards
- Microphones
- Automation software
- Audio editors
- Headphones
- Social media
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Creative and public
- Fun work
- Local celebrity
- Podcast growth
What’s hard
- Declining jobs
- Low pay at small stations
- Odd hours
- Station consolidation
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love talking
- I think fast
- I have a strong voice
- I can work odd hours
- I like media
- I can build an audience
Not sure? Take the free Broadcast Announcer fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Follow FCC rules
- Protect your voice
- Avoid defamation
- Follow event safety