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How do I Become a Television Announcer?

By Sheri Cyprus
Updated May 17, 2024
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If you want to become a television (TV) announcer, you should be extremely passionate about the job. It's an extremely competitive field to be in and you'll need perseverance and determination to succeed. Begin to become a television announcer by watching and listening to the professionals on TV. Notice how different announcers speak and behave on television. You'll observe different styles based not only on individual characteristics, but also between segment types such as program introductions, commercials and public service ads.

In addition to studying informally to become a television announcer, you should get as much formal education in the industry as possible. A bachelor's degree in broadcast communications or a similar field is often preferred for entry-level TV announcer positions. Even with a degree, you're still likely need to work as an unpaid intern for at least several months before getting a paid announcer job. Internships may be part of a broadcast degree program; compare different educational options before deciding on the best one for you. Choosing a degree program that includes an internship at a television station may be easier, as well as more convenient, than having to find an intern job on your own after you graduate.

Get as much experience on camera as possible. Being comfortable on camera will help you become a television announcer who is less likely to be very nervous; you may be able to participate in a short segment on your local news station as part of being involved in a particular story in your town. Perhaps you could volunteer to be an announcer at a televised charity auction. Joining a local public speaking group can allow you experience on stage or platforms communicating with audiences. You can also list membership in professional speaking organizations on your resume.

During interviews to become a television announcer, make sure you present yourself professionally. Practice maintaining eye contact in a comfortable, personable way. You don't need supermodel looks to work on television, but do be sure to be well groomed. You may need to read copy as part of a TV announcer interview. Regularly practicing reading all types of advertising and announcing copy in front of your mirror at home can help you become a more polished announcer; avoid using filler words such as "um" or "er."

If you have a hobby such as gardening, fashion, politics, health or sports, you may stand out from other applicants who want to become a television announcer on a particular themed show. Keep informed of new TV shows on your subjects and contact the show's casting director. Improving your skills while taking the initiative to find announcer jobs can help you in achieving your dream to work on television.

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Discussion Comments

By Mor — On Jan 27, 2014

@umbra21 - As it says in the article, it's also a lot easier to intern as part of a study program, because at least then you probably won't have to worry as much about money. That really is one of the things that prevents a lot of people getting into this line of work. The competition is so stiff that you need experience in order to get even an entry level job, but in order to do that you have to have an internship, which can mean working for months without pay.

Not many people can afford to do that, particularly when they are young.

By umbra21 — On Jan 27, 2014

@Ana1234 - I think journalism is the best bet unless you somehow work your way into an announcer job sideways. I know that there are people who get into broadcast jobs through another avenue, like scientists who end up with their own segment or something like that, but they are few and far between. They would also be people who were really passionate about a subject.

If you're passionate about the news, or about working in television in general, internships are a good way to go, and frankly, the best way to get internships is to go to a school that is associated with a particular station.

By Ana1234 — On Jan 26, 2014

Another route to consider is working for a radio broadcast in some way. If you're mostly interested in voice acting then that's actually a fairly good way to get started. There are plenty of community radio stations that will take you on a voluntary basis so you can get used to the job. And you can make contacts that will hopefully eventually lead to getting paid for it.

From there you can get an agent and start doing voice-over for television as well. It does depend on what kind of an announcer you want to be though. If you want to end up working for the news or something, then you need to get some study in journalism before that will happen.

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