Additional Information
There are many broadcasting, journalism, and radio and television arts
courses offered at post-secondary schools across North America. Some focus
on the journalism side of radio production, while others focus more on the
commercial side.
You can earn a four-year degree in journalism or communications, with a
major in broadcasting. There are also shorter programs, such as two-year diplomas
at colleges or six-month courses at trade schools in radio announcing, writing
and production.
Competition is fierce to get in to many of these broadcasting programs.
Try volunteering at a campus radio station or even a local cable TV station
to gain some valuable experience.
A common way to start a broadcasting career is to get experience at a college
radio station. You can also do an internship at a professional station. Such
positions are often unpaid, but they offer great experience and can lead to
paid work.
"The most common way to get in is to have an unpaid internship," says independent
radio producer Hillary Frank. "[But] it's not an option for a lot of people
to be able to work for free."
Writing for a school newspaper is another good way to hone your writing
and research skills.
Many successful radio producers don't have a journalism degree. Many of
those without a journalism degree are independent producers like Frank. Independent
producers come up with story ideas, write scripts, interview sources and edit
finished pieces so that they're ready to air.
"I don't know anyone who does what I do who went to journalism school,"
says Frank. "I'm sure there are people who did, but generally not the most
creative [producers] who do this.
"If you're pitching a story to a radio show, they're not going to ask you
about your education," Frank adds. "They might ask about your past work experience.
Or, if you've done some audio production, they might ask for a sample. [But]
if you understand what you need to do and have the technical skills, then
anyone should be able to do it."
A journalism diploma or degree can help you get a full-time job as a producer
at a radio station. However, having the right skills, experience and personal
initiative are even more important factors.