Careers in communications and broadcasting involve disseminating news, information and entertainment through a variety of media platforms to the public. These include using the spoken and written word, sound and pictures to create content for traditional media like newspapers, magazines, television, film and radio; as well as new media which includes websites, online video/audio streams, social media, blogs, web-based advertisements, and more.
Educational requirements for jobs in this field vary, so do check with industry experts or on recruitment sites to find out what the current employment market is looking for.
Most communication and broadcasting graduates typically enter careers in the media, cultural and creative industries. Areas of work include television and radio, film and video, digital media, computer games, journalism, writing and publishing, PR and media practice.
The types of companies or organisations that hire include marketing organisations, media companies, communications agencies, the newspaper industry, PR consultancies, publishing companies, and video production, TV and radio companies. In addition, companies across a wide range of industries hire graduates in this field to manage their PR, marketing communication and social media platforms.
| Career | Brief job description |
|---|---|
| Actor | Play parts in stage, television, radio, video, motion picture productions, or other settings for entertainment, information, or instruction. |
| Advertising & Promotions Manager | Plan, direct, or coordinate advertising policies and programmes or produce collateral materials, such as posters, contests, coupons, or give-aways, to create extra interest in the purchase of a product or service. |
| Broadcast News Analyst | Analyse, interpret, and broadcast news received from various sources. Write commentaries, columns, or scripts, using computers. |
| Copy Writer | Write advertising copy for use by publication or broadcast or internet media to promote the sale of goods and services. |
| Desktop Publisher | Format typescript and graphic elements using computer software and knowledge of type styles, and size and layout patterns to produce publication-ready material. |
| Director - Stage, Motion Pictures, Television, & Radio | Interpret script, conduct rehearsals, and direct activities of cast and technical crew for stage, motion pictures, television, or radio programmes. |
| Editor, News Editor, Copy Editor, or Sports Editor | Plan, coordinate, or edit content of material for publication. Read, evaluate and edit manuscripts or other materials submitted for publication and confer with authors regarding changes in content, style or organization, or publication. |
| Film & Video Editor, News Editor, or Videographer | Edit moving images on film, video, or other media. May edit or synchronize soundtracks with images. |
| Graphic Designer, Creative Director, Designer, or Graphic Artist | Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects. |
| Makeup Artist, Hair and Makeup Designer, or Special Effects Makeup Artist | Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role. |
| Media Planner | Identify which media platforms will best advertise your client's brand or product. Work within advertising agencies or media planning and buying agencies, with the aim of maximising the impact of advertising campaigns through a range of media platforms. |
| Multimedia Artist & Animator, Art Director, or Creative Director | Create special effects, animation, or other visual images using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in products or creations, such as computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials. |
| Photographers | Photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects, using digital or film cameras and equipment. May develop negatives or use computer software to produce finished images and prints. Includes scientific photographers, aerial photographers, and photojournalists. |
| Producer, or News Producer | Plan and coordinate various aspects of radio, television, stage, or motion picture production, such as selecting script, coordinating writing, directing and editing, and arranging financing. |
| Programme Director, Director, or Programme Manager | Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in preparation of radio or television station programme schedules and programmes, such as sports or news. |
| Radio & Television Announcer | Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio or television. May announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests. |
| Reporter & Correspondent, Journalist, or Staff Writer | Collect and analyse facts about newsworthy events by interview, investigation, or observation. Report and write stories for newspaper, news magazine, radio, or television. |
| Talent Director, Artistic Director, or Casting Director | Audition and interview performers to select most appropriate talent for parts in stage, television, radio, or motion picture productions. |
| Web Developer, Web Architect, Web Designer, or Webmaster | Design, create, and modify websites. Analyse user needs to implement website content, graphics, performance, and capacity. May convert written, graphic, audio, and video components to compatible web formats by using software designed to facilitate the creation of Web and multimedia content. |
Tips on how to get a head start in communication and broadcasting careers
- Complete more than one internship if possible; it will help you break into the field of electronic media and broadcasting.
- If you can’t do multiple internships, consider shadowing someone at their workplace as a means through which to gain information, develop contacts, and build mentoring relationships.
- Develop excellent computer and technical skills, especially internet proficiency and knowledge.
- Participate in drama, debate, public speaking, music, or athletics – this helps demonstrate talent as well as ability to handle pressure.
- Good skills to have: curiosity, confidence, assertiveness, creativity, initiative, organisational skills, competitive spirit, enthusiasm, persistence, and diplomacy.
- If you want a frontline job, you need to show talent for public performance and appearance such as a sense of humour, verbal and written communication skills, showmanship, and an outgoing personality.
- Be willing to start at the bottom doing entry level tasks before moving up to larger markets or organisations.
- Understand that geographic flexibility and a willingness to relocate are important in finding job opportunities.
- Find out as much as you can about different aspects of the industry and stay up-to-date with what’s current.
Source: What can I do with a major in broadcasting and mass communication?
Courses in Communication and Broadcasting
Communication and broadcasting is the creation, production, dissemination and evaluation of messages for their effectiveness. It involves collecting and analysing facts about events and individuals, writing reports, commentaries and stories, researching public opinion and analysing findings.
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